Re-Classifying our film Certificate - BBFC

Before we started the filming process and during our early research and planning we came to the decision that we were going to give our film a BBFC rating of 15. However, since filming and editing we have come to the conclusion that our film should not be a 15. We have decided to re-classify it as a 12A.  We felt as though there was nothing in our trailer that suggested that it was a 15 rather than a 12A.

In films that are classified as a 12A they are not generally suitable for children aged 12 and under. Those under the age of 12 are not allowed to see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult, it is then down to the adult responsible for the child to decide on whether the film is suitable for that child to see.

Here are somethings which are to expected in a 12A film:

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs

Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Imitable Behaviour

No promotion of potentially dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons such as knives. No endorsement of anti-social behaviour.

Language

There may be moderate language. Strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency within the work as a whole and any special contextual justification.

Nudity

There may be nudity, but in a sexual context it must be brief and discreet.

Sex

Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Moderate sex references are permitted, but frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Threat

There may be moderate physical and psychological threat and horror sequences. Although some scenes may be disturbing, the overall tone should not be. Horror sequences should not be frequent or sustained.

Violence

There may be moderate violence but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and its depiction must be justified by context.

The main difference between a 12A certificated film and a 15 is that the different aspects, as described as above, aren't as in depth or frequently shown.