Bbfc classification
- 2. A Universal classification means the film is suitable for all ages. Because I could not find any examples of a psychological thriller film with a ‘U’ rating, I definitely won’t be using this classification for my own film. Discrimination Discrimination is unapproved of therefore not allowed in a ‘U’ film. Drugs Drug references or misuses must be very mild or educational anti-drug purposes must be made very clear. Imitable Behaviour In a ‘U’ film there can be no unacceptable behaviour that a child can copy. Any weapons used must be fantasy or unrealistic. Language Only very mild language can be used and if so then it must be used rarely. Nudity There can be only occasional nudity but it must not contain sexual content. Sex There can be only very mild sexual behaviour and references must be infrequent. Mild sexual behaviour includes things such as kissing. Threat Unsettling sequences must be very mild and infrequent. Nothing that could scare a child is allowed to be used in a ‘U’ classification though it’s obvious that some children can be scared of certain things that others are not so it is impossible to predict what could scare a particular child. Violence Violence must be very mild and if it is a little more violent then it could be accepted if it is carried out in a comedic or unrealistic way.
- 3. Some scenes are unsuitable for young children. Whereas a U is suitable for all ages included very young children, a PG is more suitable for older children around the age of 8. Despite the classification name, a child may watch a PG film unaccompanied by an adult but it is up to the parent to decide whether it is suitable or not for the child. Because of restrictions on what was allowed to be shown in film around that time, most films released in the 40s and 50s or would have been a PG or 12A/12. Discrimination Discrimination is unapproved of therefore not allowed in a ‘PG ‘ film unless it is clearly disapproved of, for educational purposes, or the film is so outdated it would be unappealing to a young audience anyway. Drugs Drug references or misuses must be very mild or educational anti-drug purposes must be made very clear. Imitable Behaviour If imitable behaviour is used, it cannot be made to look ‘fun’ or ‘safe’ so that a young child is likely to copy it. No weapons that are easily accessible (such as knives) can be used in a fashionable way that can look appealing to children. Anti-social behaviour cannot be focused on as children may copy it. Language Only very mild language can be used and if so then it must be used rarely. Nudity There can be only occasional nudity but it must not contain sexual content. Sex There can be only very mild sexual behaviour and references must be infrequent. Mild sexual behaviour includes things such as kissing. Threat Unsettling sequences must be very mild and infrequent. Violence Violence must be very mild and if it is a little more violent then it could be accepted if it is carried out in a comedic or unrealistic way.
- 4. This is suitable mainly for children aged 12 or over. For cinema viewings, a 12 rating becomes a ‘12A’ which means a child under the age of 12 can watch the film if they are accompanied by an adult. Discrimination Discrimination is unapproved of therefore not allowed in a ’12A‘ film unless it is clearly disapproved of. Drugs Drug references or misuses must be very mild or infrequent. When used, it must be done so in an anti-drug way and must not show how to use drugs. Imitable Behaviour If imitable behaviour is used, it cannot be made to look ‘fun’ or ‘safe’ so that a young child is likely to copy it. No weapons that are easily accessible (such as knives) can be used in a fashionable way that can look appealing to children. Anti-social behaviour cannot be focused on as children may copy it. Language Moderate language is allowed. Strong language is also allowed but it depends on what way it is used and who is saying it. Nudity Nudity is allowed but sexual content must be brief and discreet. Sex Sex is allowed but must be brief and discreet. Only moderate sex references are allowed. Threat Moderate psychological threat and horror sequences are allowed but the tone should not be disturbing and they must be infrequent. Violence Moderate violence is allowed but it must be not detailed. Gory moments are allowed but there should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence can only be referred to or indicated towards.
- 5. A ‘15’ rated film is suitable for persons over 15 years old only. Discrimination Support for discriminating language or behaviour must not be used but racist, homophobic, or any other discrimination themes or language are allowed. Drugs Illegal drug usage may be shown but cannot be encouraged or show how drugs are used. Easily accessible drug abuse such as solvents is not allowed. Imitable Behaviour Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on details so it can be copied. Easily accessible weapons can only be used depending on the context and setting. Anti-social behaviour cannot be focused on as children may copy it. Language Strong language is allowed, very strong language can be used depending on how it is used, who is saying it, and how frequent it is. Nudity Nudity is allowed but sexual content must not be in detail. Sex Sex is allowed but cannot be detailed. Strong sexual references are allowed but very strong sexual references are not. Threat Strong psychological threat and horror sequences are allowed but sadistic or sexual threats are not. Violence Strong violence is allowed but there should be no emphasis on injuries or pain. Strongest gory images are not allowed. Strong sadistic violence is also not allowed. References to sexual violence is allowed but any sexual violence must be discreet.
- 6. A ‘18’ rated film is suitable for persons over 18 years old only. An ‘18’ rated film generally allows all previously disallowed aspects with the exception of the following. If any of the aspects listed bellow are included in the film, it becomes an ‘R18’ rating which is the highest classification rating which can only been seen or sold in licensed cinemas or stores: If the material was made against the law. If the material shows mistreatment to others that could cause harms to the behaiour of individuals or society. An example of this would be detailed portrayal of violence or drug use. Content that could harm public health or morals such as violence that is shown to be appealing or suggest the victims want it. Extreme sexual content.
- 7. 6% 10% 55% 29% Age Classification for Psychological Thriller Films PG 12A/12 15+ 18+ From my research on the right, I can see that the majority of psychological thriller films that are released have a 12+ age classification rating. Despite my target audience being peopled aged 18-45 years old, I will have a 15 classification for my film because not only is that the general classification for my genre, but it will also allow my film to have a larger revenue due to more people being able to watch it which is important for a film of this genre because it is not a blockbuster film that is easily going to grab a large profit. But despite my film being an 15+ age classification, this does not matter for the marketing material because most trailers have to be suitable for all audiences therefore my trailer cannot include any swearing or disturbing scenes.