BBFC research - Sabrina Bell

Before deciding which age certificate to give our film, i needed to do some research into the BBFC, to see which age rating would be best suitable for our genre of film. i researched what age certificates films of a similar genre had been given, and the reasons behind this.
Fish Tank: 15
Angus thongs and Perfect Snogging: PG
This is England: 18
Submarine: 15
The Lovely bones: 12a

As I could see, all the British, coming of age films that i had researched were all 12a or above, and because our film is exploring similar themes and story lines, i know that we need to give ourselves a similar rating. These films explore frequent sexual references, and drugs are especially present in fish Tank. The reason why our film will not be 'suitable for all' is due to the fact we explore suicide/depression, which is quite a taboo subject amongst the younger generation, and we wouldn't want to be seen 'glamourising' suicide to a younger, vulnerable audience.

Distinguishing between the age classifications

This age certificate stands for ' universal', and is commonly found on children's movies, such as Disney movies. The meaning behind this age certificate is to symbolise the content within the movie is suitable for all ages, and won't harm or upset a child that might be watching. In order for a film to be classified with this age rating needs to follow a strict criteria. U films should be set up with a positive moral frame work and should offer counterbalances to any horror/ conflict. Themes such as sex, drugs, horror, violence, language and nudity need to be very mild, and should be reasonably educational and morally correct for the younger audience.

This age certificate stands for ' parental guidance' which means that it is down to the individual parent to decide whether they believe it to be suitable for their child to view the film. The BBFC industry is aware that some viewers are more vulnerable and sensitive when it comes to viewing some themes, but PG films should not disturb a child over the age of 8 generally. In the same way as Universal films, PG films also need to be restricting on the amount of taboo themes and ideas they explore.




This age classification only exists in films that are being played in the cinema. No child under the age of 12 may view this film unless accompanied by an adult. The difference between a 12a film, and a 12 rated film are that the 12 category only exists for video works, whilst the 12a rating is purely cinema based. The factors that make a 12a film a 12a, are that taboo subjects such as violence, sex, suicide e.c.t may be allowed, but need to be discreet and infrequent. In relation to our movie opening, we show a teenage girl displaying the suicidal act of jumping off a cliff. The BBFC board states that 'suicide and self harming should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free'. In our opening, you see the girl jumping off     the cliff, but you do not see the landing or witness any pain/suffering. Further more, attention is taken away from the suicide, as instantly the male character jumps up and begins his story. The fact that as the film progresses, the male character stops the female character from jumping off the cliff also diverts attention away from the taboo theme.

This age certificate means that no one under the age of 15 may view the content, or buy 15 rated video work. The differences between a 12a film, and a 15 film are considerably high, and is a big jump in regards to what is acceptable. For example, violence and horror may be strong, and language of the most severe kind can be used, but must be justifiable in the context. Nudity is allowed, and strong references to sexual behaviour are likely to occur. We wouldn't intend to include frequent bad language, or any violence to a high degree throughout our movie, but remain the same level that our opening displays. 

To be rated an 18, a film may have many different taboo themes as it is seen to be an adult film. Sexual relations may be shown to the full, as long as there is a sense of morality, and safe sex/ health issues aren't ignored. Violence may be graphic, and the use of drungs may be frequent, but not in a way that glamourises it, but may act as a warning.

This age certificate stands for ' restricted 18', and is the highest rating a film can be given. These films may only be shown to adults in restricted viewing times, and video works may only be given to people in licensed sex shops. Strong physical and verbal abuse is allowed, and themes with stronger danger such as paedophilia may be explored.



In conclusion, our film shall be given a 12a rating, as it is aimed at a young teenage audience, and if we gave it a 15 certificate, then it would narrow our potential custom. Also, the themes and story lines we explore are relatable to the lives of students from the age of 12 and up, and we do not dwell on taboo subjects that would be given a 15 age rating.