BBFC
[The British Board Of Film Classification]
The BBFC is responsible for the national classification and age ratings of films and video games. The ratings of films are important as they inform the viewer about the content. For instance, films may include unsuitable and even harmful scenes which may not be appropriate for younger viewers [Drugs, violence, discrimination, language and sex]
The Differences between “15” rated films and “18” rated films
Language: In 15 rated films there may be strong language however words such as, “c**t” can only be used occasionally and depending on the situation it is used in. Whereas, in 18 rated films strong language can be used at any given time. Violence: Violence may be strong but the film should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. There also may be a strong threat and horror in 15 rated films. However, the depiction of sexual violence must be discreet and justified by the content. Whereas, in 18 rated films, they can show pictures of violent behavior and an amount of sexually violence such as rape may be shown. Drugs: Drugs can be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse in 15 rated films. However in the age certificate 18 the use of drugs in details can be shown. Sex & Nudity Within films rated 15 sexual activity may be portrayed but usually without strong detail. In 18 rated films
Ouija Ouija has the age rating certificate “15” This is because of the strong horror and sustained threat. For instance, within Ouija there is a threat of a physical and psychological nature, as characters use the Ouija board and are terrorized by spirits. There is a sighting of a young girl whose lips have been sewn together, a girl who gets caught up in electric lights and is seen hanging from the ceiling, and a character who becomes possessed as her eyes go white and her head hits a bathroom sink. Several other characters are possessed or chased by spirits and there is threat from a female spirit with a disfigured face. There is use of moderate and mild bad language such as, 'bitch' and 'shit', as well as a use of discriminatory language when a girl calls her friend a 'spaz'. Therefore, because there isn't a constant use of foul language and the film doesn’t dwell on the use of violence and aggression Ouija is rated a “15”.
Saw Saw has the age rating certificate of 18 this is because of the constant showing of violence and gore within the film. For instance, there is a scene shown where the Police find a dead body of a man ripped apart with barbed wire. Grisly photographs are seen, and the police officer says that "he cut himself so deep that they found traces of stomach acid on the floor.� Furthermore, many scenes within the film show blood / blood being splashed and bare skin. Within saw, it dwells upon gore and blood. Furthermore the film also uses diegetic sounds such as, the sound of bones breaking and skin being cut when a man is cutting his leg off. This is used to frighten the audience as its illustrated in a violent and brutal way. Therefore, because of the way that the film dwells on the pain and injury the age certificate is 18.
Influence on our final film In our final movie, my group and I are going to refer to the BBFC when adding in aspects to build the tension and to frighten the audience. We are aiming to achieve this with the age rating certificate "15". This is because it will be our largest target audience, and it will mean we will get the most viewers as it's in the area of our own age. Therefore, the amount of gore in our final piece will be limited to make it suitable to pass the age certificate 15. Although my group and I haven't discussed the content of our final film movie yet we will stick to the requirements for a 15 rating, regarding to gore, violence and strong language.