Regulation Research - BBFC

This post is important as it shows that I have gone to lenghts to research the regulation company that would be in charge of classifying my media product. 

 



Who are they?

The BBFC is a British non government body that decided the classification of films due to their content.

Main Issues:

Sex: There cannot be any strong reference to sexual activities. Especially if not related to the films context. In my film I will not use any strong sexual references the only small type of sexual reference will be when my male leads is pulled into a room by his tie by his mistress.

Drugs: The use of drugs must not be shown in a way which makes it seem glamorous or promote the misuse of drugs. It should not be shown as a glamorous activity in films for younger viewers. There are no references of drug use in my film. Even with its high certificate.

Language: In some films there are a uses of a variety of swear words to expresses a majority of emotions such as anger, hatred and sometimes sadness. For example: 'fuck', 'shit' and 'bitch'. Swear words will only be acceptable if the use of them is justified. Obsessive amount of swearing on the hand will not be acceptable. There will be a few odd swear words when the main actor is scared when he is taunted by the main female protagonist.

Violence: There will be some use of violence, but it cannot be graphic or gory. References to sexual violence must be kept very discreet and must have a very strong justification for its use. There will be no visible violence in my film, however you will hear the sound of the women being hit and her falling to the floor whilst the camera is focused elsewhere and later on in the film the main male character goes into a room and obscured by the door and shoots himself.

The certificates of films:
U - A film with this certificate should be acceptable for viewing by children over the age of 4 due to there being no drugs a very small amount of sexual activity (kissing), use of 'menacing' violence, brief horror just enough to not cause the viewer to become scared.

PG - Are films that should be watches with a parent's guidance. Tend to carry an 'Anti drug' messages. No glamorisation of easily accessed weapons or dangerous behaviours that a child could copy.

12A / 12 - Are films that are for kids of 12 and above. 12A's are only found in the cinemas. Brief discriminatory language and behaviour. Use of drugs are infrequent if used. Dangerous behaviour is used but do not dwell on the details to prevent children from copying them. Nudity is allowed but any sexual context and must be brief and discreetly portrayed. Moderation of violence is used but they cannot dwell on details.

15 - For teenagers of 15 and over. Drug use is shown but is not promoted or provide encouragement for its misuse. There will be brief use of strong swear words but it will not be repeatedly aggressive. Nudity and sexual activities will be shown but not with strong details. Violent content is strong but does not dwell on the gore or the infliction of pain.

18 - Only suitable for adults. Where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, erotics or endorse sexual assault

R18 - To be shown only in licenced cinemas and sex shops and can only be sold to adults older than 18.Any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959. Material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, paedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults. The portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent.

Things that are cut from 18+ films:

- Material that breaks criminal law
- Materials that cause harm to people through either behaviour or society.
- Really explicit sexual activities which are unjustified.



 

This doesn't effect how I have chosen to make my film, however if I chose to change anything that happens in my film, I have this for reference.

 

From this post I have learned all the required guidelines to keep my film within the requirements of an 18 certificate film. I have learned about what is acceptable for me to have in my film.