BBFC Ratings

•We have considered BBFC regulation of trailers

problems with borderline texts?

•Is your trailer rated differently to the main text? Discuss context and how this can effect distribution and audience targeting

•Write up what we did in class and post a clip of your own case study product that you think illustrates significant classification factors with an explanation.

 

BBFC

BBFC Regulation of Trailers

 

Before a film, DVD or Trailer is released to the cinema, the shops or on the TV, it first has to be given a classification by the BBFC. The BBFC give the film, DVD or trailer a rating that references what age the content is suitable for. For example if the BBFC rated a film "12", this means that the film is only suitable for people over the age of 12. If a film is classed 12 then a child under 12 can not see it in the cinema or buy the film when it is out on DVD in the shops.

 

BBFC Ratings

 

U - Stands for universal and it means that the content is suitable for any age over 4. The violence will be very mild, there will be very mild language used (darn or hell), there will be nothing sexual other then kissing or cuddling, there will only ever be very mild violence and not normally any reference to drugs.

 

PG - This stands for "Parental Guidance" and content in this category should not upset children over the age of 8. However, when seeing films at the cinema, it is up to the parents to decide whether the film would be suitable for the child since it's difficult to know with children of this age. There may be minor language but the context that the language is in is monitored carefully, it's unlikely that there will be anything sexual or any sexual references. If there are

any then the chances are that it has been allowed because the target age wouldn't understand the reference anyway. There will not be much violence and any violence that is there will be mild. Blood may be shown but injury's should not be shown in strong detail. There may be small references to illegal drugs but nothing should be discussed in detail.

12A - If a film is classed 12a then it means that the film is suitable for ages 12 and over however, a child under 12 can watch the film in a cinema if they are accompanied by an adult. It is left to the adults discretion whether the film would be suitable for the child. This is too hard to monitor in retail so 12a does not exist on DVD's. It only exists in cinema releases.

12 - If a film is classed 12 it means that no one under 12 can watch the film in a cinema or buy the film in a shop. The language used may be quite strong but the context it is used in should be inoffensive. Aggressive uses of strong language would mean that the film is classed in the 15 category. There should be no discriminatory references like homophobia and racism. There may be brief references to sex but humour is usually used to tone it down. Sexual references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Moderate violence is allowed in 12 films but it should not dwell on detail. Anti social behaviour should not be endorsed.

15 - In 15 films there is no limit on the amount of times strong swear words can be use din 15 films but usually the strongest swear words are only used a few times if any and it has to be contextually justified. Violence can be strong in 15 films, it should not dwell on injury.