The BBFC is the British Board of Film Classification. They put the age limit on films and games. It uses its own guideline procedures and this helps decide what age of people can watch the film. For example, they see whether the film is in conflict with the law and whether it may cause harm to the audience.
The main issues that arise
Drugs - They make sure the film doesnt promote the misuse of drugs.
Violence - If the violence shows extreme pain it will be restricted. If there is sexual violence then it will be restricted. If it glamourises sexual violence it may be cut.
Language - If people get offended by the language then it may be restricted to older audiences. If it is negatively targeted towards a certain age, gender or rce then it will be restricted to older ages and may be cut from the film.
Sex - The range of sexual activity will say what certificatew it will be given, for example, mild kissing can be seen by all audiences but graphic images of sex means that it will be restricted and sometimes they wont be sold in certain stores.
Certificates
U - Universal - Suitable for all audiences
Horror - HoIf there is a horror scene, it cant be too scary for young audiences.
Language - Bad language should not be used.
Sex - No sexual behaviour, except kissing.
Violence - Not much violence as we dont want to encourage young kids to be violent.
PG - Parental Guidance - Some scenes may be unsuitable for younger audiences.
Horror - Low levels of horror. Not to scary and not going on for a long amount of time.
Language - Less offensive swear words can be used but advised not to.
Sex - Small contact (kissing) and innuendos that young audiences wont understand.
Violence - Low amount of violences. No blood and gore.
12/12A - Suitable for 12 years and over. 12A - Suitable for 12 years or over, in a cinema anyone under 12 must be occampanied by an adult.
Drugs - Any drug misuse must be minimal and it cant be shown in a good light.
Horror - Allowed horror but it cant be prolonged or really scary.
Language - Must be moderate language, the use of offensive swear words cannot be used.
Sex - Sex or references to it must be discreet and must not be shown.
Violence - Moderate violence is okay. Not much detail on injuries and cant have loads of blood and gore.
15 - Suitable for ages 15 and over.
Drugs - Drugs can be shown but they cannot put them in a good light. Not all drugs can be put in this classification because some are more dangerous than others.
Horror - Higher levels of horror but they cant be sexual horror or horror that would offend an audience of just 15.
Language - Can use moderate swear words but cant use offensive swear words and cant be used frequently as it might cause offense.
Sex - Sex can be shown but not in detail, so the camera might go off them or it may just hint at it. You wont actually see them having sex.
Violence - Violence can be show but it cant be sexual violence. Or violence that will offend.
18 - Only suitable for ages 18 and over.
Drugs - Drugs misuse can be shown.
Horror - Strong horror is accepted.
Langauge - Can use bad language and strong aggressive language. Some language is frowned upon if used.
Sex - They can show sex.
Violence - Violence can be shown but there is a limit on how offensive or gory the violence can be.
What classification is your film?
I think that my film would be a 15 certificate. This is because it is a slasher horror so there will be a lot of gore and jumpy moments. Also it has drug use in it and although it is minimal, I felt a 15 certificate was more appropriate for it than a 12 because of all the other factor too. Also there would be some sex or references to sex in it therefore I also think it should be a 15 for that reasons too. On just my opening scene, I would rate it at a 12 certificate because in our opening scene there isnt any blood shown or any bad language. The only things are that there are references to drug use and one of the actors is killed but you dont see any blood.
