BBFC

About the BBFC

The British Board of Film Classification was created by the film industry to ensure that films are seen by the correct audience. For example, if a film is rated PG then the film is suitable for a child of any age but any child under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The BBFC also deals with video games as well as Cinema and DVD ratings. Any video game with a particular theme or content must be submitted to the BBFC in the same way as videos, to receive a legally binding rating.


The meaning of each certificate rating



No age limit, nothing unsuitable for children.

General viewing, some scenes not suitable for ages 8 and under.


Suitable for only ages 12 and over. Anyone under 12 can watch if accompanied by someone over the age of 8.

Suitable for anyone aged 12 or over.

Suitable for anyone aged 15 or over.

Suitable for anyone aged 18 or over.

For adults only, may only be shown at licensed cinemas and sold in sex shops.

The BBFC and their advisers are licensed to issue cuts in films and scenes in order to meet particular standards and certificate ratings. This only happens on borderline ratings or when a distributor has asked for a particular rating. It is then the distributor’s decision to decide whether or not to delete the scenes or to show the movie at all.

Movie examiners who work for the BBFC are required to watch at least 5 hours and 20 minutes of media or a maximum of 35 hours per week.

Looking at the BBFC helps me to evaluate what I need to create for my two minute thriller opening. I need to be looking at the content within my piece and if any particular content, how i will show it within the aspect of film. For example, if I have a scene where someone is murdered, do i show the murder or do I use different techniques to show that a murder has been committed?