Age Certificates
The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) are a highly expertise and experienced company who regulates moving images. They serve the social function of society to advice and protect viewers. But who can these be defined as? Naturally, children are thought to be vulnerable and cannot make their own decisions. This is why adults are advised on the protection of the children. The BBFC do this by providing public information to make appropriate viewing decisions for themselves, and those in care. Their main intention is to shield society away from the effects of viewing potentially harmful or unsuitable content - while respecting the adult freedom of choice.
An adult may be seen as an irresponsible parent or carer if they allow children in their protection to view content deemed as unsuitable for them. Often, children are influenced by certain themes in a film such as bad language. Too often we hear our younger siblings or schoolmates speaking with foul vocabulary. On a more serious note, a person can be heavily influenced by extremities such as rape or murder scenes, regardless of their age, This is why the BBFC regular films using 'age certificates'. These are the guidelines as to who is too young to watch a film, who is old enough, and where you stand. There are a variety of age certificates which progress higher depending on the maturity of a film.
The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) are a highly expertise and experienced company who regulates moving images. They serve the social function of society to advice and protect viewers. But who can these be defined as? Naturally, children are thought to be vulnerable and cannot make their own decisions. This is why adults are advised on the protection of the children. The BBFC do this by providing public information to make appropriate viewing decisions for themselves, and those in care. Their main intention is to shield society away from the effects of viewing potentially harmful or unsuitable content - while respecting the adult freedom of choice.
An adult may be seen as an irresponsible parent or carer if they allow children in their protection to view content deemed as unsuitable for them. Often, children are influenced by certain themes in a film such as bad language. Too often we hear our younger siblings or schoolmates speaking with foul vocabulary. On a more serious note, a person can be heavily influenced by extremities such as rape or murder scenes, regardless of their age, This is why the BBFC regular films using 'age certificates'. These are the guidelines as to who is too young to watch a film, who is old enough, and where you stand. There are a variety of age certificates which progress higher depending on the maturity of a film.
- U (Universal) It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a U film should be suitable for audiences ages 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.
- PG (Parental guidance) General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A PG film should not disturb a child ages around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.
- 12 The content may have some controversial elements to it, but on the whole, there shouldn't be any discrimination, drugs may be touched up but NOT promoted, violence can be displayed but cannot dwell on injury and pain, there may be use of frequent bad language and nudity can be shown but only where appropriate.
- 12A The 12A category only exists for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanies 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.
- 15 These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those ages 15 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 15 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them. The 15 category exists only for video works, no one under 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video work.
- 18 At '18', the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Material may touch upon criminal law, and display criminal offence. Violent or dangerous acts, illegal drug use may be shown, but should not cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault. Explicit images of sexual activity can be shown and bad language can be used.
The trailer for Paranormal Activity 5 achieved a 15 certificate. This is because of supernatural disturbances having the possibility of causing children trauma or nightmares.
Bareback Montain was also rated a 15 due to brief viewing of weapons, alcohol, and themes such as sexuality, controversy, love and mild violence.
High School Musical 3, on the other hand, was thought by the BBFC to deserve a 12A rating. This is because of themes like love and coming of age that children lack experience and understanding in.
The 12A Rating
12A is a fairly new age rating that was thought to be needed, by the BBFC, as a result of Spiderman (2002). Complains from viewers included the opinion that Spiderman is too violent for children - take for example the fight scene below, which has little narrative and plot, instead focuses on each of the characters intending to hurt the other, while putting the train passengers at risk of enduring some of the fight. PG was seen as a controversial rating because of the theme of violence and possible effects of influence, so it was rated a 12.
However, other viewers argued that Spiderman is indeed a childhood comic, so those who followed the comic would be ridden of a privilege of connecting with that Superhero, typically seen as a role model if they weren't allowed to watch the movie. After taking this into consideration, the BBFC created the 12A rating - so children under 12 can watch it ONLY when accompanied by an adult.
