The BBFC & Film Certificates

 The BBFC is in charge of classifying films before they are released. They are responsible for deciding if the film passes the correct guidelines for the age of which the film is appropriate for. The BBFC uses published classification guides to determine the age restriction, this is based off the content of the film. Audiences can complain if they are unhappy with the content in the film or if it doesn't fit to the age restriction. In the UK, a film can't be released at cinemas, or on VOD or DVD until it has been reviewed by the BBFC and received an age classification .

The classifications are: 

U - Suitable for all 

PG - Parental guidance 

12A - Suitable for ages 12 and over, or if under the age of 12 they must be accompanied by an adult 

12 - For ages 12 and over

15 - Suitable for ages 15 and over

18 - Suitable for 18 and over 

What does the BBFC consider? 

• Violent scenes
• Scenes including sex or nudity 
• Scenes with obscene language
• Scenes with discriminatory language
• Scenes of self harm 
• Criminal activity 
• Scenes showing dangerous behaviour 
• Drugs, Alcohol and cigarettes 
• Scenes involving child actors 
• Strobe lighting

They also consider the content within the film, even in animation. They determine if the animation is too violent and could encourage children to take part in causing an injury. Furthermore, the BBFC will consider scenes portraying drugs in order to make sure they show the negative side effects to them. This could mean the film gets a lower certificate. Rather on the other hand, if a film portrays drugs as fun and consequence free then it will be given a higher age rating to prevent the film encouraging a younger audience.

Violence is another big consideration, they determine the violence through these points: 

• If the violence is encouraged as 'normal' behaviour 
• The reason for the violence, eg self defence 
• What harm s caused from this violence... what are the consequences 
• Is the hero or villain being violent 
• how does the perpetrator treat the victim 
• is the violence enjoyed
• is the violence glamorised
• how much violence is there in the film 
• how realistic is the violence 
• does the violence get punished

Here is the BBFC guidelines and what they include: