Research into age certificates and the BBFC- Miss Georgiou

In this essay, I will be analysing the importance of the BBFC (British Board of Film Classifcation) within the film industry. The BBFC is an organisation that is responsible for choosing the correct age certificates for films. The BBFC is important within the film industry as the organisation selects the suitable age certificates for films. More information about the BBFC can be viewed on their website:  http://www.bbfc.co.uk/ 
Overall, this is extremely important as without the BBFC, somebody could watch a film that is not appropriate for their age. For example, a younger child watching a popular thriller film that contains the correct/typical conventions.

U
The first age certificate is 'U' which stands for Universal. This means that the film would be suitable for the age four and over. This means that the film would be classified as suitable for a young age, therefore the film would not contain strong language or violence, for example. However, sometimes the characters may be in a danger but the problem is quickly resolved to excite younger children and keeps the film suitable. http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/u

An example of a classification 'U' film is Disney's Aladdin. This is because, there is next to no violence but if there is, the film contains small fight scenes between the good characters against the bad. The audience views the good overthrowing the bad which makes younger children happy as their heroes would not be in any danger. Overall, the film intrigues children by the usage of bright colours also, catchy and cute songs are used as well as the typical Disney, lovable characters whom add humor. Lastly, linking to the clip below, the film includes the typical Prince/Princess love story that young children would be interested in and is also suitable as the film, and the clip below, teaches children morals.

PG
PG stands for Parental Guidance. PG films are for general viewing but sometimes may contain aspects that could upset young children and could be unsuitable for them. For example, small amounts of violence could occur and possibly some curse words. Also, films use characters that can be deemed more scary that those used in a film with the classification 'U'. http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/pg

An example of a film with the classification 'PG' is the first Harry Potter film, 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone'. Of course, this film is based on the child's book therefore, the classification could not be too high as children would want to watch the film. However, the motion picture rating is PG as there are some moments that children may find scary and some mild language is used. The clip below validates this as the hero is in danger and the audience is worried if he'd escape from the scary, powerful villain. The villain also talks about death and says 'kill him' which could possibly frighten younger or more vulnerable children.

12A
The classification 12A means that people the age 12 or over can view the film but anybody under the age of 12 would need to be accompanied by an adult. The BBFC introduced the 12A rating as some scenes may be seen as inappropriate by parents. Films like this could contain sexual language and strong language. http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/12a-and-12

An example of a 12A film is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which is the fourth in the set of films. This film was classified more violent and darker than the three before. The last scene especially, contains violence and violent language which could scare younger viewers. There are scenes of threat and horror but a low level of blood and injury. An example I can give is the clip of one of the last scene below. It's the first time the audience would truly meet the ultimate villain. The scene is quite dark and contains an element of death and torture which more sensitive viewers may be scared by as the scene can be seen as quite intense.

15
No one under 15 is allowed to see the film at the cinema. They also cannot purchase or rent a 15 rated  DVD.  These films are not suitable for children under the age of 15 as these films could include sexual nudity, strong references to sex, strong violence and strong language.The film could contain sexual nudity, drug taking and discriminating talk and violent behaviour http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/15

An example of a 15 certificate is the film 'Friends with Benefits'. This film is rated a 15 as it contains sexual nudity and language that younger children may be unaware of. Younger children watching sexual acts would be deemed as innapropriate. The film also contains strong language, however does not contain danger/high elements of gore/fighting. 

18
Films rating 18 are likely to include everything above. This includes sexual nudity and language, a high level of strong language, gore, horror aspect and huge fight scenes. There is no limit to strong language, anything can be added also, strong/detailed sex acts can be added and strong aspects of sexual language. http://www.bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/18

An example of an 18 age rated film is 'The Shining'. This film has been rated 10/10 for intense and frightening scenes. This film has been arguably known as the scariest film ever made and contains hugely frightening scene that younger children may be disturbed by. This film also contains drug and alcohol use and while drinking, a man abused their son. Also, the film contains curse words and racial comments that could easily offend younger children. The film is hugely violent and gory.

To conclude, from this research, I believe that my film would be rated a 15. This is because of the narrative, strong violence can be explored (due to the character's negative past, family abuse and mental state). Lastly, the opening sequence would not contain a high amount of gore/hugely scary scenes, only frightening/confusing scenes of flashbacks and sequences that relate back to childhood, that may scare anybody below the age of fifteen. My individual narrative can be read here.