Classification...

One very important aspect of creating a film idea from scratch is always thinking about your target audience. By keeping in mind the target audience, I Can ensure I am do very accordingly and effectively as it will always relate back to the market I am creating this film for. In order to put a classification onto my film I decided to do some background research on how films are classified, included the basis for categorising them as PG or an 18. I have decided to do this as it will make my research more professional and conventional; to the industry standards.

Classification is very important as it creates an idea of what kind of film you are paying to watch and the type of content it has. In Britain the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) has to classify films by law before they are shown to the audience. This makes sure that certain content isn't shown to the wrong age group. the BBFC have guidelines to classify a film and have the power to classify a film a higher or lower rating, for example if the target audience of a film was a 12A, The BBFC have the power to make a 15 if they deem it as not appropriate for a 12A. This should rarely happen as distribution companies should always relate to their target audience and judge most decisions whether it is appropriate and suits the chosen target audience as the classification of the film will pave the way for the marketing campaign of a film.

The BBFC base their guidelines on three main considerations:

1. Legal - Whether material may break the law or breach legalities of obscenity, equality, incitement and the protection of children.

2. Protective- Whether material is scrutinised  for its potential to cause harm. However this is an area of great debate.

3. Societal- When material is reviewed with broader public opinion in mind with particular regard to language .

The BBFC rating system :

U- Universal (suitable for all). Films produced by Disney are usually a U rating.
PG- Parental Guidance (general viewing, some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Example- The Simpson's movie.
12- Suitable for 12 year olds and older. Example- Pirates of the Caribbean.
12A- Children younger than 12 may only see a film accompanied by an adult. Example- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
15- Suitable for 15 year olds and older, no one younger may watch it in the cinema. Example- The Final Destination franchise.
18- Suitable for adults only. No one younger may watch this film in the cinema. Example- The Exorcist.

In comparison the the BBFC in Britain there is the MPAA in America (Motion Picture Association of America). The MPAA have a slightly different rating system and tend to be a lot more cautious in classifying a film.

G- General audiences. All audience admitted.

PG- Parental guidance suggested.

PG-13 - Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13.

NC-17 - No One 17 and Under Admitted.

R- Restricted. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian.