Research into age certificates and the BBFC - Miss Georgiou

The BBFC is the British Board of Film Classification that was set up in 1912 and its requirement is to put films into classification such as; U, PG, 12A, 15, 18. The BBFC is important to the film industry because it creates teh boundaries between what is and what isnt ok for certain age groups to watch, and it also gives film makers a rough idea of what is and is not allowed into films to make it qualify for each age category.


Example, The Smurphs.
The Universal age category is for all ages, and means that the film contains suitable content for children. The age category will only feature mild bad language such as 'Damn'. There are no sexual scenes in these films but characters may be seen kissing. There will not be references to drugs as this is not suitable for children, however if they are unlikely to register with children then they may be featured.

Example, Wreck It Ralph.
PG stands for Parental Guidance This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children. Children below the age of eight should be accompanied by an adult. However not all PG films are aimed for child audiences. There may be mild bad language and references to sex are acceptable in this category. There should be no detail of violence in a PG work, so while there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail.

Example, Les Miserables (12), Iron Man 3 (12A).

The 12A category means that abnyone who is 12 and over can go and see the film on their own but if you are under 12 you have to be accompanied by someone over the age of 12. This certificate is for films at the cinema only. Strong language is features in this category and so is sexual scenes, but they have to be discreetly portrayed. Moderate violence is featured in this category but it is not to be dwelled on too much. The 12 category means that only people who are 12 or above can watch the film, and these films may feature more detailed violence compared to the 12A certificate.

Example, Mama.
Only those who are 15 years and above can be admitted. This category is much more explicit than the 12 certificate as it features strong language, more detailed sexual scenes, strong violence and drug taking. Many horror films are rated 15. At 15 there can be strong threat and menace (as long as it is not sadistic or sexualised), although the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. ?
At 15 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

 Example, Django Unchained.
This certificate is for people aged over 18 only. The themes tackled in these films may be offensive to some viewers and at times could be contraversial. It will contain the same features as the 15 category such as strong language and violence but 18 films tend to be much more gory and explict than the 15 category. There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language at 18, and the work could explore themes relating to this.


My film would be a 15 certificate as I am aiming for a 15-23 target audience, and I want the film to feature disturbing scenes however I would not go into gory detail which would mnake it an 18. I also want the film to feature some violence and bad language as I feel the target audience may be able to relate with this sort of thing.