bbfc Research Visit

Starting to brainstorm our short film ideas, we took a day out to visit the film classification company of bbfc. The purpose of this trip was for coursework research to further plan our short films.We got an insight of how the professionals classify the ratings of films, near enough every film available to the public. The effect this will have to my short film is the decisions I carry out pre creating my short film. It will alter the decisions I make brainstorming the film due to keeping content suitable for certain ages in order to achieve the age classification I would like for my film to help maximise audience. As well as pre-film ideas, I will have to continue to carry this thought throughout filming and post production to what is included in terms of content.

I also learnt, that not only the actual film has to obey the guidelines for the age rating, but my trailers have to apply to these rules and may even have to be made more child friendly in order to be advertised on certain channels, places or times of the day. The first thing they told us is that whatever the age rating is, the trailers and advertisement pre the main film have to be suitable for the audience and age classification of the main film in which they are about to watch.

The bbfc's principle guiding aims are: to protect children and vulnerable adults from potentially harmful or otherwise unsuitable media content and to empower consumers to make informed viewing decisions. Carrying out their aims, bbfc provide an insight on their website, which although could contain spoilers, it does bring whats included to your attention. They also provide the age rating through their own experience, expert and other research. Although, with all this protection they do say they aim to ensure films reach widest audience available for the content and them of the film, except any content or film that includes material that conflicts with any criminal laws in the UK, or if the film has been created illegally, then bbfc refuse to classify it.

There are eight 'specific classification guidelines', which are; discrimination, drgs, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, threat and violence. The pictures below show the information sheet in brief which they use to determine each age classification.

 For the eight guidelines above, they cannot be to specific on the sheet due to it varying in different circumstances. For example, they explained that for language they can not write a list of words banned to be used due to the length it would be and also the unneeded ban of some words in some situations, such as, different classifications can have different levels of language in addition to some content of films at same certification may make the use of the language effective whereas some would be offensive. Therefore, bbfc have to take this into consideration and make their own judgement to guidelines depending on the content.

Three 'general classification classifications' are used by bbfc that affect the final outcome of the age classification. The tonal considerations include extent in which it emblematizes the world and how it could impact potential audience. Secondly, they take the theme into account, however this depends upon the tone and impact of the work. Context, the main aspect they believe to consider how a topic is portrayed and the intention of the issue.