BBFC - British Board of Film Classification

The BBFC are the organisation legally responsible for classifying films in the United Kingdom. They are a private company being funded through gaining a fee, for assessing a films classification. They are not government funded.


The BBFC classify different types of films into categories depending on their suitability for an audience. We will have to take this into account. The context of the BBFC is British specific and so only applies to British films, the films are classified post-production. The significance of this is that they can assess the completed film, as if they assessed it pre/during production and it was approved, changes may occur during the production which could make it move from one band to another.
Below I have summarised the different categories and once our trailer is made we will be able to apply the appropriate rating depending on whether the film meets the criteria of a rating.

U (Universal) - suitable for everyone, ages 4 and over, positive moral framework and should offer counterbalanced arguments to issues like, violence and threat of horror.
- Natural nudity allowed
- No discrimination
- No reference to illegal drugs or misuse of drugs
- Mild horror sequences
- Very mild bad language
- Mild sexual behaviour i.e. kissing
- Treatment of problematic themes must be sensitive
- Mild violence only Examples of Universal films are: 'Ice Age' and ' Fantastic Mr Fox'

PG (Parental Guidance) - general viewing, some scenes unsuitable for younger children.
- Discriminating language is unacceptable
- Reference to drugs must be innocuous or must carry an anti drug message
- Frightening sequences shouldn't be prolonged
- No dangerous behaviour children are going to imitate
- Mild bad language only
- Natural nudity
- Sexual activity can be implied
- Moderate violence
Examples of PG rated films are: 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and ' The Chronicles Of Narnia'

12/12A

Both include the same content, 12 is used for the buying and rental of a video work and no one under 12 can purchase it. A 12A is used at a cinema and people under 12 can only watch it unless accompanied by an adult.
- Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole
- Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not beglamorised or give instructional detail.
- Moderate physical or psychological threat is permitted provided they are not frequent
- Dangerous behavior should not dwell on detail which could be copied
- Moderate language is allowed, strong language must be infrequent
- Nudity is allowed, but if in a sexual context it must be brief anddiscreet
- Sexual activity is allowed but must be brief and discreet, sexual references must be suitable for young teenagers
- Mature themes are acceptable but must be suitable for young teenagers
- Moderate violence is allowed but must not dwell on detail, no emphasis on injury or blood but can show occasional gory moments are permitted

Examples of 12/12A rated films are: 'The Wedding Date' and 'Tomb Raider'

15 Suitable for 15 years and over
- The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behavior
- Drug taking is allowed but must not promote or encourage it
- Strong threat and menace are permitted sadistic or sexualised
- Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail that could be copied
- There may be frequent use of strong language
- Nudity is allowed in a sexual content but without strong detail, there are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context
- Sexual detail may be portrayed without strong detail, there may be strong use of verbal references to sexual behaviour
- No theme is prohibited, but must be suitable for 15 year old
- Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of injury or pain

Examples of 15 rated films are: 'Mr and Mrs Smith' and 'Daredevil'.

18 - The BBFC, will not override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Except for the following conditions.
- Where material is in breach of the criminal law
- Where material or treatment appears to risk harm to individuals of through their behavior to society
- Where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context

Examples of 18 rated films are: 'Gangs of New York' and 'Green Street'.