Certificate Rating - BBFC

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is the organization responsible for the classification of film, dvd and some music/video games within the united kingdom. Under the Video recordings act 1984, all videos must be classified. All videos and games rated by the BBFC receive an official and legally binding certificate, along with "consumer advice" detailing references to sex, violence and coarse language. If a certificate specifies that a film or video game is not suitable for someone under a certain age, then only people of an appropriate age may buy it. The difference in ratings is directly relevant to the themes and content of the media.'Bad', 'strong' language and sexual content can earn a film a more restrictive certificate, though BBFC policy states that there are no constraints on language use in films awarded an 18 certificate.

Certificate 15: suitable for people ages 15 years and older. Can contain, horror, violence and strong language but only in moderation and when it can be justified by the text. Controversial issues such as child abuse and rape, are also acceptable but only when they are represented suggestively. Also nudity is acceptable for use within a sex scene but has to be limited concerning content. finally it can contain strong language and heavy violence.

Certificate 18: suitable for people aged 18 years or older. It is basically recognized that all persons of 18 years and older have the right to view any form of content in any volume. However exceptions include the promotion of dangerous acts and in some cases portrayal of sexual assault which could endorse assault. Finally all sexual scenes must be justified within the text.

Our group have decided to base our opening around the certificate 15 rating. This will enable us to appeal to a far less restricted audience. Also our group are all of the age where our primary viewing is of the certificate 15 genre. This means that we will be able to relate and recognize the codes and conventions with far more ease and accuracy that with that of an 18 certificate.