ELLIE GAWTHORPE
Age Regulations
In the UK a company called the British Board of Film Classification, or BBFC, for short, is the company that is
responsible for the age regulations of all films, T.V shows and commercials in the UK. The BBFC strive to protect
children from films which could be too unsuitable and potentially harmful to them. Therefore, before films are
allowed to be sent to the public they are checked over by the BBFC and are given the correct age rating.
The company has been around since 1912 and has been responsible for all films that are sent through the
cinema or publishing process.
The following are the age regulations which are used in Cinema/Film, and T.VRATING
UUnivers
al
PGParent
al
Guidan
ce
DETAILS
ALLOWED
NOT ALLOWED/ MODERATIONS
Universal films
are permitted to
children over
the age of 4.
Universal films
are always
aimed towards
children as they
never
concentrate on
negative
themes for a
long duration of
time. Meaning
that adults can
let children
watch these
films without
getting upset. If
children do get
upset at any
time during the
duration of a U
film, then
perhaps the film
contained
content that
was not meant
for little
children. If this
was the case,
then the film
would have to
be reevaluated.
PG films can
also be watched
by anyone,
however if
young children
are going to
watch a PG film
(under the age
of 8) adults
should be
advised to look
at the nature of
the film before
letting children
watch; As some
PG films may
have scenes
that are
.Discrimination- Can only be shown if
characters in the film disapprove of the language
used.
.Drugs- Only references can be made. Anti-drug
messages are used if any drugs are involved with
the film
.Imitable behaviour- All anti-social/ dangerous
behaviour must be shown as a negative.
.Bad language- Very infrequent usage of mild
language E.g- Crap,
.Nudity- No realistic depictions of nudity are
allowed to be used, there must also be no sexual
context.
.Sex- Only very mild behaviour such as kissing.
.Threat- Only mild and short scenes that have
reassuring endings and no overall bad outcome.
.Violence- Any violence shown must be very
mild, or slapstick. As many U films are animated
scenes of violence can be made unrealistic so
that they cannot be re-created. E.g- Fights
between fantasy characters using magic wands
etc.
It is especially important that Universal
films show the difference between right and
wrong. This is done so that children can
understand what is socially acceptable and
what is not. As well as that, children must
not be worried or upset by what they had
seen in the film
.Discrimination- Any scenes that could potentially be
aimed at the main character of the film cannot be
shown. Children may become upset if
.Drugs- No real use of drugs, glamorisation, or scenes
that show drugs.
.Imitable behaviour- Potentially dangerous items are
not permitted to be shown, neither are anti-social
actions that are easy to re-create.
.Bad language- Anything that is above mild language
is strictly prohibited. Mild language itself must not be too
frequent either.
.Nudity- No real nudity can be shown. The only time it
can be used is in cartoons that have animals. For
example- Whiney The Pooh. Any nudity shown must
have no link whatsoever with sexual contact.
.Sex- Anything that is more than kissing is prohibited.
.Threat- No realistic threat is allowed as this could scare
children. Even threat in cartoons must not be linked with
anything that could take place in the real world.
.Violence- Anything other than slapstick fights or mild
violence is not allowed to be show. No mention of
weapons is allowed either. Meaning that they cannot be
spoken about or shown.
.Discrimination- Can only be shown if
characters in the film disapprove of the language
used. It can also be used if the language used is
related to an educational or historical context.
.Drugs- Only references can be made. Anti-drug
messages are used if any drugs are involved with
the film.
.Imitable behaviour- All anti-social/ dangerous
behaviour must be shown as a negative. Yet it
can still be used if it is justified for the role of a
character.
.Bad language- Very infrequent usage of mild
language E.g- Crap, or Hell, these swears
however cannot directed at people
.Nudity- Mild scenes of nudity can be shown for
short durations of time. Also conversations that
include implications of sexual activity can be
used, yet they must be discreet and infrequent.
.Discrimination- Discrimination must not be used by
any characters that children my look up to or idolise.
Discrimination may turn into imitable behaviour if this
was the case. As children who look up to characters are
thought to try and imitate what they see as some part of
them wants to be like their favourite characters etc.