Thriller Specific
Thrillers, in general, tend to get an age rating of either 15 or 18. This is because a thriller cannot be a successful thriller without a few mature themes unsuitable for children. For example, Scream is an 18 due to the 'slasher' sector. Involved in this motion picture is death, violence, bad language, and occasionally sexual references. All of this could be found in masses of other thriller specific movies. Some argue that there is a fine line between what makes a thriller movie a 15 or an 18, just because it's a thriller and intended to thrill no matter which group you fall into.
What age certificate would I give to my thriller? I would give it a 15 because in my plan I have included the themes of mental health, religion, hospitality and paranormal activity. I believe that these themes can be viewed by both groups, but there is nothing too extreme of offensive to limit my audience to 18+ only.
Conclusion
I have learnt that the intention of age certification is to protect the young generation from anything potentially harmful or offensive. However, sometimes it's seen as controversial. For example, Spiderman was originally set to be a PG but people argued that it was hardly appropriate for exceptionally young children. There's also the idea of being influenced, but chances are, a child won't know what a possibly risky concept may mean or they will already know right from wrong due to their parents. Of course there are cases when the media affects a person's mindset for the worse, but there seems to be more spotlight on the negatives than the positive. Media can work with parents, educating them on morals and norms. When suited with an appropriate motion picture, a child can have fun and feel happy. They can also develop the recognition of signs of emotions such as sadness and how to handle that kind of situation, due to indirect interaction with the characters.
Adults can be influenced too. I think that adults are at a larger risk because their understanding of the media is far more complex than a child's and thus would quickly learn how to turn a rape scene into a real-life crime scene. Adults have the freedom of choosing what to watch, and the general freedom of life. I think they have more opportunity to make bad choices. Children however are protected and guided on where to go by their parents. Their main influence, in fact, are the parents as they decide when it's time to turn the TV off.
I agree that there is a certain degree to what a child should be allowed to watch. My opening includes issues such as madness, paranormal activity, religion, trauma and mild reference of drugs. Children may be scared by these aspects or driven to ask their parents what something means, which could cause a disturbance in terms of personal parenthood. I am going to award it a 15 because I believe someone of that age has understanding on the referenced aspects and less of a sensitive response than a child.
Conclusion
I have learnt that the intention of age certification is to protect the young generation from anything potentially harmful or offensive. However, sometimes it's seen as controversial. For example, Spiderman was originally set to be a PG but people argued that it was hardly appropriate for exceptionally young children. There's also the idea of being influenced, but chances are, a child won't know what a possibly risky concept may mean or they will already know right from wrong due to their parents. Of course there are cases when the media affects a person's mindset for the worse, but there seems to be more spotlight on the negatives than the positive. Media can work with parents, educating them on morals and norms. When suited with an appropriate motion picture, a child can have fun and feel happy. They can also develop the recognition of signs of emotions such as sadness and how to handle that kind of situation, due to indirect interaction with the characters.
Adults can be influenced too. I think that adults are at a larger risk because their understanding of the media is far more complex than a child's and thus would quickly learn how to turn a rape scene into a real-life crime scene. Adults have the freedom of choosing what to watch, and the general freedom of life. I think they have more opportunity to make bad choices. Children however are protected and guided on where to go by their parents. Their main influence, in fact, are the parents as they decide when it's time to turn the TV off.
I agree that there is a certain degree to what a child should be allowed to watch. My opening includes issues such as madness, paranormal activity, religion, trauma and mild reference of drugs. Children may be scared by these aspects or driven to ask their parents what something means, which could cause a disturbance in terms of personal parenthood. I am going to award it a 15 because I believe someone of that age has understanding on the referenced aspects and less of a sensitive response than a child.
A great post here, well done. All the different certificates in the film industry are drawn upon and examples of films provided. Good to see that you have thought about thriller films and age certificates and from this, have decided on a certificate for your own production. Personal opinion provided too which is great.
ReplyDeleteHi Miss thanks for the feedback (-:
ReplyDeleteno worries :)
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