It is very important that film creators makes sure that the right age are watching their film otherwise it may not do as well or could be inappropriate for a younger audience.
BBFC
The BBFC are the British Board of Film Classification. They categorise films on what content it has and then gives it a age rating according to how appropriate it is for the certain age range. For example an 18 rated film would be a lot more graphic then a U rated film.
U - A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. Example Below.
Discrimination - There should be no discrimination used in U films, if there is then it is unlikely to be accepted as a U film.
Drugs - References to drugs must be either not in the film at all or used once or twice but if it is used frequently then it must be because of a educational reason.
Imitable behaviour - No dangerous or anti social behaviour which young children could copy can be used in U films.
Language - Hardly any bad language can be used
Nudity and Sex - there can be some occasional nudity but with no sexual content. Only kissing is aloud and references to that sort of behaviour are aloud.
Threat - things that could scare young children are not aloud, and if they are featured it must be very mild.
Violence - This should also be very mild, it is only acceptable if it is used in the right way e.g comedy reasons.
PG - General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.Example Below.
Discrimination - This sort of stuff is unlikely to be acceptable, it is only acceptable if for educational reasons.
Drugs - They don't really accept illegal drugs or drug misuse in PG films but they can be used if its for a anti-drug message which they want to share with the audience.
Imitable behaviour - If the behaviour is not to extreme then it is aloud, but if there is a chance that young children may choose to copy then it cant be in the film.
Language - Mild bad language only.
Nudity - they may be nudity but not with a sexual context
Threat - Frightening sequences or situations where characters are in danger should no be prolonged or intense.
Violence - Violence will usually be mild. However there may be moderate violence aloud as long as there is not to much detail.
12A and 12 - Film classified 12A and 12 contain content that is not really suitable for young children. Nobody younger than 12 should be able to watch it without an adult allowing them and joining them.Example Below.
Discrimination - Discriminatory language or behaviour must be not be completely throughout the film. aggressive discrimination wont be accepted.
Drugs - Misuse of drugs must not happen much in the film and should not be shown as a good thing.
Imitable behaviour - No promotion of bad behaviour which children are likely to copy.
Language - They may be moderate language. Some strong language may be aloud.
Nudity and sex - There may be nudity but not with sexual content. Sexual activity may be brief or discreetly portrayed.
Threat - They are aloud to have moderate physical and psychological threats. although some scenes may be disturbing, the overall tone should not be.
Violence - They allow moderate violence but it should not be dwelled on. There should be not emphasis on injuries and blood.
15 - No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema as well as not be aloud to rent a 15 or buy. Example Below.
Discrimination - It shouldn't be all about discrimination but as long as there isn't lots its aloud.
Drugs - The taking of drugs is aloud to be shown but it shouldn't not be shown as a good thing to do.
Imitable behaviour - Dangerous behaviour such as hanging and suicide should not be dwelled on but can be shown this is because they don't want it to be copied.
Language - They allow strong language to be used. Some strong language may be allowed.
Nudity - There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational way. They can use nudity in a sexual way but not in serious detail.
Sex - sexual activity may be portrayed, but not with a lot of detail. You are allowed strong references to sexual behaviour.
Threat - There may be strong threat and horror. Sexual threats will not be allowed.
Violence - Violence may be strong but not dwelled on.
18 - No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may buy or rent an 18 rated film. Adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Example Below.
If it can upset and damage people morals or public health then it will not be accepted.
Everything else is acceptable, and if its not its down to stuff that is wrong, but might make people want to try it for example rape that looks appealing in the film.
R18 - To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops ,and to adults only.
(There is no suitable examples)