.Drugs- No real use of drugs, glamorisation, or scenes
that show drugs.
.Imitable behaviour- Potentially dangerous items like
guns and knives must not be glamorised or seen to be
easy to access. Scenes of danger must not be able to be
imitated, and anti-social behaviour must not be shown
as fun.
.Bad language- Anything that is above mild language
is strictly prohibited. Mild language itself must not be too
frequent either.
.Nudity- No prolonged scenes of nudity or obvious
mentions of sexual activity
ELLIE GAWTHORPE
12A12
Advisor
y
12
unsettling for
young children.
E.g- Innuendos.
.Sex- Only very mild behaviour such as kissing.
.Threat- Only short scenes of threat and danger
can be used.
.Violence- Mild to moderate violence can be
used so long as it lacks detail.
Children who
are 12 can see
this film without
an adult
present. Also,
children under
the age of 12
can still see the
movie, if they
attend the film
with an adult.
Many adults
normally dont
take underage
children to 12a
movies as they
can still show
certain scenes
that can be
considered for
the viewing of
an older
audience.
.Discrimination- Discrimination can be used but
must not be used frequently. However, aggressive
scenes can be used if the actions of the character
using the discriminating language are heavily
punished sometime in the duration of the film.
.Drugs- Drug use can be shown without much
detail, this however must remain infrequent.
.Bad Imitable behaviour- All anti-social/
dangerous behaviour must be shown as a
negative. Yet it can still be used if it is justified for
the role of a character.
.Bad language- Moderate language can be
used. E.g- Shit, the use of bad language can be
directed at people
Strong language too can be used, but must
remain infrequent.
.Nudity- Nudity can be shown. Yet, if it is shown
in a sexual way then it must be discreet,
infrequent and not prolonged.
.Sex- Very brief sexual content can be shown.
Sexual related conversations also can be used.
.Threat- Moderate physical and psychological
threat scenes are allowed to be shown. These
scenes can be unsettling or disturbing as well.
.Violence- Moderate violence can be shown, and
sexual violence too can be briefly implied. Mild
gore is permitted also.
Any one under
the age of 12 is
not advised to
watch a 12
rated movie.
Even if they are
with an adult or
a person older
than them
selves. 12 rated
films go straight
to DVD. For 12a
and 12 films
according to the
BBFC for kids,
12a and 12s
contain simlar
footage. The
only main
difference with
these films is
that parents can
decide if they
want to take
underage
children in to a
cinema etc.
12 films have the same restrictions as
a 12a film
12 films have the same restrictions as a 12a
film
.Discrimination- Discrimination can be used but
must not be used frequently. However, aggressive
scenes can be used if the actions of the character
using the discriminating language are heavily
punished sometime in the duration of the film.
.Drugs- Drug use can be shown without much
detail, this however must remain infrequent.
.Bad Imitable behaviour- All anti-social/
dangerous behaviour must be shown as a
negative. Yet it can still be used if it is justified for
the role of a character.
.Bad language- Moderate language can be
used. E.g- Shit.
Strong language too can be used, but must
remain infrequent.
.Nudity- Nudity can be shown. Yet, if it is shown
in a sexual way then it must be discreet,
infrequent and not prolonged.
.Sex- Very brief sexual content can be shown.
Sexual related conversations also can be used.
.Threat- Moderate physical and psychological
threat scenes are allowed to be shown. These
scenes can be unsettling or disturbing as well.
.Violence- Moderate violence can be shown, and
sexual violence too can be briefly implied. Mild
gore is permitted also.
.Discrimination- Racist, homophobic and
discriminative themes and language can be used
.Discrimination- Offensive behaviour that goes
unpunished is not permitted. Similar behaviour is not to
be used by a main protagonist for example. As they can
be idolised and looked up to. If this is the case then they
could make it seem socially acceptable to use
discriminating language to others.
.Drugs- Drugs must not be glamorised and scenes of
drug use must not depict how the drug is administrated.
.Bad Imitable behaviour- Potentially dangerous items
like guns and knives must not be glamorised or seen to
be easy to access. And anti-social behaviour must not be
shown as fun.
