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British Board of Film Classification

On the official

students BBFC website, they state that The Boards classificationdecisions are reached by consensus, with the Director, the President and the two Vice-Presidents

taking ultimate responsibility.

The BBFC is funded by the film industry and is a non-governmental organisation. It was established

in 1912 and was originally known as the British Board of Film Censors. It is the authorities that are

legally meant to decide whether a film can be Played at their local cinemas, but its rare that they

dont choose to go along with the Pre-decided rating put forward by the BBFC. All video games and

films that are rated by the BBFC are also given consumer advice along with the certificate rating. This

is a brief explanation of any violence, sex, drug use, or explicit language used within the media text.

The BBFC can also advise distributors to cut scenes from films so that they can achieve a less-

restrictive rating. Usually a distributor would make the cuts so as to broaden the audience of their filmand hopefully make more money from it. Although in some cases, the distributor may not wish to

remove of their scenes, and as they get the final say in the matter, they can keep them, but if the

distributor refuses to make certain cuts that are required to be taken out, the BBFC has to power to

simply reject the work. Some cuts are compulsory, for example, scenes that violate laws passed such

as the Protection of Children act (1978).

Current certificates:

All ages are admitted. All he material is suitable for children.

All ages are still admitted but some scenes may be unsuitable for very young children. It

can contain mild languages and sex/drugs references. May contain moderate violence if

justified by contexte.g. fantasy.

Only used in cinemas, it was introduced in 2002. Films under this

category can be watched by under 12s at the cinema as long as they are

accompanied by an adult of 18+, although it isnt recommended that children

under 12 watch films in this category. Films in this category can contain stronglanguage, discrimination, infrequent strong language, sex references and nudity. Sexual

activity may be discreetly and briefly portrayed.

Category for home media only since 2002. 12A films are given this certificate for home

viewing, except when material has been added that requires they move it up to the next

age restriction. Content guidelines are identical to the 12A

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Only those over 15 years of age are admitted. No one younger than 15can either buy or rent a film

with this certificate. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, frequent strong

language and limited use of very strong language, strong violence and sex references and nudity

without graphic detail. Sexual activity can be portrayed, without much detail.

Only adults are permitted. Films under this category have no limitation for language

used. Hard drugs and explicit sex references are permitted, and detailed sexual

activity is also allowed. Very strong/gory and sadistic violence is also permitted.

Strong sexual violence is usually permitted, unless it is eroticised or excessively

graphic

Can only be shown in adult cinemas or licensed sex shops. These are always hard-

core pornography. More cuts are demanded in this category than any other.

How Will This Affect My Trailer?

My planned trailer will be or should be classified 15, as it will contain adult

themes and strong languages, which are synonymous with more adult comedies.

As I am only making a trailer I might get away with some slight more 18+

themes, but as far as I know I will not be doing this, but if the opportunity arises

and I feel that it will make my trailer successful I will what will have to be done.