Certifications.

Whether or not a film is successful can depend greatly on the certificate it's awarded by the BBFC (British Board for Film Certification). For example if a films target audience was teenagers, and said film was awarded an '18' then the film is unlikely to thrive in cinemas. However there are ways of counteract these censorships, for example an easy method for lowering the certificate is to remove gore, this is because gore is considered an obscenity. Another method is to remove any expletives, for example removing expletives can be used to reduce certificates.

The certificates:


U

This a certificate that is used for cartoons, children's films and slapstick comedies. The U certificate allows for problematic themes but must be censored, infrequent use of mild language, occasional natural nudity (no sexual context), Mild violence, no real weapons, mild horror and no drug references.

PG (Parental guidance)

Controversial themes(crime, domestic violence and racism) are allowed, but the film mustn't condone these. The certificate also allows for mild bad language, natural nudity (no sexual content), sexual activity may be implied (discreet and infrequent), moderate violence (no details), no glamorization of weapons, frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense and no reference to drugs.

12

The 12 certificate is used for many films that are aimed at teenagers as this allows the maximum range for target audience. A film with a 12 certificate allows for Mature themes, but the treatment has to suit young teenagers. Rare strong language is allowed as long as it is justified by context, Nudity is allowed, but it must be brief, sexual activity can be implied, violence is allowed but must not dwell on details (no emphasis on injury or blood), dangerous techniques (combat, hanging, suicides) should not contain imitable details, sustained threat and menace is permitted as well as occasional gore and brief references to 'soft' drugs is allowed.

15


The '15' certificate is used as a bridge between '12' and '18'. The '15' allows for any theme as long as it's suited to 15 year olds. It also allows for frequent use of strong language (no sexual abuse), no constraints on nudity (non-sexual or educational), Sexual activity may be portrayed but no strong detail, strong violence may be allowed but most not dwell on infliction of pain, Sexual violence must be discreet and brief, no emphasis on accessible lethal weapons (knives), dangerous combat moves (head-butt, neck hits and ear claps) are not allowed, most horror is allowed apart from sustained detailed infliction of pain and drug taking may be shown but with no instructive detail.

18

As viewers of '18' films have reached adulthood, the BBFC takes a much more relaxed attitude towards film certification and will only intervene in extreme situations. There are no constraints on theme, language, nudity or horror. However the BBFC is allowed to remove content that promotes harmful activities and more explicit  images of sexual activity unless justified. However explicit Sexual education is allowed in an '18' certificate, but must be kept to a minimum.

R18

The certification 'R18' (Restricted 18) is very rare classification (approx. 90 in the UK). However this means that it can only be supplied in licensed sex shops and to adults only. A film is awarded an 'R18' if it contains detailed sexual activities between adults.


Examples:

The Incredible's 2004  (U)

This film was awarded a 'U' because it's designed and suited for everyone, so there is no obscenities or detailed violence.



Tron: Legacy 2010 (PG)

This film was awarded the 'PG' because of the theme of film, also the mild violence involved.




The Green Hornet 3D 2011 (12)
This film was awarded the '12' certification because of the moderate violence and the theme of death that is involved in the storyline.



Pineapple Express 2009 (15)

This film was awarded a '15' because of the references to drugs and strong violence that is in the plot of the film.



Jackass 3D  2010 (18)
This film was awarded the '18' certificate because of the imitable actions within the film, because these can easily influence minors to endanger themselves and others.





Certification for my production:


For my film i would aim for a 15 certification, this is because in my opinion this is the best traget audience because they are able to relate with the hero of the film. I also think that 15 is the best certification to aim for because it's a flexible certification.