BBFC Certificate

Every film must have a classification as set by the BBFC (The British Board of Film Classification)  (www.bbfc.co.uk) The categories are as follows: U, PG, 12A, 12, 15, 18, R18.

• U – suitable for all. U films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any threat, violence or horror.
• PG – Parental guidance. General viewing but some scenes may be seen unsuitable for very young children.
• 12A - This category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 must see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult. These films are not recommended for anyone under the age of 12 yet if an accompanying adult thinks it would be suitable to see for a particular child younger than 12 then this is feasible.
• 12 – This exists only for video works and nobody younger than 12 is able to rent or buy a 12 rated video/dvd.
• 15 - Suitable only for people of 15 and over.
• 18 – Suitable only for people of 18 and over.
• R18 – To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years.

Based on our research and the content that we want to include within our film we have decided to class our film as a ’15′.  The guidelines of a ’15′ classified film are as follows:

• No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.
• Discrimination – The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.
• Drugs – Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.
• Horror - Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualized.
• Imitable Behaviour – Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamourized.
• Language – There may be frequent use of strong language. The strongest  terms may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
• Nudity – Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
• Sex – Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely  to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
• Theme – No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
• Violence – Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualized violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.