Research into BBFC-Miss Miller

BBFC RESEARCH

The BBFC (The British Board of Film Classification) are an independent organisation that is responsible for the all classifications of age ratings on every individual film and DVD. This organisation was first set up in 1912 and has continued this process ever since.  Their responsibility is to set appropriate age ratings on different types of films so that the audience is suited to the particular film and so that there is no harm towards any of the audience whether it puts the audience under bad influence or whether is mentally harms any of the audience. 

We need the BBFC so that the public is protected, and especially children, from content that may raise potential harm. In addition we need to recognize and respect adult freedom of choice within the law. Also they can empower the public, especially parents, to make informed viewing choices. Furthermore the purpose of having the BBFC they can respond to and reflect changing social attitudes towards media content through discussions with the public and research. Also can can provide a cost-effective, efficient classification service within our statutory responsibility. 

There are various age certificates such as U, PG, 12A, 12, 15, 18;

                                                   U-RATING

This 'U-Rating'  means that the age rating is universal meaning  it is suitable

for all ages from the age of 4  years old and above.  All ages admitted and suitable for all ages, so there is nothing unsuitable for children. This is the youngest age rating which is at the lower end of the categories. The U-Rating is specified to this age as there is infrequent use of any bad language and these type of films contain the least use of sexual interaction. In addition these type of film contain no significant issues such as discrimination e.g drugs, nudity, imitable behavior, sex, threat or violence. In these films there maybe characters that often kiss however they will not overt the focus on sexual behavior and language.  Furthermore there is only a mild use of bad language e.g "damn" and "hell".  Any potential dangerous or antisocial behavior would be immediately disapproved so that there is no impact on the younger children which they may copy after watching. To continue, in these types of films the violence tends to be at a very mild level as there could be brief scene's where characters may be placed in a dangerous situation however, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be very reassuring towards the audience. The violent, fighting scenes would always be balanced by using reassuring elements such as comic interludes or music. 

U films explores various themes as long as the film is appropriate for younger audiences. These films are mainly suited for the younger ages so these films tends to contain positive messages e.g loyalty, honesty, friendship. U films are very unlikely to contain discriminatory language or behavior unless its clearly disapproved off.





An example of a U rated film is 'The Lion King'.

 'The Lion King' is classed as a U rated film because it is a family friendly film that does not contain any discriminated behavior that could cause any potential harm towards any younger audiences. There is not harmful language used which younger children could pick up on. There is some slight violence used in particular scenes e.g fighting scene towards the end,  however throughout the film the younger audience can pick up easily that who is the hero and who is the villain so when this fight scene occurs the younger audience would be more encourage and support towards the hero and no potential harm is done. There is infrequent use of action/violence however the Kings death occurs in the middle of the film and the audience feel disheartened however moments shortly two comedian characters enter the feel to raise the mood again and create a happy, exciting atmosphere. After the tragic scene, after there are many exciting family friendly songs are used throughout to make the film more positive. This lifts the moods of the audience making it suitable for all ages from 4 years old. I find this film is associated with this age rating correctly. 

PG RATING

PG, also known as 'Parental Guidance' is a rating where all ages are admitted however some scenes maybe not be suitable for young children and will need to be watched with a parent.

In these films there is a chance that they contain a mild use of bad language and sexual references however this use is limited. In addition these may contain moderate violence. In these type of films a parent may be asked to watch the film with their children to keep their children supervised and reassure them when any violent or harmful scenes may occur. A PG film should not occur to any child under the age of 8 years old. During these film parents should consider whether any of the scenes would harm or have an impact on young or more sensitive children.  Types of PG films does not contain any sciences which may cause any younger aged children to become upset. In a PG there is only a mild use of bad language used e.g"shit".  There would not be any focus on anything illegal such as drugs. Furthermore there will also not be any focus on any sexual references or bad language.


