BBFC Classification

We have been doing some research into film classification to see who our ideal target audience would be.

Different films have different classifications because some contain graphics and scenes that are deemed unsuitable for certain age groups.

The BBFC use "Guidlines" to determine the Age Certificate for films (seen right).

Some of the main issues with films regarding certification are discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, theme, violence, titles, photo or pattern senstivity, motion sickness and reactions to low frequency sounds, and video games. 

Here are the different age certificates:

"U" - 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 four 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.

"PG" - Parental Guidance - General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for 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.

"12A/12" - 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. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.
The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.
The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

"15" - Suitable for 15 years 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.








"18" - 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.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

"R18" - To be shown in specially licenced cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. ‘R18’ video works may not be supplied by mail order. The following content is not acceptable:

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959
• material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (for example, paedophilia, incest or rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults
• the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated). Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent
• the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm, whether real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for moderate, non-abusive, consensual activity
• penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm
• any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable

Filming Evidence

 

 

 Here is some picture evidence of me and Lauren filming the majority of our Main Task.

Filming for Main Task

Today I completed some more filming for our Main Task. I filmed some shots of "The Killer"  and for this I used another actress, Sally Chamberlain, to play the part of "The Killer".

In these shots I used some fake blood to add effect and added some props, such as a kitchen knife.

We now have the majority of our filming complete so we can start to focus on editing the footage.

Let the filming commence - Main Task

Today Lauren and I shot our first clips for our film opening, Project : Shadow. 


We went to our location equipped with my video camera and of course, ourselves, and began recording lots of different shots which we think we could cut and change, to make our film opening just as we have envisioned it.


We are planning to meet up again soon in the next few weeks to continue recording some more of our clips, and also to take some vital pictures that we will be placing in our opening. 


When we filmed today, it was very dark by the time we got to the location, and the camera did not focus well at all. The shots we originally wanted to get were not possible due to the dark, and even our hand lights, phone lights and torches couldn't light the location up enough for it to be seen. This is why we need to meet again when it is slightly lighter so that we can get these shots. 

Costume planning

Today me and Lauren thought about the costumes that we will be wearing in our film opening.

In the film we are going to be playing two average teenage girls, so we are keeping the costume basic. We are hoping to represent the girls as normal teenagers in modern day so our target audience will be able to relate to the girls.

I will be wearing black jeans, a black double breasted coat similar to the picture shown below, and a pair of black dolly/ballerina shoes.




Lauren will be wearing a black quilted jacket, jeans and boots.

2nd Production Meeting

 Lauren and I have once again got our thinking heads on and we have had a second production meeting.
We have discussed our film schedule and when we think is best suitable for us to meet up and film. 
Later I will post evidence on my blog of our discussions and explain how it will benefit our progress.

Main Task - Storyboard

 ^^ Kimbee ^^                                                                                ^^ Lozbee^^

Me and Lauren have been busy busy bees today as we have spent the majority of our day working on our media coursework. I am quite proud of us!

Lauren has been busy completing another task that will be useful for both of us while I have been drawing out our storyboard.

Here is a picture of some of the completed sheets!

So this means that, while we were working hard, we have completed 4 of the tasks on our L.O.I!


- complete our storyboard. J
- take a picture of the completed storyboard and upload it to our blogs as evidence. J
- create a Shot List using the completed storyboard. J
- create a Filming Schedule - decide when and where we are going to film.
- look at creating a Risk Assessment sheet for our first shooting.
- decide the order of opening titles. J


This means that the only vital tasks left to complete are creating a Filming Schedule and creating a Risk Assessment sheet. As we only have a week left of school before we break up, these need to be completed ASAP. Filming will not be a problem and me and Lauren see each other out of school anyway, so we will be able to arrange a day where we can both go and film the majority of our opening shots. Exciting stuff!