Certification of films

ANISAH SHOAIB SHAH

CERTIFICATION OF FILMS

FILM CERTIFICATION

• Q: Who decides what certificate a film is given?A: The British Board of Film Classification• Q: How do they decide?

A: They decide on the levels of: - Sex & Nudity - Violence & threat - Discrimination - Language - Drugs & imitable behaviour (Very few of these; if they are, they have to have a clear negative effect or moral lesson)

WHAT DOES EACH FILM CERTIFICATE MEAN?

• In order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it, the BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released. This independent scrutiny prior to release ensures the highest possible level of protection and empowerment.• Examples of the film classifications are as

follows…

U - UNIVERSAL

The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over.

PG – PARENTAL GUIDENCE

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

12 / 12A

Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Includes mid violence, threat, sex but is usually discreet.

15

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. Includes Moderate presence of factors but usually will not dwell on detail.

18

Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children. Includes very strong violence, strong sexual activity, strong blood & gore, strong horror etc…

R - RESTRICTED

These films are Restricted and are only for adults. Children are not allowed to watch these movies. Include strong horror, strong nudity and sexual activity.