An Example of a PG film is 'Harry Potter'

The film 'Harry Potter' would be classed as a PG film because there is an occasionally a use of violence during the fighting scenes which makes the audience, especially younger children more frightened in which an adult or older person may be required to comfort them. In addition, there is a rare use of any bad language so it would not yet be classed as a '12' or '12A' however there is a lot of violent scenes being used throughout. I believe that it can also be classified as a PG film because even though their is violence being used in the film there is also lessons being taught which engages the younger ages making the film more educational. When the violence and fights are being shown the main focus is not on to the actual fight but what Harry is fighting for. From the start we learn that Harry is out to finally kill the man that killed both of his parents which has scarred him so we learn that he is just out to get revenge. Harry's general background is quite upsetting which may upset more younger, understanding and sensitive viewers. Parent will need to view this sort of content with children if they are sensitive towards upsetting content so that their children are mentally protective from any visual harm. I find that this age rating is suited towards the film.

12A Rating

The 12A Rating means that it is suitable for children at the age of 12 and that  it is suited for children under the age of 12 as long they are accompanied by an adult for mental protection as it could cause potential harm towards the younger viewers. The difference between 12A and 12 is that a 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under the age of 12. Film that are only 12 cannot be seen to any child under the age of 12 regardless whether an adult is accompanied or not under no circumstances. At as 12A, moderate violence is allowed nut it should not go too much into detail as it should not be the focus at anytime. Verbal sexual references should not go what is beyond a 12 year old. Anti-social behavior is very unlikely to occur in these types of films. Some horror films can be passed at a 12A rating however depends on how much horror and terror is being included in the film as some parts may be potentially harm towards younger viewers. No discrimination is to be used in any 12/12A films as it is not suited towards this age group and is suitable for slightly elder audiences.


An example of a 12A rated film is 'Spider Man'


I believe that 'Spider man' is rated as a 12A film because there is violence that occurs through the film however is suitable for ages below the age of 12 if they was to watch it with their parent or guardian. Furthermore there is passionate scenes that occur between Spider-man and his lover however the focus is small when it comes to these scenes which is why it is suitable for the younger ages. When the action scenes are occurring the violence is extreme however it is easy for the younger ages to understand the difference between Spider-man and his enemies which is why they would not feel mentally threatened in anyway because they learn that Spider-man is only doing this to protect himself e.g Spider-man lifting and throwing cars at the villain. In addition it is under the age rating of 12A because there is no use of any bad language which may affect younger viewers and does not contain any form of discrimination that may have an effect on the younger viewers. Also I strongly believe that the film is under this particular age rating as this is the age range in which seem to be inspired by superheroes so therefore could inspire and educate this age group. I believe this is the corrected suited age for this film.


12 Rating

 A 12 rated film is different to a 12A rated film. 12A films can be viewed by ages lower than 12 as long as the child is accompanied by an parent or guardian however a 12 rated film can only be viewed by 12 years old or older. Under aged children will not be permitted to view this film regardless whether an adult is accompanied or not.  A 12 rated film is more restricted as it could cause potential harm mentally to younger viewers and tends to contain more violence and passionate scenes. Despite the extreme violence and passionate scenes they are still at a low focus compared to similar scenes in which you may experience in a 15 or 18 rated film. There is no form of any discrimination that is displayed during any of these films, no matter how serious/offensive it is. Furthermore small amounts of bad language occurs through the film however is kept at a low level which is suitable for 12 year old's. 

An example of a 12 rated film is the film 'Thor'. 

I believe that the film is a 12 rated film purely because of the consistency of violence that is occurring for the majority of the film. This is the main reason why it is classed as a 12 not a 12A because it is not suited towards ages younger than 12 regardless whether an adult is accompanied. Violence is this film is too extreme for the audiences younger than the given however isn't extreme enough to make the film a 15 or 18 rated. There are small parts of romance in the film however it is only a small focus which is suited towards the audience. In addition there is a very small focus on any bad language so is also suitable. Furthermore there is no discrimination in any form being used what so ever throughout which also makes it appropriate. There is no potential harm that could be offensive or that could mentally harm someone which makes the film age appropriate. I believe that this is the correct age rating set towards this particular film.




