What is BBFC?
BBFC manages all the different age ratings that determine who a film is suitable for. BBFC stands for 'British Board of Film Classification'. In order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it, the BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released. This independent scrutiny prior to release ensures the highest possible level of protection and empowerment.
The process is described on the BBFC website:
We watch films and videos all the way through and award an age rating and BBFC insight to each one. We reach an age rating by applying the standards and criteria contained in our Classification Guidelines which can be downloaded below.
Typically, two Examiners view a film for theatrical release. In most cases a Senior Examiner will confirm the examiners’ recommendation. But if the Examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and including, the Chief Executive and Presidential team. Occasionally we need to take specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for harm.
The same process exists for DVDs and Blu-rays though generally these are seen by one Examiner. However, opinions from other Examiners may be required for more difficult works.
We look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. The theme of the work is also an important consideration. We also consider context, the tone and likely impact of a work on the potential audience.
The release format of a work has an impact on classification. Our decisions on the age rating of DVDs and Blu-rays can occasionally be stricter than at the cinema because there is a higher risk of underage viewing in the home and a greater potential for watching scenes out of context.
The process is described on the BBFC website:
We watch films and videos all the way through and award an age rating and BBFC insight to each one. We reach an age rating by applying the standards and criteria contained in our Classification Guidelines which can be downloaded below.
Typically, two Examiners view a film for theatrical release. In most cases a Senior Examiner will confirm the examiners’ recommendation. But if the Examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and including, the Chief Executive and Presidential team. Occasionally we need to take specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for harm.
The same process exists for DVDs and Blu-rays though generally these are seen by one Examiner. However, opinions from other Examiners may be required for more difficult works.
We look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. The theme of the work is also an important consideration. We also consider context, the tone and likely impact of a work on the potential audience.
The release format of a work has an impact on classification. Our decisions on the age rating of DVDs and Blu-rays can occasionally be stricter than at the cinema because there is a higher risk of underage viewing in the home and a greater potential for watching scenes out of context.
What are the age ratings and what do they mean?
U stands for universal, which can legally be watched by any age group. In these films, you won't find sexual content, drug use or inappropriate/vulgar language. Violence is normally kept to a minimum, however short unaggressive fight scenes are generally common. In these films, you won't find sexual content, drug use or inappropriate/vulgar language. Violence is normally kept to a minimum, however short unaggressive fight scenes are generally common.
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Films classified 12A contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 would be allowed to see a 12A film in a cinema without an adult with them. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film is required to consider whether the film is suitable for that child. For example: sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12A, so an adult would need to decide if their child is mature enough to see this.
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No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video.
The BBFC website describes what sort of content could be in a 15 film:
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Films rated 18 are for adults; no 18 rated films can be argued suitable for children. This is because they often contain scenes of very strong violence and language, scenes that show strong sexual activity or violence. Strong horror, blood and gore in films will also lead to it being marked an 18. A film being classified as an 18 would also protect children from scenes showing discriminatory language and behaviour.
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The R18 category is a special, legally-restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films are usually only allowed to be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. The BBFC website also says that R18 videos may not be supplied by mail order.
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Our trailer...
We are aiming to have our trailer rated at 15 because this means that no member our target audience (15-25) would be excluded from watching the film. We also feel that a 15 would be an appropriate rating for our trailer because could be strong language and scenes that younger children could find distressing.
- CH