BBFC research

BBFC Guidelines
In order to assess what classification would best suit our production and to know what needs to be done and not done in order to receive the preferred classification; I will give a brief description of each of the British Board of Film Classification’s (BBFC) classifications.
U – Universal
In order for a film to achieve a ‘U’ classification it must “be set within a positive moral Framework” – (BBFC classification guide). This means there is to be no discriminatory language or behavior unless very mild and clearly disapproved off in the world of the film, no glamorisation of illegal intoxicants, unless for educational or anti-drug purposes. Scary sequences should be mild and unlikely to cause anxiety in young children; also there should be no dangerous acts which young children may mimic and no use of easily accessible weapons. In a ‘U’ film, there may be natural nudity scenes, but none that indicate a sexual nature and only very mild sexual behavior such as kissing, or references to ‘making love’.
PG – Parental Guidance
Much the same as a ‘U’ in classification guidelines, a ‘PG’ should be able to be viewed by a person of aged at least 8 by themselves without causing any disturbance. The film does not need to portray such a “positive moral framework” but any topics seen as socially wrong such as domestic violence, may be featured but should not be condoned.
12A/12 - The ‘12A’ category only applies for cinema works, no one under the age of 12 may see a 12A rated media without accompanied by an adult.
The ‘12’ category has the same guideline for classification as ‘12A’ but only applies to video works. No one under the age of 12 can rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video. In order to gain a 12A/12 classification a film must not condone aggressive discriminatory language or behavior, also, Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail. Moderate violence is allowed as well as then use of moderate language and the use of strong language (e.g. ‘fuck’) must be infrequent. Any sexual content must be brief and discreet.
15 – No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ rated film in a cinema
The product must not endorse discriminative language or action and the showing of drug taking should not be glamorised, with no use of easy to obtain substances (aerosols, solvents etc). Strong language can be used frequently, however very strong language may only be accepted if it is justified in the context. Furthermore the use of sexual activity and nudity in sexual context can be portrayed in mild detail. Furthermore, violence can be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.
18 – No one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ rated film in a cinema
This is anything that excels the limitations of the 15 genre. This can include intense gore, more obvious sexual acts and nudity in sexual context.

After researching and analysing the BBFC classifications, I can begin to decide which classification our group would most likely achieve, and aim for. We have decided to aim for a classification of 12/12A. We believe the framework of the 12A classification is suitable and achievable for our production. It creates a more serious tone than that of a PG and allows for darker and more serious themes, such as the stalking and obsession within our production. Although we are only creating the opening sequence, our plans for the whole film would not include constant use of strong language and no use of gore. Furthermore, the film would not include scenes of a sexual nature and so the film would not be classified as a 15, nor 18.