15 Age Rating

15 rated films are much more complex than 12 & 12A rated films. Unlike younger age ratings, 15 rated films have no specific theme however the provided treatment is crucial that it is appropriate for 15 year old's. In contrast to any younger age ratings, 15 rated films may have a chance of containing; frequent strong language, strong violence, portrays of sexual activity, sexual nudity, drug taking, strong verbal reference to sex, discriminatory behavior and brief scenes on any sexual references. The use of strong language in a 15 rated film is quite extreme which is why films that contain this behavior is not suitable for younger ages. Occasionally the strong language may go to extremes e.g c***. If there is a continuous use of language like that, it normally would not pass at a 15, it would be more likely to be an 18 rated film if it is not continuous. Furthermore in a 15 there may be use of racism, homophobic or discriminatory however in this particular age rating the work as a whole must not endorse this behavior/language, At this rating sexual references and activity can be portrayed however without strong detail.There may be strong references to sex and any form of sexual behavior, but especially strong or crude references are unlikely to accepted unless justified by context. Strong violence may be strong however it should not focus on pain and injury. Strong sadistic violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There is a chance that there may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence e.g rape. In a 15 there may be strong threat and horror as long as there is no sustained focus on sadistic or sexualised threats. 

An example of a 15 rated film is 'Saw'

'Saw' is based as a 15 rated film purely because of the extreme horror and terror. There is only small parts of strong language and there is no sexual references being used in the film. The horror and terror is at extreme levels and is also consistent throughout the film. The levels of blood and extreme violence is no where near appropriate for any younger ages. I find that the horror is too extreme for any other age which is why it is categorised as a 15 age rated film. I find that the violence that is included in this particular film is not focused on pain and injury but still fits into the horror context. I believe this is the correct age appropriate film as I find that it could potentially harm younger audiences mentally. 

18 Age Rated Films

Films that are rated 18 are only for adults. Anything contained in an 18 rated film is not suitable for children as this is the most extreme violence and sexual references. There is no particular theme set for 18 rated films, the adults are entitled to choose there own entertainment provided the material being used is not illegal or potentially harmful to other audiences. Some 18 rated film contain strong materials of; very strong violence, very strong language e.g c***, portrays sexual activity, real sex, discriminatory language/behavior, strong horror, strong blood and gore, scenes of sexual violence. In addition there are no limits with strong language as they tend to be very frequent and aggressive. There may be racist, homophobic comments as the work may be relating to the theme of discrimination. There also can be strong and detailed portrayals of sexual nudity. Very strong and explicit sex references and scenes are permitted at this age. At 18, horror films may contain very strong horror or sustained threats. Though 18 films may cover difficult and strong subjects and themes, the harm is still a consideration. Extreme dangers or criminal behavior may be cut out for safety as audience may copy this behavior. 

An example of an 18 rated film is Saw II

Saw II is classed as a 18 rated film as the violence and the use of horror/terror is at a very extreme level. This type of film is definitely not suitable for any younger ages and it can mentally harm them because the amount of blood and gore used throughout the film is at a maximum level. Furthermore there is a extremely large amount of violence being used consistently throughout the entire film. In addition there is terror music always being played in the background which makes the terror even more frightening for audiences so this type of horror and violence may potentially harm other audiences outside this category.  This is why it is categorised as an 18 because of the strong terror. There is only a small use of strong language however that isn't the main focus and there is no sexual content contained in this film. 

Conclusion

I believe the BBFC is crucial with regards to films and audiences because it is absolutely vital that any aged audiences should not be harmed in anyway and need to be suited to the correct rated films. Younger ages such as 12 years old should not need to view content that is 18 rated as it could influence them as they would not understand the context and the meaning behind the film. Furthermore it could potentially harm them mentally as it tends to be very frightening.

 I will use my research from this to help inform my decision on what age certificate I will use for my film as I can study the different age rating and observe what different contents and levels of these are being used in each individual rating so that I can therefore consider what age rating I will make mine e.g 12/12A should require very small amounts of strong language which should not be the focus.

 I will then ensure that it is suited towards the correct audience and falls into safely into that particular classification by reviewing the specific levels of content is suited to each rating e.g violence, sexual references, strong language. Furthermore if I was to make a film based on an older age certificate I would need to confirm that I have the correct equipment and materials e.g extreme levels of blood may require specialist make-up/costume equipment. By reviewing all the content used I will make sure that it is safe and suited to the correct age range that I have set.