Certifications

Films in media are always classified depending on their content. They are classified to separate out the different age groups and prevent younger minds from being corrupted by the unsuitable material in some films. Film classification is restricting access to harmful content/material on the grounds of age. There is a legal obligation for media companies to stop their products from breaking the law. In the British Film Industry the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) control the certificate ratings of films. They must be lawfully aware and protective of younger audiences.

These are the film certificates:


The certificate rating U-Universal, shows the film is appropriate for audiences aged 4 and above. These films would normally contain no discrimination, references to illegal drugs but may contain a clear anti-drug message, no dangerous or anti-social behaviour which may be imitated by younger audiences, no major use of bad language, no sexual content but mild sexual behaviour (kissing), mild/brief/scary sequences must be kept to a minimum but there should be a reassuring outcome and violence should be very mild and only accepted if in context.



The certificate rating PG-Parental Guidance, advises general viewing but may contain scenes which may be unsuitable for children and advises that a parent/guardian be present. These films must not unsettle a child aged above 8 years of age but the parents are advised to review the content and decide if it's suitable. These films contain no discriminatory references unless in context i.e. historical context, no illegal drugs unless accompanied by a clear anti-drug message, no potentially imitable behaviour for younger audiences if the activity is portrayed as fun/safe, mild bad language may be acceptable but frequent use may result in higher classification, some nudity may be acceptable but there must be no sexual content, discreet implied sexual activity only, no prolonged intense sequences, mild violence however violence may be justified if in historical context.

 

The film certificate 12, and 12A show that the film is suitable for anyone over the age of 12. If a film is classified as a 12A in cinemas it means children with parental supervision may watch the film however children under the age of 12 are not permitted to purchase or rent a 12 film from a shop. In a 12 and 12A film any discrimination must not be endorsed by the company, drug use must not be endorsed and scenes containing drug use must be infrequent, they mustn't endorse any imitable behaviour or any anti-social behaviour, some moderate language may be approved if used in context or for historical accuracy, nudity must be discreet, some sex references are permitted but large scale use of sexual innuendo is not allowed, some horror sequences are permitted but the overall tone of the film must not be disturbing, violence should be kept to a minimum however may be justified if in historical context, there should also be little detail in the violence unless justified by the context. 



The film certificate 15, advises that no-one younger than the age of 15 is allowed to see a 15 film in the cinema, or rent or buy a 15 film from a shop. In a 15 film there may be discriminatory language and themes however the film must not endorse it, it may show drug abuse and illegal drug abuse but overall the film must have a strong anti-drug message, any solvent abuse is not permitted, the film mustn't dwell on imitable behaviour and must consider realism and context before using easily accessible weapons, some strong language may be permitted depending on the context and the frequency they use it in.



The film certificate 18, show the film is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 18, and anyone under the age of 18 is unable to purchase an 18 film from shops. The 18 certificate is only available to adults. It is believed that adults should be free to watch what they choose and should have a freedom of choice.


The film certificate R18 films are only available to adults with no exceptions. They can be viewed in specially licensed cinemas and bought in fully licensed sex shops.


These certifications will help me to classify my film as it shows me exactly what is permitted in films throughout the media industry. This will help me to correctly classify my film depending on the themes and storyline.