Certificate Research

As part of my audience research I looked at what certificate would fit our film based on it's themes, content and how it would affect our audience. I looked on the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) website to see what would be the most appropriate certificate for our film and what each certificates restrictions were. I only looked at the certificates that could possibly fit our film.

 
U - Universal - Suitable for all
"It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a 'U' film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. 'U' films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice." 


Obviously there were many restrictions for this certificate but these are the ones that specifically apply to our film; 

• Language -
  Infrequent use only of very mild bad language. (We use the word "crap" once) 
• Sex -
  Mild sexual behaviour (for example, kissing) and references only (for example, to ‘making love’). (although none of this content is featured in our film, it is implied that this is where the characters are heading. Our film contains mature themes that may affect how children think and behave) 
• Violence -
  Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.(One slap is featured) 
• Imitable Behaviour -
  No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons. (Although the film does not contain weapons it does show the characters drinking alcohol which children could try and copy)

PG - Parental Guidance - General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

"Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children." 

• Language -
  Mild bad language only. 
• Sex -
  Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only. 
• Violence -
  Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context (for example, history, comedy or fantasy). 
• Imitable Behaviour -
  No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons.

12A/12 - Suitable for 12 years and over 
"Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult."

• Language -
  Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent. 
• Sex -
  Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable. 
• Violence -
  Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification. 
• Imitable Behaviour -
  Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. 

Relevance to our project and chosen certificate
Our film includes one use of mild bad language, one use of mild violence, one scene featuring the consumption of alcohol and implied underlying themes of sex and sexual activity. We believe that even though most of the themes could place our film under a "Universal" rating, it would be inappropriate for young children as it features themes that are too mature for them and therefore it should have a "PG" rating.