Classification

Today we focused on classification and how we would have to take this into account when we begin our story boards on our film opening.

The reasoning behind classification is to meet the legal requirements set in motion by higher authorities, and to protect as well as stop the risk of having influence on that of a younger audience e.g. You wouldn't take a child of two to see Texas chainsaw massacre.

The BBFC (British board of film classification) is the power behind the certifications that films are given, and also the videos/DVD's you would watch at home (Video Recording act.)

The new certification guidelines will be issued on the 24th February 2014, which is set from the 10,000 persons from the public, who asked the BBFC to rethink their boundaries on classifications.

The public asked that the classifications of '12A, 12 and 15' were to be looked at for their tome and theme e.g. the psychological disturbance in horrors. A high percentage the public thought that the use of language in U rated films had rather a lot of language that could be seen as insulting, and asked that, that language should be moved to a '15' rated film regarding the curses were in context. One of the BBFCs highest referenced classifications was that on the film 'The woman in black' which 89% of the public agreed on the classification of 12A In cinemas,  whereas 11% did not agree and believe the film should of been in the high band of '15'

Sexual content also has effected the public in the way that women are portrayed in music videos and films, the public asked for high bands, and that self harm, underage sex applied with drugs and alcohol, things that are classed as 'normalisation' to be less obvious as it could lead to influence to those of a younger age.

The classifications are as followed:

 An '18' film is to be of the viewers no younger than '18' and contains sexual content, but cannot have certain things.
- Any actions regarding the harm of others in a sexual manor, or abuse of alcohol or drugs.  Images used for the primary source of sexual arousal, as it allows accessibility to younger views. Also the use of strong fetish material could change the classification to a 'R18'

This classification is for ages 12 and above which can contain uses of sexual content, crude language and moderate violence. The use of discrimination language and/or  behaviour cannot be portrayed as a whole but can be referenced, leading on to uses of threat, a classification of '12' can have moderate physical and physiological threats, when making a '12' classification, the tone of the film should be thought about, as although some scenes could be seen as disturbing to some viewers, the overall tone of the film should not be.




The classification of 'R18' can only be shown at licenced cinemas or shops for the ages 18 and above. The use of any scenes going against criminal law, or dialogue or subtle hidden meanings to encourage sexually abusing are not acceptable for this rating, as it could encourage abusive behaviour.
















A '15' classification is suitable for ages 15 and over, and cannot be sold to those under aged.  Within this classification the uses of promotion on illegal drugs is banned along with threats of a sexual manor. When considering relatable problems of the generation such as suicide, these subjects should not dwell on detail, as it could disturb some viewers.







 The classification of 'U' is for the ages four and over, meaning that uses of discrimination or language is minimal and at best not present within the film. Within this classification, the use of violence is permitted in the form of 'slap-stick'  if used in context, this is the same sexually, reference to mild sexual activity can be shown and talked about e.g. Kissing,

                           A 'PG' classification is for ages eight and above, meaning that the film can be watched without an adult present, but it is advised for adults to watch with the child, as some scenes may distress the child. When considering language, mild language can be used if used infrequently, aspects of sexual activity can be referenced but cannot show nudity.  Uses of threat can be used, but cannot be within too much detail as it may upset the audience.    
     

 The classification of a '12A' contains the same as a '12' classification, once released from cinemas onto DVD/VCR. The only difference between the two classifications, is that with a '12A' an adult must be present when the child is watching the film in a cinematic experience.





When thinking about our film opening, we have decided to aim towards a '12' or a '15' classification because we believe with the genre we have chosen, and the idea's we are forming, it gives us enough imagination advantage, and length, but also limits us, so our ideas can be formed as well as they could be, and that their storyline makes sense to the audience, and makes them want to watch the rest of the film.