Film Classifications

What Are They?

What Is Their Purpose?

I need to know what film classifications are for when i begin my case study, I, or my group and I must choose a film classification for our film to fit and try and stick to it - film classification has a link to target audience and so both are vital.

I searched "what are film classifications?" and google took me to the BBFC, the official website for classification of entertainment, music and video games.

Here is what i found:

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 4yrs 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 by the Consumer advice.

PG - Parental Guidance, General Viewing, some scenes unsuitable for younger 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.

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 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 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 the child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

The "12" category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a "12" rated video work.

15 - Suitable for 15 years and over

No-one younger than 15 may see a "15" film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may buy or rent a "15" rated video work.

18 - Suitable only for adults

No-one younger than 18 may see an "18" film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may buy or rent an "18" rated video work.

R18 - To be shown only in specialised licenced cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of no less than 18 years.

The "R18" category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. "R18" videos may not be supplied by mail order.

I found all this from the official BBFC website, click here to go to the Official BBFC website to view this material and more.

I think my work will have either a 12 or a 15 rating, as it would allow me a bigger target audience and being in that age group also, i would be more able to understand what attracts that age group.

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