Certifications

As part of our research into our target audience we have decided to look at what age ratings are on other films, similar to the genre that we have chosen. Also what the BBFC’s criteria are for these. The main certifications that seem to appear surrounding our genre are PG, 12(a), and 15.

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 aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children."

In our group discussion we decided that our film opening would not be suitable for a PG rating, as it is aimed at a more mature audience. Our demography are 15-24 year olds so scenes of a sexual nature may be used in the main part of the film.

12/12a

"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."

Whilst I was talking to my friends about my film opening, and choosing what certification it should be, they made a valid point that just because the certification says 15 for instance, it doesn't discard younger viewer from watching it. However to stay in regulations set by the BBFC, we will aim our film appropriately. We decided that a 12 rating or even a 12A would still be too young for the type of content we imagine being in the main film. Our opening doesn't contain any dialect however, the main film would most likely contain strong language- which according to the BBFC is inappropriate for a 12/12A.

15

"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. Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable."

As my group and I read through the criteria for a 15 we felt that it matched the vision of our main film. Both the language and the sexual reference descriptions fitted. To double check our findings we looked at other Rom-Coms and what certifications they were awarded. We have come to the conclusion that our Rom Com will be certified a 15. This is because aimed at 15-24s our film has a more mature plot and thus we feel a 12 would be inappropriate. Scenes of a sexual nature and also swearing may feature in our plot.

(criteria taken from the BBFC website) http://www.bbfc.co.uk/download/guidelines/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202009.pdf