BBFC: British Board of Film Classification

The BBFC which is the 'British Board of Film Classification' is a non- governmental organisation in the film industry. It classify's videos, DVD's and some video games which are under the 'Video Recordings Act 2010'. The BBFC first started in 1912, and began operating on 1st January 1913, which let cinemas have licenses. It was brought in for safety reasons.

Films which are going to be released in the cinema are age rated by a couple of the BBFC's examiners by using the guidelines which they have. They do this because it is the best way to make sure the age rating is the suitable age rating for the film. If an examiner is unsure about what age rating it is, for example a thriller such as 'SE7EN' being an 15 or 18, they would have to asked other members within the BBFC such as the director and presidential team, to be certain.

Universal- Suitable for all- ‘U’ film is normally suitable for anyone aged four years and over. These films should not have any scenes of violece, threat or horror in which could upset the younger audience.

PG- Parental Guidance-  A 'PG' film is for most people, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. However, if children are watching a PG film they should be supervised by a parent or adult. These film should not frighten a young child around the age of eight. 

Suitable for 12 years and over- The ‘12A’ group only exists for films which are shown in the cinema. This means that anyone younger than the age of 12 cannot see a '12A' film in the cinema, unless they have parental guidance.  

Suitable only for 15 years and over- '15' rated films mean that anyone younger than 15 cannot see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. It also means that anyone younger than 15 cannot rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work. 

Suitable only for adults- A '18' film is only suitable for adults, which means anyone younger than the age of 18 may not see the film in cinema. It also means that that anyone younger than 18 cannot buy or rent an 18 film. This is due to the inappropriate scenes or strong language and violence within a film.  

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years- The ‘R18’ group is a special and legally controlled classification mainly for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. These films can only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be sold to adults only in licensed sex shops. These films cannot be sent in the post as it might nor go to the right place. The following bullet-points are not acceptable: 

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law. 

• material including paedophilia, incest or rape which may include adults role-playing as non-adults

• the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent 

• the infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm

• penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm

• any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game. Strong physical or verbal abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.