British board of film classification

1. BRITISH BOARD OF FILM
CLASSIFICATION
BBFC

2. STARTER
•Write down the last five films you have
seen.
•Write down the certificate of each film
(if you don’t know, make an educated
guess).
•Write down why you think the film was
given that certificate.
•Do you agree with the certificates?
Why?

3. BBFC
“The British Board of Film
Classification is an
independent, non-
governmental body, which has
classified cinema films since
it was set up in 1912,
and videos since the passing
of the Video Recordings Act in
1984.”

4. CLASSIFICATIONS
The BBFC endeavours to classify
submitted works in one of the
following categories:

5. GUIDELINES
The Guidelines are the product of
extensive public consultation,
research and the accumulated
experience of the BBFC over many
years. They reflect current views
on film, DVD and video game
regulation.

6. GUIDELINES
The Guidelines also take into account
the various UK laws which the BBFC
must consider and apply when making
classification decisions.
The Guidelines are updated every four
years and the current version was
published in June 2009.

7. AREAS WHICH ARE CONSIDERED
1.Discrimination
2.Drugs
3.Horror
4.Imitable behaviour
5.Language
6.Nudity
7.Sex
8.Theme
9.violence

8. PARENTAL GUIDANCE
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.

9. SUITABLE FOR 12 YEARS 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.
•The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one
younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

10. SUITABLE ONLY FOR 15 YEARS AND OVER
No one younger than 15 may
see a ‘15’ film in a cinema.
No one younger than 15 may
rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video
work.

11. SUITABLE ONLY FOR ADULTS
No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’
film in a cinema.
No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy
an ‘18’ rated video.

12. 18R
To be shown only in specially
licensed cinemas, or supplied
only in licensed sex shops,
and to adults of not less than
18 years

13. BBFC VIDEO
http://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/videos/behind-the-scenes-at-the-bbfc-classifying-films

14. GROUP ACTIVITY
•In your production groups consider all
of the classifications including ‘U’
which has not been discussed, and
research the 9 areas which are
considered by the BBFC.
•Once you have gathered your
information BLOG your findings and
explain what classification your film
will be and why?