Certification

The British board of film classification has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912. It is an independent, non- governmental body which has classified video's, DVDS since the video recordings act was passed in 1984.

Films need to be certified because they need to be put into advisory and age- related groups to suit the appropriate audience. The BBFC has different categories such as universal (U) which all ages are admitted as there is nothing unsuitable for children. There is parental guidance (PG) which all ages are admitted once again but certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under eight years old. The certificate twelve (12) is not suitable for children under twelve years and (12A) films are usually given a certificate of (12) for the DVD version unless extra material has been added that requires a higher rating. Films with a rating (12A) is admitted for children under the age of twelve if they are accompanied by an adult who is at least eighteen years old. It is generally not recommended that children under twelve years old should watch the film. The rating fifteen (15) means nobody younger than fifteen can watch or buy the film. The certificate eighteen (18) is where only adults are admitted with nobody under the age of 18 being able to watch or buy the film. Then there is also a certificate Rated eighteen (R18) where only adults are admitted and these films can only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at sex shops.

Before a film is made it is given a certificate to aim for rather than giving it a rating when the film is finished. The BBFC do have many concerns such as violence because if it is portrayed in a way for the audience to enjoy it then the certification will be high. The sooner the violence is resolved in a film it will be given a lower certification. Another concern from the BBFC is sex and nudity, if the sex is simulated then it will be given as (18) but if it has stronger sex references and is real it can go up to a (R18). Nudity can be seen as natural so it has no certification but the more sexually orientated it is the rating can go up. Language is also another main concern and mild language will start off with a certificate of (12). The more stronger and bad language there is the higher certificate it will be given with the word C*** being rated the worst word that can be used in a film. The BBFC are also concerned with drugs being used, if they are actually being taken the film will be given a higher certificate. If drugs are only being shown then the certification will be lowered. A main concern from the BBFC is imitation, when weaponry or dangerous stunts are being shown children could get ideas from it and copy what they have seen. Children could get hold of objects such as knives and imitate what they have seen with their friends. Another concern is discrimination and yet again it shouldn't be shown in a way that it is good to discriminate as it will receive a higher certificate, it can be shown that discrimination occurs.

When giving a film a certificate the narrative is influenced as the story is affected by what you can and can't show. The theme is also affected as it is an option but it has to be socially acceptable otherwise it won't be given a certificate. The films intention is a big influence as it has to be socially agreeable. Keeping the audience happy is also an influence as the emotions will be different according to the certification. A film with a certificate of (18) will have more rated material whereas lower certifications would not be able to show the same content. If you have given your film a certification of (12) and want to show brief nudity then it's ok but the more sexually orientated it is then it will be given a higher certificate. Giving the right certificate to a film is very important in terms of supporting the industry and the public.