Audience Research

ClassificationClassification is used to protect children from unsuitable and possibly harmful content in films and videos. It is also used to give the consumers information they may need when deciding whether to view a particular film or video.

Classification is used on: • Films• Videos• Tv programmes• Games • DVD’s • Blu ray

BBFCThe British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non governmental body which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912 and videos / DVD since the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984.

The BBFC will examine and age rate films and videos before they are released.

UniversalThe U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged 4 and over.

Films or DVD’s with this BBFC insight should contain no significant issues of; • Discrimination • Drugs • Horror• Imitable behaviour• Language• Nudity • Sex• Themes of violence

PGPG stands for parental guidance. This means that the film/video is suitable for general viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children.

A PG film should not disturb a child aged 8 or older. Parents should consider whether the product may upset younger or more sensitive children.

No themes are prohibited at PG, as long as it is treated in a manner appropriate to the category. PG works can explore challenging issues such as; domestic violence, bereavement or racism. A PG work should emphasise that things including smoking and drinking are bad and will not be glamourised or promoted if a child character is seen taking part in these particular activities. There may be mild bad language in a PG piece, but the context and delivery are always important.

12 and 12A12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The ‘A’ stands for ‘advisory’. Children that are under 12 years of age may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult. 12A is just for cinema films only.

The BBFC guidelines state that there may be use of strong language in a 12A/12, however it most not be frequent use. Also any discriminatory language may not be endorsed as a whole and aggressive discriminatory language is unlikely found at a 12A/12

Sex may be briefly shown in a 12/12A. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. There may be discreet nudity in a 12A.

At 12A, moderate violence is allowed, but there should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments can be allowed if it is within context.

1515 rated works aren’t suitable for those under 15 years of age. No themes are prohibitied provided that they are suitable for teenagers.

15 rated works can include;• Strong violence• Frequent strong language • Portrayals of sexual activity • Strong verbal references to sex • Sexual nudity• Discriminatory language or behaviour • Drug taking

18Films rated 18 are for adults only, none of them are suitable for children. No theme is prohibited in 18 rated films. Adults are free to pick there own themes of entertainment within the law, so some themes may be offensive to some viewers.

18 works can contain things like; • Very strong violence • Frequent strong language • Strong portrayals of sexual activity • Scenes of sexual violence • Strong horror • Strong blood and gore • Real sex (in circumstances) • Discriminatory language and behaviour

Sourcehttp://www.bbfc.co.uk/