Research: BBFC

We have been asked as part of our research to look into the BBFC. We have been asked to do this because when we create our horror film opening we have learnt that you can't include certain things if you want a certain age certificate. For us, our targeted audience is teenagers, from 15 years on, so to be able to get a wider audience, you can't include certain things, so we have to be very careful in what we include in our opening.

About the BBFC:

The British Board Classification is an independent , non- governmental that is funded through the fees it charges for the viewing of films. The BBFC classifies films on behalf of the local authorities who license cinemas under the licensing act 2003. The BBFC also classifies video games which are released under the the Video Recordings Act 1984. The BBFC will not classify material which it believes to be in breach of the criminal law. The BBFC will carry out its responsibilities through appropriate use of the classification categories, particularly in order to protect children from any harm which may be caused. If necessary,however, the BBFC may cut or even reject a film or video work.

About the guidelines:
The guidelines, have particular regard to changes in public taste, attitudes and concerns and also, changes in the law. The guidelines are not a legal document. If any issues occur, they will be dealt with by the BBFC in line with their standards that are implied in the guidelines. 

U-Universal- Suitable for all
Discrimination: No discriminatory language or behaviour, unless clearly disapproved of. 
Drugs: No reference to illegal drugs or drug misuse. 
Horror: Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause anxiety in young children. 
Imitable behaviour:  No dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. 
Language: Infrequent use of mild language.                                 
Nudity: Natural nudity, no sexual content.                                                  
Sex: Mild sexual behaviour, for example, kissing.                                       
Theme: Must be appropriate and sensitive for young children.                                                      
Violence: Mild violence only. 

PG- Parental Guidance- General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children
Discrimination: Discriminatory language and behaviour is unlikely to be unacceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in educational or historical context.
Drugs: References to illegal drug use must carry a suitable anti- drug message.
Horror: Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. 
Imitable behaviour: No detail or potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. 
Language: Mild bad language only. 
Nudity: Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex: Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. 
Theme: Where more serious issues are featured nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour. 
Violence: Moderate violence without detail, may be allowed, if its justified by its content. 


12/12A- Suitable for ages 12 and over
Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. If its aggressive its unlikely to be acceptable. 
Drugs: Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised.  
Horror: Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent. 
Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which can be copied, or appear harm or pain free. 
Language: Moderate language is acceptable. The use of strong language must be infrequent. 
Nudity: Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief.
Sex: Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. 
Themes: Mature themes are acceptable, but must be appropriate for young children. 
Violence: Moderate violence is allowed, but should not be dwelled upon in detail. 

15-Suitable for only 15 years and older
Discrimination: The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. 
Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug taking. 
Horror: Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised. 
Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which can be copied.
Language: There may be frequent use of strong language. The strongest terms may be acceptable if justified by the content. 
Nudity: Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. 
Sex: Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. 
Theme: No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds. 
Violence: Violence may be strong, but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. 

18- Suitable only for adults
The consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at '18' the BBFC's guidelines concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. However, these are the more likely exceptions: 

• Where the material is in breach of criminal law. 
• Where material or treatment  appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals, or through their behaviour, to society. 
• Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context.

R18-To be shown only in licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years old
The "R18" category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults in licensed sex shops. The following content is acceptable: 

• Any material which is in breach of the criminal law.
• Material likely to encourage an interest in sexual abusive activity.
• The portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent.
• The infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or simulated.
• Penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm. 
• Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of clearly-consenting role-playing game.