Classification ratings
- 1. BBFC is the British Board of Film Classifications. It is a British non- governmental organisation which gives Films, DVD’s, Video’s and Video Games a classified rating. Universal – All ages allowed. Parental Guidance – All ages allowed but some scenes are unsuitable for young children. Parent may check the content before allowing their child to watch. 12A – Unsuitable for children under the age of 12. Only permitted to buy tickets if you are 12 or over, or accompanied by an 18 or over. 12 - Only suitable for people aged 12 or older. It is illegal to supply a VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or video game with a 12 certificate to anyone under that age. 15 – Unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, regular use of foul language and limited use of very strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without any strong detail.
- 2. 18 – Only suitable for people 18 or over. Restricted 18 – Can only be shown at licensed adult cinema’ or in sex shops. It is illegal to buy or sell products with this rating if you are not 18 or over. Media products will only have this rating if viewings will offend by showing hard-core pornographic scenes. I then looked into various films of the thriller genre to see what was included and what the rating was. This is important because you don’t want to offend any of your audience with what you show by stating the wrong classification rating. Also, it can suggest what rating to rate my final piece.
- 3. Gone Girl has the classification rating of 18. This is due to strong bloody violence and very strong language, therefore is targeted to a higher audience as they will be less offended about what is shown in the scenes. Shutter Island is rated a 15. It contains strong language, bloody injuries and disturbing images. This is a 15 and not an 18 because the graphics are not too disturbing. I have decided that the classification rating for my thriller film opening will be 12A. This is because no violence or disturbing scenes are shown, and the language used in the scenes are mild. I haven't chosen to give my film opening a lower rating because the content may be scary for younger viewers.