Age Certificates

BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is important to the film industry as it in charge and responsible for national classification within a film and video games. It was formed in 1912 and age certificates were introduced purely for safety reasons, in order to stop young children from watching films that are too gory and violent that may encourage behavior changes. Young children are hard to predict on what will effect them as everyone's different, therefore this is why they are set.

 

 

With a 'U' classification it is suitable for all, as the U stands for universal. It's very hard to predict what will upset small children as they are very venerable. It is for children preferably over the age of 4 based around a happy, innocent film, merely without any violence or horror; usually a cartoon. A perfect example of a 'U' is Toy Story; a cartoon adventure story. This film belongs to this age category due to it being far from reality, happy with unreal characters, children are able to understand the actions occurring are not real, therefore are not effected in any way; for example when witnessing two characters fighting, it's as if their invincible and the emotion of sadness doesn't occur to the extent it would if the characters and setting where real. Young children are included within the film, therefore connecting with its audience.

A 'PG' stands for parental guidance. It is okay for general viewing as most scenes are suitable, although having certain scenes that would be unsuitable for the younger ages. This film is allowed to be watch unaccompanied, although parents may need to consider whether it is suitable for a child under the age of 8, as any younger may be traumatised by mild forms of violence within for example a fantasy context, such as  in Ice Age. Ice age is classified as a PG and not any higher due to it still being cartoon based. The reasoning it is not classed as a U is because of the slight increase in the amount of violence portrayed. PG however does have that element of leeway as parents can decide whether they think its suitable, therefore there's not a particular age limit. This means that PG is not far from a U as the realism still does not occur, meaning children are in no way effected from what occurs in the film.

 A '12A' and '12' are suited for anyone 12 and over. 12A only currently exists in cinemas and has to be seen with an adult that's 18 or over, 12 is used outside of the cinema and is seen if an adult feels it is perfectly suitable for their child to be watching. This category may have implications about sex and most likely some violent scenes. An example of a 12A classification is Taken 2. This particular film includes many violent scenes that can be seen as disturbing, which is exactly why parents are asked to accompany their child. In this age group films become more realistic, with situations that relate to the real world. This change from a cartoon has a knock on effect to children as they struggle to differentiate whether the film in fiction, or non-fictional. Taken 2 belongs to this category as it enters the real world, involving teenagers and adults, therefore being able to connect with the audience, portraying vivid images of violence, drug usage and murder. 

A '15' category is purely to stop anyone under the age of 15 to watch. In cinemas they come down hard upon making sure people are asked for ID before entering a 15 classification. This is due to it containing violence, drugs, strong language, adult themes,sexual references and mostly non-graphical nude scenes, although these features do have limitations of some kind. A film such as Paranormal Activity is seen as very disturbing to the eye and tends to leave people even 15 and over shaken. It involves violence and presence of evil which tend to haunt the audience. For a child this is far from appropriate. Paranormal Activity enters this age category and not in an 18, due to the fact of not including vivid sexual scenes or being incredibly gruesome, focusing more on making the audience jump in fright. The fact that the film enters the real world, with normal looking adults that are taunted by things that are never seen, has a knock on effect within the audience as they are always unaware of what is to come next, therefore tension is constantly being built. Most Paranormal Activities consist of a teenager within part of the film, therefore the audience are able to connect with the characters more, and they always consist of death.

'18' category is purely only for adults over the age of 18. An 18 category has absolutely no limits on bad language, violence or the amount of drugs portrayed. Compared to a 15, scenes include detailed sexual activity and references, that may also involve strong sexual violence. The difference of detail within gore of characters deaths is to the extreme. A prime example of a film that is related specifically to gore is SAW. SAW is classified as an 18 as it is a film based upon deaths that are unimaginable, the vivid imagery that is portrayed when characters attempt to escape from death throughout the film, and the pain they experience is difficult to watch. This example is why these types of films are not permitted for anyone under the age of 18, because they are usually seen as mentally disturbing. Death and the way people are killed are the main focus which follows the common plot for an 18. Characters in their late teens and older are usually shown so that the audience have a better connection.






An 'R18' classification is another 18+ film that can only be viewed at licensed adult cinema or bought from a licensed sex shop. They involve vivid pornographic scenes in great detail, that may include underage age sex and violent behavior. An R18 film has the most cuts than any other age category.




Based on the ideas I have for my thriller film, I feel I am at the mid point between age category 12A or 15. I think this because I imagine my film to have certain elements of violence, and depending on this feature will be the deciding point of what age classification I would give it, due to whether I feel it would be appropriate for 12A. The story line that I would hope to follow would mostly likely be classed as a 15, although it's whether they portray my ideas to a certain extent with the resources available.