Classification of our film

We have decided that due to the nature of our film and the target audience that we are aiming for, our film will have the certificate of 15.


According to the BBFC website , the guidelines for films with a rating of 15 are as follows.

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.

Discrimination

The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror

Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

There may be frequent use of strong language . The strongest  terms may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence

Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

The nature of our film refers to the subject of spirits and possession, which could be upsetting for younger viewers due to the idea of the supernatural taking over and subverting safe surroundings in order to make them threatening. There will also be a certain amount of violence and some gore, although this will not be very strong and sustained injuries will be minimal. There is only one sexual act displayed and this is relatively minor as it is nly the suggested act of two girls kissing. Our target audience is between the age of 15-25, so the certificate of 15 will allow as broad an audience as possible to view our film. Therefore we have adhered to the guidelines for 15 rated films.


We also considered the guidelines for a 12/12A film, but felt that they were too restricting for the topic we were portraying. For example, although gore in our film is not intense, for the film to be rated a 12/12A the images of blood and injuries would need to be limited. This could hinder the effect of our film so would be inappropriate for the film. Also, since our target audience is older, it would not apply to our key demographics so could be less successful.


The guidelines for 12/12A rated films are as follows.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.
Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained
.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.Language
Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent
.Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.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.Theme
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.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.

 -Emily