Certification: when making any film it is must have a certification. This is ruled by the British Board of Film Classification which is an independent, non-governmental body which has classified cinema films since 1912 and DVD’s/ videos since the Video recordings Act was passed in 1984. The BBFC have made seven types of classification on films to determine which age groups the films were to view, they are;
- Universal (U) This means that the film is suitable for all. Although it is practically impossible to predict what may upset any children, ‘U’ films should be suitable for audiences aged four and over. If a film is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be included in the Consumer Advice. There would also be no form of discrimination, drug use swearing or imitable behaviour which could put the child in danger.
- Parental Guidance (PG) This type of film may be slightly concerning for parents to let their children under the age of eight actually see the film as there may be mildly offensive language or frightening scenes
- ‘12A/12’ 12 films basically mean that the film is not to be viewed in the cinemas by anyone under the age of 12. This is because there will be stronger use of language and possibly more imitable behaviour. This would be because as a 12 year old, the child would be able to distinguish what is real or fantasy and so can see more far- fetched or disturbing sequences. Violence is allowed to be featured but not to an extreme extent. 12 A’s go under the guise that as long as an adult is there to view the film and they feel it is suitable for the child who is under the age of 12 to see, then they can see the film in the cinema. It does not necessarily mean that is designed for children under the age of 12.
- ‘15’ films of a 15 classification means that no people under the age of 15 can buy or rent films under that classification. There may be features of strong violence, nudity without strong details or dangerous behaviour. There should not be details which could be copied and easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised as it could cause the audience serious harm.
- ‘18’ no person under the age of 18 can view an 18 in a cinema. In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should feel free to choose their own entertainment.
- ‘R18’ this type of film is only to be shown in licensed cinemas or to be supplied only in sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years old.
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