.Bad language- Frequent use of moderate language
can be seen as taboo. And stronger language is not
widely accepted.
.Nudity- Scenes of prolonged nudity need to be discreet
and mustnt contain a lot of detail.
.Sex-Sexual content must not be shown for too long.
And sex references etc, must be infrequent and not too
suggestive or crude.
.Threat- Overall scenes must not be seen frequently or
last for a long duration. As well as this the scene that
shows threat must not have a lasting effect on the rest
of the film.
.Violence- No emphasis of pain, blood or injures.
Any one under
the age of 15 is
.Sex- Anything that is more than kissing is prohibited.
.Threat- Scenes that show threat for a prolonged period
of time may be not accepted. Also, if the film shows
threat that is too intense it might result in the film
becoming a 12a or 12.
.Violence- No scenes that show actual bodily or
psychological harm.
.Discrimination- Offensive behaviour that goes
unpunished is not permitted. Similar behaviour is not to
be used by a main protagonist for example. As they can
be idolised and looked up to. If this is the case then they
could make it seem socially acceptable to use
discriminating language to others.
.Drugs- Drugs must not be glamorised and scenes of
drug use must not depict how the drug is administrated.
.Bad Imitable behaviour- Potentially dangerous items
like guns and knives must not be glamorised or seen to
be easy to access. And anti-social behaviour must not be
shown as fun.
.Bad language- Frequent use of moderate language
can be seen as taboo. And stronger language is not
widely accepted.
.Nudity- Scenes of prolonged nudity need to be discreet
and mustnt contain a lot of detail.
.Sex-Sexual content must not be shown for too long.
And sex references etc, must be infrequent and not too
suggestive or crude.
.Threat- Overall scenes must not be seen frequently or
last for a long duration. As well as this the scene that
shows threat must not have a lasting effect on the rest
of the film.
.Violence- No emphasis of pain, blood or injures.
.Discrimination- Scenes of discrimination must not be
seen as acceptable.
ELLIE GAWTHORPE
15
18
not advised to
watch a 15
rated movie. It
is strickly
prohibited for a
child to watch a
15 film. This is
because the
nature of these
films can upset
the yonger
audiences.
Expecially as
now there is an
increased use of
high quality CGI,
that at times,
can make it
difficult to
distinguish what
is real and what
is not.
.Drugs- The taking of lesser drugs, like
Marijuana, can be shown for infrequent sections
of the film.
.Bad Imitable behaviour- Dangerous behaviour
to ones self and others can be shown. E.g- Selfharming and suicide.
.Bad language- Words such as Shit, are
permitted. Stronger swears such as Fuck, can
be used, but must be infrequent.
.Nudity- Nudity is allowed, and can be used
anytime in the duration of the film and can last
for longer periods of time. It can also be linked in
with sexual context.
.Sex- Scenes of sexual activity can be shown
more than what would have been acceptable in a
12a or 12 rated film. Conversations that include
strong references to sexual behaviour/activity are
also permitted.
.Strong Threat- Themes of strong threat and
horror are permitted for the entirety of the film
.Violence- Intense themes of violence and death
can be shown. Gore can be shown as well.
References to sexual violence can be explained in
more detail.
.Hard Drugs- Hard Drug use is limited in 15 films, as
this age rating is not supposed to show the use of hard
drugs E.g- Cocaine, heroin, ecstasy. On the same hand,
easy access substances such as aerosols or solvents,
must not be shown as they can be easily bought in the
real world. Drugs also must not be glamorised and
scenes of drug use must not depict how the drug is
administrated.
.Bad Imitable behaviour- Themes of suicide and selfharm should not be shown for long as these can be
considered imitable behaviours. On top of that, weapons
still should not be seen as easy to get. Yet this will
depend on factors such as realism, context and setting
that are to do with the film.
.Bad language- The frequent use of strong language is
not usually something that is seen in 15 films. However,
frequent strong language can be used in scenes of high
intensity only.
.Nudity
.Sex- In conversation, very strong sex references may
not be permitted unless they only last for a short period
of time. Strong details of sex and nudity are not widely
accepted. However, like the references, they can be
included if they last for a short duration.
