AS MEDIA STUDIES Rachael Crisp
FILM CLASSIFICATIONS - BBCF
15 -
The 15 symbol means that nobody under the age of 15 is able to buy/rent a 15 film, or see it in the cinema.
According to the BBCF (British Board of Film Classificartion) any of the following can be seen in a 15 film:
'very strong violence,frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’), strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances), discriminatory language and behaviour'.
In a 15 horror, there 'can be strong threat and horror as long as there is no sustained focus on sadistic or sexualised threat.
18 -
The 18 symbol shows a film is rated for adults; these works are not sutiable for children.
The BBCF states these films can contain stron issues including: 'very strong violence, frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’), strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances), discriminatory language and behaviour'.
For 18 horror films, strong gore and sustained threat can be shown. Also, violence can be protrayed with strong detail, with focus on the infliction of pain, within this age category.
12 and 12A -
Both 12 and 12A films are generally not suitable for children under the age of 12. However, under 12 year olds can view 12A classified films if accompanied by an adult, though it is not recommended for young children view this content.
The BBCF's guidelines declare that 'strong language (e.g. 'f***') may be passed at 12 or 12A, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency and any special contextual justification', 'any discriminatory language or behaviour will not be endorsed by the work as a whole', 'sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12A or 12' and 'moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail'.
Films with a very dark or unsettling tone, that may disturb the audience, are unlikely to be classified as this aging. Therefore, we do not feel it would be suitable for our genre of horror, as we are aiming to create fear in the audience.
As a result of this research, my group have decided to aim for a 15 classification. This is because our horror is of the psychologocial genre, and so gore and violence will be limited. Also, our survey results showed that majority of responses were from 16-17 year olds. As this is our target market, we want this demographic to be able to see the film and not to isolate them from watching due to an 18 age certificate.