British Board of Film Classification - Age restrictions

British Board of Film Classification

What do they do?

The BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released. 

They watch films and videos all the way through and award an age rating and BBFCinsight to each one. They then reach an age rating by applying the standards and criteria contained in the Classification Guidelines. 

Typically, two examiners view a film for theatrical release. In most cases a Senior Examiner will confirm the examiners’ recommendation. 

With our film opening being in the technological horror genre, it is clear that we have to distinguish the rating in which our movie should be. This will allow younger and more sensitive viewers to avoid watching the film opening. There are a range of ratings for horror movies, these include:

 Suitable for all - A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.

Parental guidance - his means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.
Cinema release suitable for 12 years and over - video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child
Video release suitable for 12 years and over  DIFFERENCE between the two- The 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A film at the cinema. The 12 is also a simpler system for retailers. It means they cannot sell or rent the item unless the customer is over the age of 12.
Suitable only for 15 years and over - 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age. - movies rated this may include:

•  strong violence
•  frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
•   portrayals of sexual activity
•   strong verbal references to sex

Suitable only for adult - not suitable for those under 18 and may include:

•   very strong violence
•   frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’)
•   strong portrayals of sexual activity
•   scenes of sexual violence
•   strong horror
•   strong blood and gore

After reviewing the types of ratings that we could give our  film opening, it was decided that we should place a 15 age restriction on our film opening. This is primarily due to the blood and use of weapons within film. These items could cause upset to younger views and therefore it is a good decision not to risk harm to young people.