Research: British Board of Film Classification

The British Board of Film Classification, otherwise known as the BBFC is an independent media content regulator. They operate classification and labelling of media in the UK, such as films and video games. Also they state why this is done, some reasons are they mention are to protect the public, especially children which then allows parents to feel empowered when choosing their children's viewing of media.

In our main task the audience we are targeting is teenagers therefore a rating of no more than 15 would mean we could get the highest audience as possible. A lot of films makers do this anyway, they attempt to steer away from an 18 as it reduces the audience and consequently the money they make.

U: Universal

Suitable for everyone aged four years and over.
Discrimination: None unless disapproved of.
Drugs: No reference to illegal drug misuse unless anti-drug message.
Horror: Scary sequences should be mild and brief in which the outcome is positive.
Imitable behavior: No dangerous behaviour that's likely to be copied.
Language: Unfrequent, very mild bad language.
Nudity: Occasional natural nudity, not in a sexual context.
Sex: Mild sexual behaviour e.g. kissing and references only e.g. 'making love'
Theme: Sensitive and appropriate for children.
Violence: Mild violence only.

PG: Parental Guidance
General Viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for children.
Discrimination: Unacceptable unless disapproved of.
Drugs: References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must carry a suitable anti-drug message.
Horror: Should not be prolonged or intense.
Imitable behaviour: No detail of dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy.
Language: Mild bad language.
Nudity: Natural nudity only, with no sexual context.
Sex: Sexual activity may be implied but only discreet and infrequent. Mild references and innuendos only.
Theme: When more serious issues feature no treatment should be unacceptable behaviour.
Violence: Moderate violence, no detail may be allowed if in context.

12A/12
Suitable for 12 years and older. However 12A is in place for cinema films in which under 12 year olds can view the film if accompanied by an adult.
Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless disapproved of.
Drugs: Infrequent misuse of drugs and should not be glamorised or given instructional detail.
Horror: Moderate physical or psychological threat may be permitted. However disturbing sequences should not be frequent.
Imitable behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not be shown in too much detail which it could be copied. Weapons should not be glamorised.
Language: Moderate language. The use of strong language (e.g. 'fuck') should be infrequent.
Nudity: Nudity is allowed however in sexual context it must be brief and discreet.
Sex: Sexual activity must be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be unacceptable.
Theme: Mature themes are acceptable but their treatment must be suitable.
Violence: Moderate violence is allowed but should not show detail. No emphasis on injuries or blood unless justified by context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly indicated.

15
Suitable for 15 years and over.
Discrimination: All of the content must not encourage discriminatory language or behaviour.
Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but as a whole it should not promote or encourage drug misuse.
Horror: Strong threat are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
Imitable Behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not include detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.
Language: There may be frequent use of strong language (e.g. 'fuck') but stronger terms (e.g. 'cunt') may only be acceptable if justified by context.
Nudity: Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail.
Sex: Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong references to sexual behaviour but if too strong they must be justified by context.
Theme: No theme is prohibited unless inappropriate for 15 year olds.
Violence: Violence may be strong but should not dwell on infliction of pain. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Verbal references to sexual violence may be accepted but sexual violence being portrayed must be justified by context and discreet.

18
Suitable only for adults.
At 18 the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally overide the princple that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. However, there are some exceptions:

• Material breaches the criminal law.
• Material appears to risk harm to individuals which may cause harm to public health of morals.
• Explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context.

R18
To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied in licensed sex shops, to adults of no less than 18 years.
The following content is not acceptable:

• Material in breach of the criminal law.
• Material likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity.
• Portrayal of sexual activity which involves lack of consent.
• Infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm.
• Penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm.
• Sexual threats, humiliation or abuse.