.Strong Threat- Sustained focus on sadistic/ sexual
threat is unlikely to be shown or hinted.
.Violence- The detail of infliction or pain is something
that is not often seen. Strong depictions of gore cannot
be shown either. Sadistic/sexual threat is very unlikely to
occur in the duration of the film. If it does, it needs to be
discreet and short.
Any one under
the age of 18 is
not advised to
watch an 18
rated movie.
Like 15 films, it
is strickly
prohibited for a
minor to watch
an 18 film. This
is because the
extreme nature
of these films
can deeply
upset the
yonger
audience, as
they cannot
always tell
reality from
fantasy.
Expecially as
now there is an
increased use of
high quality CGI,
that at times,
can make it
difficult to
distinguish what
is real and what
is not.
.Discrimination- Racist, homophobic and
discriminative themes and language can be used
to an extreme level.
.Hard Drugs- All drugs from all different classes
can be shown and will often be glamorised,
depending on what the film is about.
E.g- Pulp fiction, a thriller/gangster film by
Quentin Tarantino, at one point makes the drug
heroin glamorised by showing the main character
in a happy chilled out manner.
.Bad Imitable behaviour- All imitable
behaviours can be shown and in high detail and
can be shown constantly throughout the duration
of a film.
.Bad language- All different kinds of bad
language can be used. There is no restriction on
what can be said, and who by.
.Nudity- Full nudity can be shown and can be
linked with sexual context.
.Sex- Scenes of sex can be shown without having
any restrictions on time or frequency.
.Strong Threat- Strong physical and
psychological threat scenes are allowed to last for
any duration of time, there is also not limit on
how many times threat can be shown. Anxiety
inducing scenes can also be used for effect on the
audience.
.Violence- All violence is permitted. Pain and
injuries can be shown in strong detail and
extreme gore can also be used. Sexual violence
and mentions of sexual violence can too be
shown with just as much detail. Characters can
be seen killed on screen in realistic and gruesome
.Discrimination- Discrimination that will not be
tolerated can only is found in films that link the
discrimination within a society in real life. E.g- The film
Midnight Express, received many complaints over the
use of over excessive racial slurs. This happened as the
film was linked to a real life issue. However, the script
was dramatized for effect, yet it created massive
problems that lasted for many years. Other than that it
can be used as often as wanted if it is related to a
historical event that depicts old beliefs etc.
.Hard Drugs- Even though there is no restriction on
drug use in 18 films, there will often be a ending to the
film that makes the drug of choice seem horrific and
potentially life destroying. For example- The film
Trainspotting, is based around the use of heroin. At the
end of the film all the characters have gone through
great heartache and many will never lead a normal life.
.Bad Imitable behaviour- Films that contain scenes
that are on the topic of self-harm e.g- drug abuse,
suicide, etc) should have some type of warning on them.
As sometimes in films people may imitate behaviours
that they have seen on films as it could relate to a past
experience, and this could cause them to relate back to
old habits. Or they could be influenced by what they
have seen. Film makers are careful to the extent of what
imitable behaviours they include.
.Bad language-As bad language can be used at any
point in the duration of the film and as frequently as
wanted, some people who watch 18 films may pick up
swearing habits, etc, as the use of swearing is massively
normalised. In a film, any actor over the age of 18 has
no restriction on bad language. The only time when
swearing is not as widely accepted is when children on
ELLIE GAWTHORPE
ways. This can be shown through the duration of
the film very frequently.
Basically an 18 film has very few
restrictions on what cannot be shown,
young adults are doing the swearing. E.g- a child aged 6.
This is because many people believe that children should
not swear. Therefore, the use of bad language from
children and young adults is monitored.
.Nudity- If nudity is shown for prolonged periods of time
then the film may go to editing to remove certain
scenes. Nudity at inappropriate times can be frowned
upon as it may reinforce the idea that being naked is
socially acceptable.
.Sex- The only sexual content that cannot be shown in
an 18 film is up close scenes of sexual activity. Also,
scenes of prolonged sexual violence are not widely
accepted by film companies.
