BBFC lesson

 The BBFC

The BBFC is the British board of film classification. They are basically in charge of the regulation of films and the age rating. Aswell as that, they are in charge of setting the rules that control a certain set of products in a film industry. This includes what is allowed to be in a film and what isn't. The public are able to complain or talk to the BBFC if they have an issue or are unhappy with the films content. This means that films or movies in the cinema are not allowed to be exposed to the public if they haven't received an age classification. These ratings include 6 different ratings: 

The things in which are considered when classifying the age of a film are: - violence/ obscene language/ sex or nudity/ self harm/ criminal activity/dangerous behavior/ lighting/ drugs/ alcohol/ even children acting within films.

This also look into the context of the film. Whether the film is realistic, fantasy based or animated. Animated or fantasy based films are often allowed to include more violence and get a lower age rating as audiences are able to identify that this isn't real. This is what is believed by the bbfc. This includes having to look into the way ideas are presented within films and how these are dealt with. For example if a film includes the use of drugs and it is presented in a sensible fashion, then a film might be given a lower film certificate. Where as if it is presented as fun and no consequences to it (unrealistic) then a film will be given a much higher film certificate. When it comes to violence and the way they look at it, they have to investigate it in a detailed way. For example they have to ask why there is violence/ is it self defense/ what harm or injuries were caused/ is the violence enjoyed etc. There is a lot more that is considered but this is a few of the main ones. 

When it comes to the comparison of DVD releases and cinematic release, the rating for a DVD is
normally higher than the cinematic release. An example of this would be hunger games. The cinematic release got a 12A rating, but that indicates that a child under 12 has to go see it with a parent. This isn't doable for a film so it had the choice of 12 or a 15. It resulted in being rated a 15. Thats why the process of the film is quite important. The process is where a production company has to send a copy of their film to the bbfc to watch and decide a certificate. Once it is certificated they are able to release it in DVD form ad on cinematic release. If the bbfc give a rating that the company aren't happy with, the whole process starts again. They either go with the rating or have the option to re edit the film and send it through again. The reason that production companies want the lowest age certificate they can get is it because they can then target larger audiences.

If we were to send our opening sequence (and entire film idea) to the BBFC the age rating I think it would get would either be a 15. The reason for this would be that the opening scene doesn't include any sort of physical violence, only a gory blood scene which would be the only disturbing thing and probably something children shouldn't see. I would consider a 12 rating, but I feel like our film would take a violent turn and explain the massacre more which would be disturbing to specific audiences. Which is why I would choose a higher rating. As it has negative connotations and the man is alone, it can be quite scary for younger audiences, giving it a higher rating would be the more sensible plan.