Film Certification

Lesson Objective:

 To understand the purpose of film certification and to apply to a thriller film.

Lessons Outcomes:

ALL: Will be able to understand what a film certification film is and will be able to explain its purpose. E

MOST: Will be able to understand what a film is and will be able to explain its purpose, referring to one example and apply the knowledge. C

SOME: demonstrate an understanding of film certification and explain its purpose with reference to more than one example. A

Film Censorship

Censorship is the removal of material which may be considered offensive, sensitive, or harmful  in accordance to a media censor, this is usually generalised and avoided by the introduction of age restrictions or age recommendations for films. In Britain we have the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification). This classifies films and certifies them for public distribution, alongside several acts of parliament such as the Obscene Publication Act.

 Over the years film ratings have made changes and advances. New age ratings and tighter restrictions have been introduced following events such as in 1992 The James Bulger murder led to  tightening classification for violent films, especially on video. As modern society progresses and ideologies change from earlier times, film restriction must be modified to keep up with the present changes within society, such as in 1937 the increasing representation of sex in films following later in 1959 for the first time Homosexuality starting to appear in films.

This short documentary on BBFC I found during research highlights the change in the media industry in regards to how films have changed over the years and how this has effected how we rate them in age categories.

The changes within the BBFC have affected the way society accepts aspects shown in films :

Today, the film ratings are as followed:

Universal  U: 
 Films are suitable for audiences aged four years and over, yet seen as suitable for any age group.

Parental Guidance PG: 
Children have viewing rights if accompanied by an adult, these are usually generalised under the idea to make it family friendly. Parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Suitable for ages 12 and over 12 :

The 12A category exists only for cinema films. 

These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 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. 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 a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

In regards to most thriller films the typical age rating for them is 15 and 18. This is because the context with thriller films can only apply to an older audience as the conventions satisfy what is legally allowed within the 15 and 18 category.

Suitable for ages 15 and over 15 :

 No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. As it may contain some aspects that may be seen as offensive.

LanguageThere may be frequent use of strong language (eg 'fuck'). However other use of language (eg Bitch) is acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

NudityIn terms of Nudity, it may be allowed in a sexual context but not where such strong explicitly of the nature is broadcasted. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational documentary or film as this is for educational purposes.

SexSexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.

ViolenceViolence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.
Dangerous techniques (eg combat, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Drugs Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

Horror Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

 

Suitable for ages 18 and over 18:
In this case, the majority of the film may contain content of adult related areas or subjects and is unsuitable for viewing to anyone below the age of 18. Many thriller films are rated either 15 or 18, this is because of the excessive content that may be unsuitable for those under these age groups. Thrillers contain many gory, violent and sexual scenes.

Taken From The BBFC Website this highlights the age content of an 18 rated film.

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

·         Where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – eg any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, eg eroticise or endorse sexual assault

·         The more explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a ‘sex work’ as defined below.

In the case of videos and DVDs, which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent. For the same reason, and because of the different way in which they are experienced, the Board may take a more precautionary approach in the case of those digital games which are covered by the Video Recordings Act.

Sex education at ‘18’

Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to the normal constraints on explicit images may be made in the public interest. Such explicit detail must be kept to the minimum necessary to illustrate the educational or instructional points being made.

Sex works at ‘18’

Sex works are works, normally on video or DVD, whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’, while sex works containing clear images of real sex are confined to the ‘R18’ category.

Relation To My Own Thriller Film :

When thinking of film certification, i also have to think of the type of audience i wish to attract. Teenage boys are stereotypically known to be more attracted to thriller genre films because of the psychological aspect as well as the horror it can have. Films such as silence of the lambs are higher rated because of the excess of violence. Whereas, a thriller such as panic room does not have the extent of violence and has no gore. When applying this to my own opening, depending on the content i wish to put in will depend on what film certification would be appropriate. I am aiming for a film certification of 15 /18 as these are the usual rating for thrillers and horror genres.