BBFC Certificates

Certificates - BBFC

U - U is for universal meaning anyone of any age group may watch the film and is generally (but not always) aimed at young children around 4 yrs old plus. As all young children are different we don't know exactly what will upset them so always the theme in these film are of a positive and moral nature. References to drugs (which is very rare in U classed films) or discrimination are strongly disapproved of and an educational element could be implemented. No sexual nudity, but natural nudity can be acceptable like for instance a man may have his top off.


PG - PG for Parental Guidance and is similar to U in the way its for everyone, but if a parent were to show this to their 4 yr old child they may want to view the content first to make sure nothing too rude or upsetting for the child to see. Bad language is unlikely in PG films, but if there are any they should be subtle in the way that they cannot be strong language and not offensive to viewers either. No sexual nudity but natural nudity is acceptable (like in U films)




12(A) - 12A meaning persons 12 yrs and over may view the film is a more grown up film in terms that a more adolescent/adult feel is give to the film. The 'A' part of the classification relates to Cinemas only, in that persons who are 12 wanting to see this film must be accompanied by an adult, however may purchase a 12 film on their own. If references to drugs or drug taking are raised in the film they should be infrequent and may have an educational reason or purpose. Moderate language is acceptable but very infrequent, eg 'fuck' can be used but only once. And as far as nudity goes there is strictly no genital nudity but other nudity can be discreet.

15 - No persons under 15 may view this film at a cinema, rent or buy to watch any film rated 15 (or 18 for that fact). Discriminatory references mustn't be endorsed by the film. Drug themes are acceptable but in no way should it glamorise or encourage drug use. Language is okay for this certificate and can be used in a more stronger context, eg 'fuck' or 'cunt' are the sort of words you can expect. Nudity is allowed only without strong detail to genital areas. As well as this sexual activity can be expected in some certain films but still with out strong detail

18 - Only suitable for persons ages 18 + may view this film anywhere. Most uses of bad language can be expected but is monitored for its extremity and some uses of language used may cause offence to some viewers. Explicit images of sexual activity is permitted but again not to extreme, eg genital nudity is permitted but to a degree.

Filming of short opening sequence

On friday me, Karl and Gina filmed a short 45 second opening sequence to a film. we used Karl as the male character and an extra called Natasha to play the female character. The plot was simple, boy meets girl he fancies in the hall way at college and asks her about her holiday and her boyfriend, he ofers his support and sympathy to her when she says its not going so well with her boyfriend and gives her his phone number. They walk off and he is then humiliated by bullies walking in the other direction, played by me and other classmates.

Working with karl and gina was a lot of fun, we were working and getting all the shots done to a good standard whilst having fun which shows our determination and skills in working together in a group. However, i found it difficult working with one of the extras who we picked randomly from a group of people walking in the hallway. He didn't seem like he was taking what we were doing seriously and caused delays in filming time, eventhough we finished early and were able to be in another groups film. After Paula spoke to him we got the first shot in and out of the way, which was of karl walking down the stairs behind a group of college students and into the hallway where the scene was shot.

From this experience i have learned that before filming, to save having to re-take a shot we will need to fill the actors in on exactly what we want them to say, when we want them to say it and how we are going to film it so there will be no confusion. Also, we will need to know exactly who we are going to chose to play a roll as an extra or main character instead of just picking random people to do the shot because they are unprepared and we don't know whether they are going to take the situation seriously.