The British Board of Film Classifications (BBFC) was set up in 1912, as an independent, non-governmental body to offer classification to cinema films. The BBFC also classify video games, however, we will only be looking at their work with film classifications. The BBFC was set up by the film industry to bring a degree of uniformity to the classifications of film nationally. However, local councils still have statutory powers and may over rule any of the board’s decisions. The BBFC classify films on behalf of the local authorities who license cinemas under the Licensing Act 2003.
The main reason behind the BBFC is to protect children from any thing that may cause harm. In order to protect children, the BBFC may cut or even reject a film.
Over the years the different classifications of film have changed, there are currently 7 different classifications of film, all of which relate to the age of the viewer.
U- Universal this classification is for films that are deemed suitable for all.
PG- Parental Guidance this classification is for films of general viewing, that may have some scenes unsuitable for young children, however, this is left up to the discretion of the individual child’s parent(s).
12A/12- Suitable for 12 years and over. The same criteria is used for 12A and 12, in general films with this classification are only suitable for children aged 12 and over, however, an adult may take a child into a 12A if they deem the content suitable.
15- Films under this classification are only suitable for people aged 15 and over.
18- Films under this classification are suitable for adults only
R18- These films should only be shown in specially licensed cinemas or supplied in licensed sex shops. The R18 category is a special and legally restricted classification as it shows explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.
Horror- The use of frightening elements which might scare or unsettle an audience is part of a long tradition of story telling and film making. Many children enjoy the excitement of scary sequences, but, where films are targeted at a younger audience, classification decisions will take into account such factors as the frequency, length and detail of scary scenes, as well as horror effects, including music and sound, and whether there is a swift and reassuring outcome. Older audiences often pay to see horror films because they like being frightened or shocked and such works are classified at an appropriate category to ensure that the young and vulnerable are protected from too intense an experience.
Trailers/ Advertisements: Audiences actively choose to see a full length feature based on the expectations of the particular genre at the given classification and on the Consumer Advice and Extended Classification Information provided by the BBFC. In contrast, the audiences have no choice about the accompanying trailers or advertisements which may be very different in tone and content to the film that the audience has chosen to view. In addition, because trailers and advertisements are short and self-contained, borderline material is less likely to be justified by context and more likely to cause offence. For these reasons, classification decisions for trailers and advertisements may be more restrictive than for equivalent material in a main feature, for example,
· Strong language is not permitted in trailers or advertisements at any category below ‘15’
· Only one use of strong language is permitted in a trailer or advertisement at ‘15’ and must be neither threatening nor aggressive.
The main reason behind the BBFC is to protect children from any thing that may cause harm. In order to protect children, the BBFC may cut or even reject a film.
Over the years the different classifications of film have changed, there are currently 7 different classifications of film, all of which relate to the age of the viewer.
U- Universal this classification is for films that are deemed suitable for all.
PG- Parental Guidance this classification is for films of general viewing, that may have some scenes unsuitable for young children, however, this is left up to the discretion of the individual child’s parent(s).
12A/12- Suitable for 12 years and over. The same criteria is used for 12A and 12, in general films with this classification are only suitable for children aged 12 and over, however, an adult may take a child into a 12A if they deem the content suitable.
15- Films under this classification are only suitable for people aged 15 and over.
18- Films under this classification are suitable for adults only
R18- These films should only be shown in specially licensed cinemas or supplied in licensed sex shops. The R18 category is a special and legally restricted classification as it shows explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.
Horror- The use of frightening elements which might scare or unsettle an audience is part of a long tradition of story telling and film making. Many children enjoy the excitement of scary sequences, but, where films are targeted at a younger audience, classification decisions will take into account such factors as the frequency, length and detail of scary scenes, as well as horror effects, including music and sound, and whether there is a swift and reassuring outcome. Older audiences often pay to see horror films because they like being frightened or shocked and such works are classified at an appropriate category to ensure that the young and vulnerable are protected from too intense an experience.
Trailers/ Advertisements: Audiences actively choose to see a full length feature based on the expectations of the particular genre at the given classification and on the Consumer Advice and Extended Classification Information provided by the BBFC. In contrast, the audiences have no choice about the accompanying trailers or advertisements which may be very different in tone and content to the film that the audience has chosen to view. In addition, because trailers and advertisements are short and self-contained, borderline material is less likely to be justified by context and more likely to cause offence. For these reasons, classification decisions for trailers and advertisements may be more restrictive than for equivalent material in a main feature, for example,
· Strong language is not permitted in trailers or advertisements at any category below ‘15’
· Only one use of strong language is permitted in a trailer or advertisement at ‘15’ and must be neither threatening nor aggressive.
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