Certification

Classification is when a film is restricted due to age.

Censorship is when a film is cut to prevent access to material.

Certification is needed due to:

• legal obligations - to prevent material breaking the law
• protective obligations - some audiences may need protecting from items that may cause harm
• societal obligations - to consider broader public opinion in mind with regard to language.

The BBFC (British Board if Film Classification) was created in 1912 and is in charge of classifying films.  Although local councils accept the BBFC's decision, councils still have the power to change film certificates if they are being shown in cinemas.  For example, in 1993, Mrs Doubtfire was dubbed by the BBFC as a 12, but some councils lowered it to PG to increase audience numbers.

In 1984, a new law - The Video Recordings Act - passed, which put the BBFC in charge of classifying all videos for home use.  This involves noting any dangerous or criminal activities on a video or DVD.  The Video Recordings Act also states that children and animals must not be harmed or no showing.

A film can be certified under any of the following:

• Universal - suitable for all

"It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child, but a 'U' film should be suitable for audiences aged 4 years and over.  'U' films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.  If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice."

• Parental Guidance - general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

"Unaccompanied children of any age may watch.  A 'PG' film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older.  However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children."

• Suitable for 12 years and over

"Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at '12A' and '12'.  These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over.  The '12A' category exists only for cinema films.  The '12' category exists only for video works."

• Suitable only for 15 and over
  "No-one younger than 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema.  No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a '15' rated video work."

• Suitable only for adults
  "No-one younger than 18 may see an '18' film in a cinema.  No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an '18' rated video."

ALI (2001) is rated as a '15'.



The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) is rated as a PG.



Ghost Ship (2002) is rated as an '18'.


We will consider these conventions when rating our own film.  We have to ensure that the content is suitable for our target audience of teenage males whilst also fitting into one of these ratings.