BBFC research

BBFC: British Board of Film

Classification
Before a film can be released, it needs
to be given an age rating. This defines
how mature the audience needs to be
before they watch a movie. In the UK
it is the BBFC who are responsible for
rating any and all movies, and the
rating is usually given at the same
time as the trailer comes out.
The current system has been in place
since 2002.
Rating symbols and what they mean
(part 1)
All ages admitted, there is
nothing unsuitable for children.
All ages admitted, but certain scenes
may be unsuitable for young
children. May contain mild language
and sex/drugs references. May
contain moderate violence if justified
by context (e.g. fantasy).
(12A) Cinema only. Introduced in 2002. Films under this category are considered to be
unsuitable for very young people. Those aged under 12 years are only admitted if
accompanied by an adult, aged at least 18 years, at all times during the motion picture.
However, it is generally not recommended that children under 12 years should watch
the film. Films under this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft
drugs, moderate swear words, infrequent strong language and moderate violence, sex
references and nudity. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sexual
violence may be implied or briefly indicated.
(12) Home media only since 2002. 12A-rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for
the VHS/DVD version unless extra material has been added that requires a higher
rating. Nobody younger than 12 can rent or buy a 12-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD
or game. The content guidelines are identical to those used for the 12A certificate.
 Rating symbols and what they mean
(part 2)
Only those over 15 years are admitted. Nobody younger than 15 can rent or buy a
15-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with
this rating. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs,
frequent strong language and limited use of very strong language, strong violence
and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may
be portrayed but without any strong detail. Sexual violence may be shown if
discreet and justified by context.

Only adults are admitted. Nobody younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18-rated
VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this
rating. Films under this category do not have limitation on the bad language that
is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and explicit sex references along with
detailed sexual activity are also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be
permitted if justified by the context. Very strong, gory, and/or sadistic violence is
usually permitted. Strong sexual violence is permitted unless it is eroticized or
excessively graphic.
Trailer types
Trailers come in two types: green and red
band. All films will have a green band trailer
that is approved for viewing by all audiences Green band trailers start with
as they do not contain any inappropriate the above image
content. However, for mature rated movies
(15 and 18 rated), whilst they will have a
green band trailer that they can show in the
cinema, they will also have red band trailers
that advertise the film as its really going to
be. These can typically be found on the
company website, but wont appear in the
Red band trailers start with
cinema or on public TV. the above image