Age Certificates

1) explain why the bbfc is important to the film industry

The BBFC is important to the film industry as it protects the public and mainly young children from seeing harmful images, also it helps parents make an informed decision on whether allowing children to view certain age certificates. The BBFC is known as a content regulator.

2) reaserch into the different age certificates and define each age group. also include examples to support the points that you are making, by refering to films and scenes

U - Universal, suitable to all.

 There is no discrimination, no reference to drugs, no bad imitable behavior. Only natural nudity. Only very mild language.  Only a little bit of violence, and mild theme. No reference to sexual context, only kissing. Horror scenes cannot cause any anxiety or stress on a child. 'U' films should be suitable for four years and over. Should be suitable for a pre-school child to view alone.

PG - Parental Guidance

General viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Reference to drugs must contain anti drug use message. Frightening scenes must not be prolonged or intense.

No bad imitable behavior  no glamorization of real modern day weapons. Mild language  Natural nudity only. Discreet sexual reference or innuendo. Theme should not condone unacceptable behaviour. Moderate violence without detail.
Children of any age who are not with an adult may watch. A 'PG' film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older.

12/12A - Suitable for children of 12 years and above.

12A is for cinema only. A child younger than 12 cannot enter the movie without being accompanied by an adult.

A 12 means no-one younger than 12 can buy or rent a film this age certificate. Anyone under 12 is not recommended to watch a 12 or 12A.

Discrimination should not be encouraged in any way. Any use of drugs should be infrequent and not give instructional detail. Moderate physical and psychological threat may be present if not prolonged or intense. Dangerous behavior should not be prolonged nor give instructable detail. No use of easily accessible weapons should be glamorized. Moderate language is allowed, strong language such as 'fuck' must be infrequent. Nudity is allowed but must be brief. Sexual activity must be brief. Mature themes are acceptable but must be suitable for young teenagers. Moderate violence is allowed but must not dwell on detail.

15 - Suitable for only 15 years and older.
No-one younger than 15 may see a '15' film in the cinema or buy or rent a '15' rated.

Must not endorse discriminatory behavior.  Drug taking may be shown but film must not promote drug use. Strong threat may be shown unless sadistic or sexualised. Dangerous behavior must not be detailed and accessible weapon use must not be glamorized  Frequent use of strong language ie fuck is accepted but for stronger terms it must be acceptable in certain context. Sexual activity and nudity may be shown without detail, sexual reference is acceptable unless strong. All themes accepted. Violence is accepted but must not dwell on gore or pain.

18 - Not suitable for anyone younger than 18. No one younger than 18 may see an '18' film in a cinema or buy or rent a '18' rated.

Everything is accepted and permitted. A film may not be allowed if it endorses things such as sexual assault and may cause harm to the public and public morals. Also if a film is made with the intention of sexual arousal it is certificated as R18 these types of showings are only allowed in sex shops and licensed cinemas.

3)decide on what age certificate your film will be and why? consider the content of your narrative and your target audience too

The age of my film is going to be a 15 because  i believe that a 15 will not consist of to much violence and my narrative will appeal to this audience too.