BBFC Research

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) are an independent body of people, not linked to the government, who provide legal classification for films sold in the UK. The body is designed to bring a degree of uniformity to the film classification industry, and although local councils can override decisions made by the body, their decision is often respected.

Each film submitted for certification by the BBFC is assessed by at least two examiners. Usually, the examiners are able to come to a decision about a film, but if disagreement or complex policies are included, then a decision may have to be made by senior directors. Examines focus on issues such as language, sexuality, nudity, discrimination, drugs, behaviour that can be copied, horror, violence and theme when making their decision, the context is something that is carefully considered. For example, if it is important to show nudity for educational purposes, then the film would usually be given a lower classification. The release format is often considered, as if a film is released on DVD or film, then there is a higher opportunity for underage or repeated viewing.

BBFC examiners have seven different classification certificates available to issue, and these are listed and detailed below:

·         U – Universal, meaning that the film is suitable for all age groups. It is advised that the films are set within a positive moral framework, and that violence or horror should be reassuringly counterbalanced. Discrimination is not permitted, and only infrequent and innocuous reference to drugs and alcohol may be used. Films should only contain brief and mild scenes of horror, and none of the behaviour or actions in the film may be copied. No sexual content may be displayed, and only occasional natural nudity is permitted.

·         PG – parental guidance, meaning that some scenes may require advice and support from parents or guardians. Generally, these films should not disturb children over eight years of age, but parents should consider if sensitive children may be disturbed. If reference to drugs is mentioned, a relevant anti-drug message should be carried, and horror sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Only mild bad language should be included, and sexual activity can only be implied. Moderate violence, if justifiable, is allowed.

·         12/12A – exactly the same criteria is used for both 12 and 12 A films, although 12A certificates are issued for films in cinemas, where no-one under this age is permitted to watch. Discriminatory work must not be endorsed by the films message. Drug use should be infrequent, and instructional details should not be given. The film should not dwell on behaviours that can be copied by the audience, and the use of moderate language is allowed, although its use should be infrequent. Sexual references can be briefly portrayed, although the activity should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Moderate violence is allowed, although it should not dwell on gory details

·         15 – Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed, and drug misuse can be shown, although the misuse should not be endorsed. Dangerous behaviours (such as hangings) should not dwell on details which can be copied, and frequent use of strong language is allowed. Aggressive or repeated use of strong language should not be encouraged. There are no constraints on nudity in an educational setting, and violence may be strong, and should not dwell on the infliction of injury.

·         18 – 18 films usually observe the fact that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Therefore, films will only not be granted licence when the material has been created through breach of a law, where material appears to risk harm to individuals or the public through the imitation of behaviour, and where the use of explicit images cannot be justified by the context.

·         R18 – can be shown only in specially licenced cinemas, or supplied in specially licenced shops. The following is not acceptable: material that is in breach of criminal law, obscene material, material likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activities such as rape, the portrayal of sexual activity which does not include consent, the infliction of pain, the penetration of any object associated with harm, or any sexual threats or humiliation which do not clearly define part of the plot.

The film Se7en was given a certificate 18 by the BBFC. This could have been because of the sexual references made in the film, which would not be appropriate for audiences of a younger age.

Shutter Island by Martin Scorsese was given a 15 certificate by the BBFC, which was, according to the BBFC’s website, for 20 uses of bad language which go beyond the 12/12A certificate rating. In addition, there was moderate use of violence in the film, which would have made it inappropriate for younger audiences.

The latest version of Psycho was also given an 18 certificate by the BBFC. Again, this could have been because of the use of violence in the film, and the use of nudity.

From the three films listed above, I can therefore see that thriller films are usually given one of the higher rating available by the BBFC, because of the content included, which includes violence, strong language and nudity, that makes them a thriller film. This tells me that Thriller films are likely to only be suitable for older, more mature audiences, and therefore we should target our film at older viewers.

I feel that if we were planning on submitting our thriller to the BBFC, we should be aiming to receive a 15 certificate. This is because of the fact that we are implying someone will be killed in our film, which would be classed as moderate use of violence. However, our film will not contain any sexual references or scenes, and no strong language will be used, which is why I believe that it would not be appropriate for 18 classification.