Target Audience

Classification.

Research Sourced and Information written are quoted reference to the BBFC guidelines.

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/download/guidelines/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202009.pdf

As part of my research into film classification I used the British Board of Film Classification so I can broaden my knowledge on how they classify their films. As part of my research I was using the BBFC Classification Guidelines 2009 which is an institution that is non governmental and follows a number of Acts put in place to determine their classification. For example the BBFC "classifies films on behalf of local authorities who license cinemas under the Licensing Act 2003".

When deciding what classification to give a film there are a number of factors that have to be placed into context, these include: The expectation of the public in general and the works audience, The works genre, The  manner in which a issue is presented and the apparent intention of the film maker. For example if the work was produced and intended for educational reasons.


There is a huge amount of detail placed into the classification of films and takes a long time to read all of the information that are written in the guidelines. Of course there are "main issues" that film makers like to add to their films for originality and can work their narratives around it, for example a number of British films that we have seen have added the representation of youth via smoking, drinking, sex and drugs.

We as a group must consider these main issues that include; Discrimination, Drugs, Language, Horror, Imitable Behavior (scenes of violence and criminal activity), Nudity, Sex, and Violence. Below I have addressed in more detail the different classifications that are used.

U (Universal)


A film with a U classification must be suitable for all audiences aged four and above and should be set within a positive moral. I believe that our film would not be suitable with the classification U as I believe there are some scenes that are unsuitable for audiences of a younger age.

PG (Parental Guidance)


In my opinion my groups film is situated at this level of classification as it may put younger children on edge due to the sensitivity of the narrative and confrontation between characters.

12/12A (Suitable for 12 years and over)

Films rated as 12/12A may contain images or language that parents/guardians may find unsuitable for children or equally may upset children. 

The classification that we have decided to place on our film is a 12. The reason why we have chosen this classification is due to the hard hitting narrative that we have decided to challenge. Many children may not understand what the film is about and being an independent film production it will only have saturated release into the public domain.