BBFC Certification15

Jumana Ismail

The symbol of the 15 Certification

The 15 certification has a symbol that is very important as it is put on films to notify the potential audience that no one below the age of 15 is allowed to view this movie. It is completely restricted for any one below the age of 15 to watch the film at the cinema, or buy or rent a 15 rated movie. The symbol is very popular and well known to any audience, as it is a bbfc logo with a number 15 in the middle in the colour red.

15 Certification filmsIt is important to distinguish between a 15 rated film or video and any other certification. There are no prohibited themes in films with a 15 certification, however it is important that the things viewed in a 15 certification film are not seen in a certification that is below 15.

Usually in a 15 rated film or video will contain specific features that the bbfc recognises, in order for it to be given a 15 certification. One of the aspects that are common in 15 rated films is the use of frequent strong language and strong violence. As I have chosen my opening sequence to be a horror, through my research I have found out that the use of strong language and violence is usually viewed from the villain or the false hero towards the end of the film. This is important in horror films as the violence and strong language highlight the roles of the villain or any ‘bad’ character.Additionally, the depiction of sexual activity is also frequent in movies with a 15 certification. For example, sexual activity is usually present when the audience is introduced to the female character in horror movies, as it makes her character more appealing and attractive. As well as sexual activity, sexual nudity is also present as it relates to sexual activity present on the screen. Drug taking is also present and common in films with a 15 certification. According to the bbfc, the audience above the age of 15 is mature enough to view those kinds of aspects in a film. Drug taking is also usually present in the ‘bad’ characters, in order to set up an example to the audience how harmful it is to people.

Strong LanguageUsually in films with a 15 certification, strong language is acceptable and there is no specific limit on the number of times strong language occurs. On the other hand, very strong terms of language used may have a limit, depending on what situation they are used in or how many times. For example, words like “c***”. Aggressive language like this used continuously will not be acceptable as a 15 rated film.

The bbfc allows strong violence to be present in films rated 15. As the target audience to my film is 16-25 year olds, I think a certification of 15 would be appropriate due to the use of strong language that is current in my film.For example, in my opening sequence, I have decided that I will add in strong language in order to attract my target audience more. 16-25 year olds usually find strong language more interesting to listen to, as it reinforces danger in the movie, informing the audience that something negative is occurring.For example, in my opening sequence, the voices I want the protagonist to here will consist of a voice over of the villain screaming in Latin. However, the protagonist will be swearing to emphasise on how terrified she is.

In the 4th scene in the opening sequence, the protagonist will be saying “oh F**k, oh my God, F**k, sh*t”. This allows my audience to realise how terrified she is about the voices that are following her. The fact that the villain will appear at the end of the that will reinforce the danger she is in.

Strong ViolenceAs it is a 15 certification, strong violence is acceptable, however there are still limits. The violence that is not likely to be acceptable in movies that are 15 rated would be gory images and it shouldn't dwell on the infliction of pain and injury.

It is important that strong violence is present in my horror film, as horror films consist of build up tension and suspense. The fact that I will include strong violence in my film will excite the audience whilst watching the film, as well as scare them, and this is the whole point of a horror.There will be no strong violence appearing in my opening sequence, as I have decided to keep it towards the middle of my film in order to build up intensity. I personally think that adding in strong violence in the opening sequence would not be as exciting as it would be used throughout the whole film and become a common aspect.In the last part of my film, I am going to add in strong violence by making the villain attack the hero, in order to prevent the hero from saving the main character, Niamh. Additionally, strong violence will also be added in when the villain harms the protagonist in the middle part of my film.

Discriminatory Language

Discriminatory language consists of racist, homophobic or other offensive language. However, when it comes to a 15 rating , the film as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Therefore, in my film I have decided that I will only include a small and limited amount of discriminatory language.For example, in the middle part of my film, I will include discriminatory language coming from the villain talking to the main character. When the protagonist is trying to escape from the villain, the villain says:“Come here girl, I know you British such at running away.” This is a discriminative comment as the villain is saying something negative about the protagonist, especially when the villain is not from Britain.

Moreover, there will be additional discriminatory language used in my film that is towards a rubbish cleaner in the streets who try to save the main character. The villain will say to the rubbish bin cleaner, “ Move out of my face you dirty cleaner, move away from me, I only speak to the rich.” This is a clear example of discriminatory language which is why only the audience above 15 is able to view it.