BBFC & Understanding of film rating

Jordan

What is BBFC?

BBFC is the British Board of Film Classification

What do they classify?

What they classify:1. Film2. Trailers3. Advertising4. Videos online (such as Love Film)5. Texts available over mobile networks6. Educational videos7. Music videos8. Video games

What are the 7 ratings?

-suitable for all ages

-Parental Guidance

-Cinema release suitable for 12 years and over

-Video released suitable for 12 years and over

-suitable only for 15 years and over

-suitable only for adults

-Adults, works for licensed premises only

How do they classify film?

General ClassificationConsiderations:-context-theme-tone & impact

Specific ClassificationConsiderations:-discrimination-drugs-imitable behaviour-language-nudity-sex-threat-violence

Other Matters:-photo or pattern sensitivity-motion sickness-reaction to low frequencySound-release format-titles

The BBFC and examiners look at each of the classification consideration and decidewhat is appropriate for each rating. Fort instance sex scenes wouldn’t be appropriatefor young children so the film wouldn’t be classified as U or a PG.

Are the 7 symbols classified the same or differently?

The seven symbols are classified differently as they are aimed at different age groups. As things such as the general classifications (context, theme and tone & impact) help define what the film is classified as. In films rated as U and PG violence is not permitted as it is aimed at younger children, whereas an 18 is for adults and adults have the choice in what entertainment that can watch, so things such as violence are aimed mainly at adults. The tone and impact of things such as violence can be strong/negative for children, so it is only permitted for adults.