Age Certificates & The BBFC
The British Board of Film Classification is an
independent, non-governmental body which has classified cinema films since 1912
and videos/DVDs since the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984.
The BBFC was set up in 1912 by the film industry as a
self-governing body to bring a degree of uniformity to the classification of
film nationally. It is an important organisation which has the power to control
all the cinema film classifications. BBFC is an organisation which is set up to
protect young children from unsuitable or even harmful content in films and
videos and to give the consumers information they might need about a particular
film or video. The independent scrutiny prior to release ensures the highest
possible level of protection and empowerment.
There are six main
age certificate groups which the BBFC would classify the films or videos into.
The first, (U) universal, this implies that it is suitable for all ages, for
example Disney movies such as Mickey Mouse, Sleeping Beauty, Monsters Inc. and further
more. These particular type of films convey positive connotations e.g.,
happiness, loyalty and mainly friendship.
During this
particular scene happiness is conveyed, firstly the animation enables young
children to engage with the film, as the friendliness is portrayed happily and
there's all joyful faces within the scene. The children would enjoy these types
of fun films as there is not any type of violence or sexual scenes disturbing
the kids.
The second, (PG)
parental guidance, the film is seen suitable for children only with parental
guidance. A PG film should not be disturbing for children as it is up to the
parents if they allow their children to watch the film. There may not be as bad
language in these films as they would be aimed at young kids.
Home Alone 2 - Suck Brick Kid
During the scene a
lot of comedy is used. Marv and Harry are going after a kid to the house, as
the young boy is making up traps for the men - this scene conveys consequences
of doing bad things. A lot of comedy is used when Marv is being hit by the brick,
such as when Marv keeps getting hit by the brick Harry is not concerned if Marv
is alright, instead he cannot take that Kevin is throwing bricks at him-
creating a friendly, hilarious but painful atmosphere.
The third and fourth, (12)&(12A), the
certificate means that when a video is released it is suitable for 12 years old
and over only. The 12 age certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays and
12A is for films at the cinema where someone aged 12 and over accompanies the
young. (A) accompanied. An example would be the Harry Potter series.
There is joyful
music being played in the background while the first years enter the main hall.
A positive vibe is given through the characters, however tension is built when
Harry and Prof. Snape are both staring at each other. Children aged 12 and over
can relate to this as they would be the same age as Harry and his friends. As
Harry soon becomes afraid of the hat it soon, creates uncertainty that Harry is
not safe. The audience can relate to his fearfulness.
The fifth, (15),
the age certificate refer that the video or film is suitable for only 15 year
olds and over. An example of a 15 classified film could be Hangover or
Insidious.
The film contains
comedy throughout from the beginning to the end. Men this age can relate to
these men from everyday life. These types of films may contain strong and crude
language(for example, "f***", ), whereas in Insidious there are not
any violent or abusive language. This is because the film is more family-based
with young children. Overall, The Hangover contains scenes which is not
suitable for young children as it includes negative attitudes towards the
children - this could influence the young children. This scene is set in a
casino, which under 15 year olds may not understand.
Finally, the sixth (18), these
films are only suitable for adults - 18 years and over, as extreme violence and
language is used which is not suitable for under 18 children. All the Saw
series are an example of how the age certificate is suitable for 18 year olds and
over.
This scene contains
very strong language which is only suitable for 18 year olds and over, as they
are sensible enough not to be influenced by what they watch. The trapped man is
unaware of the situation he is in. This scene is gruesome and also tortures the
man as his head twists looking back, also the old man which visibly shows the
bloodshed. All this is not suitable for 18 year olds and under.
For my research the sources I used were from the BBFC website:
http://www.bbfc.co.uk/
This post demonstrates a good understanding of the film industry and the role of the BBFC. You have defined each age certificate, but you need to ensure that you reference your research and sources.
ReplyDeleteThe images that you have included, also helps to show your understanding of why age certificates are important and you have also refered your points to examples of scenes and characters.
To develop this post, you need to provide further reasons to explain why your thriller will follow a 15 audience. This can be achieved by considering the narrative of your thriller in more detail.