Task 4
Regulations
Every film, television programme, or video game is given a
certificate, provided by the British Board of Film Classification. They are decided
by an examiner, examiners can view the video or DVD by their self – known as
solo viewing. Most of the solo viewings are for TV series and works aimed at
young children. Films for cinema release, video games and pornography
submissions are classified by two people. Examiners watch films that are soon
to be released in the Board’s cinema, this gives a feel of what the effect will
be given to a cinema audience. The same feeling is given for DVDs, they are
watched in the Board’s viewing rooms on plasma screens to settle the feel of a ‘home
viewing’ experience. Examiners then give
details of the following: general context – plot, characters, individual
scenes, camera angles, type of shots, bad language, sex & drug references
and so on. Most decisions on what certificate to give a certain film are
straightforward and are based on the Boards published guidelines. If it does
become a difficult decision, the senior examiner or an examiner with more
knowledge in that subject will help decide. If a film contains material which
is unacceptable under the guidelines, a list of cut ups will be sent to the
distributor, or it could just be refused completely. If a distributor decides
they want to lower the audience, or gain a wider audience, the Board will help
specify what scenes need to be cut. For example Pineapple Express cut a scene
where schoolboys are sold drugs by the protagonists to gain a ‘15’ rating
instead of an ‘18’.
The different
Certificates
U – This certificate should be suitable for an audience of four years and
aged over. They are set within a positive framework and shouldn’t include any
threat, violence or horror. No discriminating language is used, no reference to
drugs, no dangerous behaviour and no sexual context. Horror sequences should be mild and the
outcome should be reassuring. ‘U’ classed films include Top Cat the Movie,
African Cats and The Muppets.
PG – This stands
for parental guidance. Unaccompanied children of any age can watch this
certificate. It should not disturb a child aged eight or older. Discriminating
language will unlikely be accepted, horror scenes cannot be intense, no dangerous
behaviour which young children are likely to copy, mild language only, only natural
nudity, sexual activity may be implied but should be discreet and only moderate
violence without detail may be allowed. Films that fall into this category are How
to Train Your Dragon and Tooth Fairy.
12A & 12 – The
12A rating is used for films shown in cinemas; they are suited for those aged
12 or older. But if younger people did want to view the film, they will be
allowed so long as they are accompanied by an adult. The 12 rating is found on
Videos and DVDS. Horror is only allowed if its moderate, disturbing sequences
are not allowed, dangerous behaviour (such as suicide or self-harming) should
not be shown in detail which could be copied, or appear as pain/harm free.
Moderate language is allowed, nudity is allowed but if it’s in a sexual content
it must be brief and moderate violence is allowed but not to be dwelled on in
detail. Recent 12A films include, Dark Shadows, Marvel Avengers Assemble and
Snow White and the Huntsman.
15 – No one under
the age of 15 may see this certificate at the cinema, same with renting or
buying a film. Drug taking can be shown, but not in a promoting way. Horror may
be shown in a strong way unless sadistic or sexualised. There can be frequent
strong language, but repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be
accepted. Nudity and sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong
detail. Violence is also allowed, but again shouldn’t dwell on the infliction
of pain or injury. Latest 15 rated films are Prometheus and American Pie:
Reunion.
18 – No one under
the age of 18 is allowed to watch this certificate at the cinema, nor buy or
rent. In line with the consistent findings of the BBFCs public consultations
and the Human Rights Act 1998, the BBFCs guideline concerns will not normally
override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own
entertainment. 18 certificate films can include strong language, sexual
activity, strong & sexual violence, strong horror and discriminating language.
A latest 18 rated film out in cinemas is called Ill Manors.
After looking into the different certificates and how they
are categorised it’s clear to say that our group animation does not fit into the
following: U, PG, 15 or 18. The 12A/12 guidelines seem to fit with our
animation comfortably, no strong language is content and no nudity is shown. But
we do imply sexual activity; this is very minimal and only includes a duvet
moving. No violence is shown, no horror is shown and no drugs are shown. We had
aimed our target audience at 15 and older because the events the character goes
through relate to people this age. But considering the film fits a certificate
aged 12, the audience it may gain could potentially not find the connection to
the characters like an older audience would.
According to Ofcom, the watershed television is between
21:00 to 05:30. Before 9pm the general audience are suitable to view the
programmes shown, from 9pm the TV watershed helps parents protect children from
viewing unsuitable material, it progressively becomes only suitable for adults.
Advertisements also have to comply with the same set of rules; some can be
restricted when out of the water shed such as bingo, alcohol, condoms, etc. Our
animation would be allowed before the 9pm watershed, this is because it doesn’t
contain unsuitable material like violence or distressing imagery. I would place
our animation on Channel 4 around the time as the Simpsons. The Simpsons is
certificate 12 shown at 6 o’clock in the evening. Our animation and the
Simpsons show similar content so fit together in that time slot.
