Visiting the BBFC and classification of Our Horror Film

On January 24th, I, along with my media class, visited The British Board of Film Classification in London. We were introduced to a member of staff there who advanced to running an interactive presentation on the BBFC and film classifications. The BBFC hold the duty of classifying and censoring all films and video works discharged in the UK, as well as producing consumer advice listing references to violence, sex and coarse language among a variety of other things. Those over the certified age of a product can legally purchase it. The classifications used by the BBFC have changed significantly over time to mould to different generations and their outlooks. There are currently 6 different classifications used, which are as follows: U, PG, 12A, 12, 15, 18.
 

We were spoken to about the process it takes in order to classify a film on the higher side of classifications (15 and 18). In order to be classified highly on the list, a film must be deemed inappropriate for younger audiences due to the reoccurring themes of violence, sex and drug use, as well as other unsuitable themes: these also include discrimination (based on gender, sexuality, disability, religion or race), sexual violence, and peadophilia. The frequency of these themes, as well as their graphic and/or explicit nature, are what is the deciding factor of whether a video work is classified as a 15 or 18. It is also the BBFC's duty for making any necessary cuts to any video work. Cuts are often made if distributors request a less-restrictive rating, and are most commonly to any scenes of drug use, violence, or sex/sexual violence. An example of this comes from The Woman In Black, where the BBFC cut several seconds of footage showing a young girl being burned alive in order to obtain the classification of a 12A as opposed to a 15.

Regarding our own media project, it is important that we asses the themes featured. Whilst there are no reoccurring themes of violence, sex or drug or abuse, our last scene does display some aspects of violence. This is due to our paranormal antagonist attacking our main character whilst she screams for help. Although, this is not seen as significantly violent, we must take our younger viewers into consideration. For this reason we have classified our film at 15.