Film classification

Films need age restrictions because not all films are suitable for kids, therefore each film must have a classification stating this age restriction. To do this, there are strict guidelines (made by the BBFC) that must be followed to set these classification, these guidelines are regularly updated so they are always making sure that the films are suitable for the age said. These classifications for all films are normally decided by 2 people, however, if they fail to come to a decision then it is passed on to more people to decide which classification the film shall receive. Most of the guidelines revolve around discrimination, drugs, horror, bad behaviour, nudity and sexual scenes, and violence. This is inappropriate for young children to watch and if they were to watch it, they could get extremely scared and have nightmares, or they could even copy the behaviour they see in the film and think its okay behaviour to have.

There are 7 classifications:

U - this is suitable for all, the stands for Universal and the films in this classification should be suitable for ages 4 and above, however it is hard to predict what so0em children are comfortable watching.
PG -  These types of films are usually suitable for ages 8 and above, the films shouldn't upset children but more sensitive children may be upset by the content so parents should consider this.
 12A - These films are for children aged 12 and above, they are not suitable for anyone under the age of 12. These types of films require an adult to accompany the child, the adult taking the child should consider whether or not the film is suitable for their child. The BBFC does not recommend letting children under 12 see these films.
12 - this is for 12 year olds and over, however, for these types of films, unlike 12A, the child doesn't need an adult accompanying them. There may be some sort of fighting scenes in these films but not with weapons which children can get hold of easily (such of knives), this is to minimise the chance of children copying violence.
 15 - Anyone under 15 is not allowed to see these films at the cinema or buy/rent them, this is because these films are not suitable for anyone under 15 as they contain violence, and some strong language, sexual references, nudity, discrimination and drug use. However violence and a lot strong language is not allowed to be continued throughout the entire film.
 18 - These films are only suitable for adults and no one under 18 can see them. 18's tend to have everything a 15 has but in stronger context, some 18's may actually have sex scenes whereas 15's wouldn't.
R18 -  These films are to only be shown in specially licensed cinemas, this is because there is explicit words consenting sex and strong fetish material.



The guidelines have been made based upon what the public find acceptable for each age group, to do this, every 4 or 5 years, BBFC consults the public (most likely by surveys) find out any concerns they have and to see if there has been any changes in the general public's attitude. If so, the guidelines will be altered/changed to suit these changes, this will ensure that the two major principles are met. These principles are, to ensure children and vulnerable adults are protected from potentially harmful and/or unsuitable content, and to empower customers, mostly parents/guardians, to make good viewing decisions for their children.

From this we have decided make our film a 15, this is because there will be some strong language, but not so much that it will have to be an 18, there also may be some violence in the film which means the film is not suitable for those under the age of 15.