Film Certification

There are a number of reasons why we have film classification:

• To stop people watching something that is not suitable for them
• Legal obligations- to prevent material breaking the law
• Audiences may need protecting from items that may cause them harm
• To consider broader public opinion in mind with regard to language

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) were created in 1912 and are in charge of classification. In 1984 they passed the video recording act stating that all films for home use must be certified. They also have to make a note of any dangerous or criminal behavior seen in films and also be aware of the law especially those which protect children and animals.

Below are how films are certified: 

• No discriminatory language or behavior unless clearly disapproved of.
• No reference to illegal drugs or misuse unless there is an educational purpose and the use is infrequent.
• Scary sequences should be brief and the outcome should be reassuring.
• No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.
• Infrequent use of very mild language.
•  Occasional natural nudity with no sexual context.
• Mild sexual behaviour and references only.
• Problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.
• Only mild violence and occasional mild threats.
  

 

• Discriminatory language and behaviour is not acceptable unless in a historical or educational context.
• Drug use must carry an anti-drug message.
• Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense.
• No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. Weapons must not be glamorised.
• Mild bad language only.
• Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
• Mild sex references and innuendos only.
• Unacceptable behaviour in more serious issues should be condoned.
• Moderate violence without detail should be justified.

• Discriminatory language and behaviour must be condemned and must not be endorsed on.
• Misuse of drugs must be infrequent, not be glamorised and must not give instructions on how to use them.
• Disturbing sequences must not be frequent but physical and psychological threat may be seen.
• Dangerous behaviour that can be copied should not be dwell on detail.
• Moderate language is allowed but strong language must be infrequent.
• Nudity is allowed but in a sexual context must be discreet.
• Sexual references should not go beyond what are appropriate for a young teenager and sexual activity must be discreetly portrayed.
• Mature themes are acceptable.
• Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail.

• Must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.
• The film must not promote of encourage drug misuse. 
• Strong threat is allowed unless sadistic.
• Weapons should not be glamorised and dangerous behaviour that could be copied should not dwell on in detail.
• There may be frequent use of strong language.
• Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but not in strong detail.
• There may be strong sexual references but sexual activity must not be shown in strong detail.
• All themes are allowed providing they are appropriate for a fifteen year old.
• Strong violence may be seen but should not dwell upon pain and injury. Gory violence is unlikely to be accepted.

In an 18 and R18 certificated film, adults are considered to be able to watch whatever they please bar a few exceptions such as treatment that may risk harming an individual.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) was rated a PG because there is no bad language, drug use, discriminatory language or actions and no sexual references. However, there are some scenes that young children could potentially find distressing although the outcome is positive.

Ghost Ship (2002) was rated an 18 because scenes of gore are seen and sexual references are made. Also, there is use of bad language and frightening sequences. Furthermore, activities such as smoking and drinking alcohol are seen as sociably successful.





We need to consider film classification because it will affect our target audience. We want to aim our films at teenage boys, and will be certificated a 15. If we had our film being certificated a 12, we would have to be more careful with the content we show, for example we would not be able to show a lot of violence and would have to consider if we could use the drugs in our opening. This takes an element of our plot line away, and the film we would produce would be less of a psychological thriller, and lean towards a thriller.