FILM CLASSIFICATION

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is an independent organisation - it is not funded by government money, but by the fees it charges to those who submit video works and films for classifications. This includes films and TV programmes released onto DVD or Blu-ray, video games, or distributed online by downloading or streaming from the Internet. It will not classify any material that it believes to be in breach of any criminal laws. Some of the categories the BBFC use with their differing requirements have been listed below - only ratings which would be likely to apply to the short film that will be made for coursework and therefore relevant have been included.

The only difference between 12 and 12A films is that the former is meant for DVDs and the latter is intended only for the cinema; where guardians of children under 12 can use their own discretion whether their child is able to handle the film and can be taken in. But when released onto DVD, all 12A film are made 12.

Thriller Example: INCEPTION.

Discrimination: language or behaviour that is discriminatory cannot be endorsed by the film in any way, and any of it will most likely be unaccepted unless condemned.

Drugs: Any drug misuse should be infrequent, not glamorised or give instructional detail on how to be used.

Horror: A moderate amount of psychological and physical threat is allowed, as long as disturbing sequences are not sustained/frequent.

Imitable Behaviour: Dangerous behaviour (e.g. suicide, self harm, hanging) shouldn't be detailed so that it's easily copied, nor should it appear free of pain. Easy accessible weapons, such as kitchen knives, should not be glamorised either.

Language: Moderate language is allowed, but the use of strong language ('fuck') must be infrequent.

Nudity: is allowed but if in a sexual context must be discreet and brief.

Sex: Sexual activity is allowed but should only be discreet and brief if included. Sexual references should not go beyond the norm of what a young teenager is likely to hear and frequent crude references will be unlikely to be accepted.

Theme: Mature themes are accepted but should be treated in a manner suitable to teenagers.

Violence: should be moderate, should not focus on detail. No emphasis on injuries and blood although intermittent gory moments may be passed if the context justifies it. Sexual violence however may only be implied, discreet and if present must be strongly justified by the context.

Thriller Example: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

Discrimination: As a whole the film must not be seen to endorse discriminatory behaviour or language.

Drugs: Taking drugs may be shown but overall the film should not promote or encourage any drug use. Easily accessible and dangerous household substances being misused such as aerosols or solvents is likely to be unacceptable.

Horror: Strong menace and thread is allowed as long as it is not sexualised or sadistic.

Imitable Behaviour: Dangerous behavour like self harm should not dwell on details which may be easily copied. Weapons that are easily accessible should not be glamorised.

Language: Frequent use of strong language ('fuck') is allowed. The strongest terms ('cunt') are acceptable if the context justifies its use. Repeated or aggressive use of the strongest language will be unacceptable.

Nudity: is allowed in a non-sexual context but should be without strong detail. If in a non-sexual or educational manner, then there are no restraints on nudity.

Sex: Sexual activity can be portrayed but without strong detail. Strong verbal references to sexual behaviour can be given but the strongest references are unlikely to be accepted unless the context justifies it. If the work's primary purpose is stimulation and sexual arousal then it's unlikely to be accepted.

Theme: There are no prohibited themes, providing they are treated in a manner suitable for 15 year olds.

Violence: can be strong but should not dwell on injury or pain. The strongest images of gore are unlikely to be accepted, and strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be accepted. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any actual portrayal must be discreet and have strongly justified by the context.

Horror Example: ROSEMARY'S BABY

According to the Human Rights Act 1988 as well as public consultations the BBFC held with the public, there are few boundaries at rating 18 based on the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. However, there are some exceptions:

* The material should not pose a risk of harm to individuals or society. For example, detailed portrayals of violent or dangerous acts and illegal drug abuse that could harm public morals or health. This can include portrayals of sexualised or sexual violence that might endorse or eroticise sexual assault.

* The material should not be in breach of criminal law, or been created (in any way or small part) by commissioning a criminal offence.

* The material is unacceptable at rating 18 if there are more explicit images of sexual activity unjustified by context. These kinds of images would be appropriate at 'R18' and in sex works.