Research: Age Certificates (Miss Begum)

The BBFC...

The BBFC are highly expert and experienced regulators of the moving image. There role is to advise and protect viewers from films which is important for vulnerable viewers as they may not be aware if certain films are appropriate to watch. They provide public information and have the power to make appropriate viewing decisions. They choose the different age certificates for films for e.g. U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18.


The different age certificates...

U:

A "U" film should be suitable for audiences aged 4 years and over. "U" films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

PG:

A "PG" film is usually for general viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch as the film should not disturb a child aged around 8 or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. 

12:

A "12" film is where the material is suitable only for those aged 12 and over. Materials in this category may upset children under 12 or contain some things which parents will find unsuitable for them.

12A:

The "12A" category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in cinema unless accompanied by an adult. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. 

15:

A "15" film usually has content that may be controversial. However, there shouldn't be any discrimination, drugs may be touched upon, but not promoted, violence can be displayed but cannot dwell on injury or pain, there may be use of frequents bad language and nudity can be shown, but only where appropriate. 

18:

A "18" film includes material which may touch upon criminal law and display criminal offence. May include violence or dangerous acts, illegal drug use, but should not cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault. Lastly, explicit images of sexual activity can be shown and bad language can be used. 

12A Films...

The 12A age certificate was introduced due to the film "Spider-man". The BBFC believed that "Spider-man" was too violent and contained a revenge theme that went beyond what was acceptable under the PG certificate. This decision was very unpopular with the under 12's and the BBFC received many letters from dissapointed children questioning the decisions, however, this did not change the BBFC's decision. They believed that it was up to the adult on whether the child under 12 should be able to watch it or not, but still had to be watched with an adult.

Conclusion:

Overall, from looking at all the age certificates, I have chosen to make my thriller a 15 certificate. This is because I plan to include scenes that may not be suitable for children below the age of 15. I have chosen to include content such as violence as in my thriller a couple will be arguing/fighting, bad language during the argument and some mild injury. Thrillers are usually 15/18 certificates which is why I haven chosen 15 as I would like to stick to the conventions of a thriller. Thrillers tend to get rated 15/18 as the content is explicit and harmful to younger viewers, for example, violence, bad language, nudity, illegal drug use etc. Personally, I agree with putting age certificates on films as it warns and protects the public of what age group a film is suitable for. This helps people decide whether they would want to watch a film with certain content and if it is appropriate for their age group. This is a very useful way of protecting the public.