.Strong Threat- Scenes that depict actual threat and
harm to the actor in the film will not be tolerated. Also,
some scenes that depict real life threats may have to be
edited if they are too extreme. As even threat scenes
from 18 films still have the ability to upset adults.
.Violence- Scenes of sadistic/ sexual violence will not
be tolerated if it seems to be appealing to the viewer in
any way. If this was the case, then the concept of sexual
violence may be reinforced in a positive way. This would
result in the idea of sexual violence being something
that is not considered as harmful.
It is very rare that an 18 film needs to be edited to
remove themes that are too gruesome, etc.
An example of this can be seen in the UK version
of Human Centipede 2. The film was said to
have had 32 different cuts made as. This was
because the film was too heavily linked with
depictions of sadistic acts and horrific settings.
Many adults who had seen the film still recalled
having anxious feeling even after the cuts were
made.
Age ratings in different countriesDeadpool, is an example of a film that has a higher age rating than in other countries. This is because
Deadpool uses many different types of dangerous weapons to kill and injure people throughout the film. As well
as this, all the weapons in the film are made to seem easy to access with no restriction on the amount of them
that can be shown. In the UK this film is rated 15. However, in America, this film is rated 18 or R. This is
because gun crime is a real life issue in America; this is mainly because the law on guns states that people
legally have the right to own a gun. As this is the case, the film is not allowed to be shown to the adolescent
audience, as many film makers believe that teens may become influenced by the film and the actions of the
characters. Especially since Deadpool, the main protagonist is made out to be a person who is charismatic,
witty and crude. These three traits appeal to a younger audience, as they represent how some younger people
want to be perceived. Due to this, Deadpool is a character who is likely to be idolised by the younger audience.
Yet, the film industry in America does not want this to be the case, as the actions shown may influence fans of
the film to become anti-social etc, in an attempt to recreate the persona of Deadpool. Therefore, the film
industry has set the age rating to 18/ R, as adults are expected to understand scenes of fantasy violence more
successfully than the younger adolescent audience.
Some examples of films from different categories
Finding Nemo is a popular childrens film that can be enjoyed by anyone. As the age rating is
Universal or U, scenes that show any negativity will be either not be included, or they will either
be very short. From what I can recall, the only scary scene is at the very beginning of the film, in
which Coral, the Mother of Nemo, and all the unhatched eggs are taken away and eaten by a
barracuda. This scene however is not shown, as the point of view in the film is of Marlin, Nemos
Father, who gets knocked unconscious. As this is the case, none of the unfortunate event is
shown. If it was shown, children would become very upset and would probably have to stop
watching the film. If Finding Nemo included any scenes that contained prolonged scenes of
Home Alone
a PG film
that
is age
famous
for the
use have
of slapstick
It contains
scenes
in which
violence
or isthreat
then
the
rating
could
been comedy.
changed
to a PG.many
Overall,
other
than the
the
antagonists Harry and Marv get attacked by traps set up by the main protagonist, Kevin. The majority of these
incidents could be considered to be life threatening. For example the leader of the two criminals, Harry, gets
his head set on fire (this becomes a recurring prank that occurs in the second film as well). If this were to
happen in real life, then someone would most likely die. Therefore, the age rating of PG is suitable as children
over the age of 8 will know not to imitate this behavior. Children who are younger than the age of 8, or who
are easily influenced by actions in films, should not be allowed to watch this film. The protagonist Kevin
McCallister , is the type of person that can be idolised by younger children. He could become some type of role
model to the younger audience as he has many traits that appeal to children. E.g- Kevin is portrayed as a
character who is funny, imaginative, intelligent and rebellious. These traits, along with his actions in the film,
ELLIE GAWTHORPE
Hunger Games is a 12a film meaning that children at the age of 12 can see this on their own, or children
under the age of 12 can see the film with a parent or guardian. The Hunger Games has a reasonably good
ending as the two main protagonists, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark both survive. Even though this is the
case, the film itself is based on survival of the fittest in which young people aged 12-18, are sent to a battle
ground in which they must kill each other to survive. The idea behind this is actually quite horrific. The only
reason why The Hunger isnt a 15 age rated film is because the death scenes do not go into much detail; and
the concept of pain is not dwelled on for a long duration of time, If this were to be the case, then the film
would have to be given a higher age rating. For a 12a film, many scenes that are unsuitable for children are
shown on many occurrences. For example the scene that shows the characters being chased by wild dogs
could be seen as anxiety inducing to younger children; as many different unnatural and unexplainable sound
effects had been used alongside with a night time scene. This scene lasts for around 5 minutes and it results
in the violent death of another tribute. If this scene were to continue for much longer, then I believe that the
Donnie Darko is a 15 age rated film, and for good reasons too. Even though the film is based around the life of
teenagers, it contains many scenes that would be too disturbing for children and younger teens.
