Certificate Research

Certificate of Film

The certificate of a film is to inform the audience of the content of the film, for example the more explicit the film is, the higher the age rating it will have. The company that controls this is the BBFC. The BBFC watches films all the way through before they are released to the public, they award an age rating to the film and a 'BBFCinsight', they apply the standards and criteria contained in their Classification Guidelines.

Their work gives audiences information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding wether or not to view it, this may protect children and what is suitable for them to see. They look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex and violence when making decisions. They consider context and tone that is most likely to have an impact on the audience, keeping them safe from harm etc. The Different age classifications are U, PG, 12, 12A, 15 and 18.

 

The very first age classification for films is U, which stands for Universal, which means that the film is suitable for all viewers. This means that content such as violence, drugs, nudity etc, won't be involved in the film. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged 4 and over, although it is impossible to predict what upsets every particular child, this is something parents must predict. U films must be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. 

 PG stands for Parental Guidance, which means general viewing, however some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around 8 or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive children. Discriminatory language and behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable. Things such as violence, drugs, sex and nudity are not likely to be involved to keep the children safe. 

12/12A means it is suitable for children aged 12 and over, it contains material that is not generally suitable for children under the age of 12. Nobody under the age of 12 must see a 12A film unless accompanied by an Adult over the age of 18, the adult must decide if the film is suitable and they shall be responsible for the consequences if not. Content is not likely to include discriminatory language, sex, drug use or violence unless discreetly portrayed.

Films rated aged 15 certificate is suitable for only people over age 15, nobody under the age of 15 should see the film rated in cinema, or buy or rent, if suspicious they are asked for proof of age. The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language, things such as drug taking can be shown however the work as a whole must not encourage it. In addition to this, Sexual activity may be portrayed but usually without strong detail. Scenes may be included however they must not promote the activity itself. 

Films that are rated aged 18 are strictly only suitable for adults, nobody under the age of 18 must see the film in cinema, buy or rent the film. Adults are free to chose their own entertainment. Content of sex, drugs, violence etc, are featured however films that 's material is in breach of the criminal law and treatment appears to place individuals in risk or harm. Films are banned / unable to be released if they include the detailed portrayal of violent and dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. Aged 18 films are unrestricted.