The film is heavily linked with mental health issues such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, anger issues
etc.
Donnie Darko himself is a paranoid schizophrenic, meaning that he has delusions that people are trying to do
him harm. As this is the case, he makes a new friend called Frank. Frank alone, is a 6 foot tall humanoid
bunny rabbit that follows Donnie around. This is something that can be quite unsettling to the viewer as Frank
has an expressionless face. This is because he is wearing a mask. This results in a mild anxiety of the viewer
as they are unsure of who or what Frank is.
As the film progresses we learn that Frank makes Donnie do bad things that he is unaware of. E.g- Like
flooding his school. Other actions of potentially life threatening anti-social behaviour are also shown
Fight Club is a film that is renowned for being violent. In fact, the film itself is constructed around the belief
that violence and anti-social behaviour is the one true only key into finding true freedom. Anti-capitalist ideas
are mentioned throughout the film and these create a lasting impact on the viewer. On a whole, the thought
provoking film forces the audience to look deeper into the meaning of what a society actually is. The
conclusion according to the film being; that the modern life that we live is completely pointless.
Basically we wake up, we go to work, we come home, and we go to bed.
This cycle more or less continues until we die. This idea unfortunately, is somewhat based on reality. Fight
Club delivers this message in a way that makes the criminal way of life appear normalised and far more
interesting than reality. Therefore, the film has an age rating of 18; as it has the ability to manipulate viewers
into perhaps agreeing with certain elements of the film, that violence and breaking the rules is the real
meaning to life.
My Trailer/ Film Opening Scene
I will use an age rating of 15 for my horror trailer/ film opening scene. This is because in my film I would want to
have the following featured:
Imitable behaviour- Scenes that would involve people breaking and ignoring rules/signs. For example- my
film would be set in an area that allows no trespassers.
Committing acts like damage to buildings, such as throwing bricks and stones at windows.
These imitable behaviours I believe would be safe to show to adolescents as they will all most likely understand
the difference between right and wrong.
Bad language- The frequent use of moderate swear words such as shit. And the very occasional use of
strong swear words. Yet this would only be said in times of hardship or times of extreme fright; as the use of
strong swear words in a scene like this would make the overall feel of the scene more intense and frightening.
Strong Threat- Scenes of threat will only occur when the unknown antagonist is present or lurking around. Yet,
as this is a horror film, scenes of threat will most likely be very frequent and will last for a long duration of time
as the build-up of suspense needs to be successful in order to scare the audience.
Violence- Films with an age rating of 15 are still allowed to show quite a bit of violence. The only defence is
that no strong graphic detail can be used in the inflicted injuries. As my film would be concentrating more on
ELLIE GAWTHORPE
the idea of suspense and jump scares, the use of heavy violence would not be needed. This does not mean to
say that I wouldnt include any violence in my film. Its just that the violence used would be shown for a shorter
duration of time.
The reason why I have not set the age rating to 18 is because Id like to showcase my film to
teenagers, like myself. On the same hand, my film would have no need for the use of hard drugs or
nudity etc, and therefore would be better suited for an age rating of 15. On a whole anyway, I
would not want to include too much graphic violence as it could take away the feeling of suspense
in my film. The main scary features to my film would be the use of jump scares such as loud sounds
and special effects; such as screaming, door slamming etc, and flashing lights, moving shadows
and falling debris.
