BBFC Classifications

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-governmental body funded through the fees the charge others when wanting to get their films or videos to be classified.

Universal-Suitable for all

It is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, but a ‘U’ film should be suitable for all children aged 4 and above. Films that are classified ‘U’ should be within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to and violence, threat or horror.

Parental Guidance- general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children

A ‘PG’ film should not cause any problems to a child aged around 8 or older, so children of any age can watch. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset their child.

Suitable for 12 years

The ‘12’ category only exists for video works. No one younger than 12 can buy or rent a ‘12’ rated film.

Suitable for 12 years and over

No one younger than 12 can see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless they are accompanied by an adult, a film classified as ‘12A’ is not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take any younger if they believe that the film is suitable.  

Suitable for only 15 year and over

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema, no one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated film.

Suitable only for adults

No one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ rated film in a cinema, no one younger than 18 may rent or buy and ‘18’ rated film. At this age adults should be free to choose their own entertainment, hard use of drugs and strong violence/sex references along with strong sexual activity is generally allowed.

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, and to adults of not less than 18 years

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works. films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas.

Conventions Of A Horror Film

Horror films are designed to:

·         Frighten and panic the audience

·         Cause dread and alarm

·         Invoke or hidden worst feelings

·         Make the audience uneasy and startle them

Settings

The usual settings for horror films are dark. This is because it creates a better atmosphere and immediately creates tension and fear to the audience.

The locations can be from:

·         Small communities or isolated areas

·         Dark streets and narrow alleyways

·         Large cities or run down ghost towns

Often places with ‘dark’ history, like abandon houses, hotels and mental asylums.

Characters

There is always a villain in a horror film; the villain is often a monster, alien, serial killer or even ‘spirits’.

Most of the ‘innocent’ people in the film are usually killed with maybe one or two surviving, there can also be creepy children and police officers who can be good or bad.

Music

The music/sound effect used in horror films play a huge part in creating the tension and uneasy feel to the audience.

There can be:

·         Silence

·         Big bangs

·         Screeching/high pitch noises

·         An orchestra

All these types of sounds create tension and create chills for the audience; it is also used to create a climax for when something big is going to happen.

Themes

There are many different themes that run through horror films, they can be:

·         Good versus evil

·         Religion

·         Childhood issues

·         Revenge

·         Supernatural

·         Beyond death

·         Science gone bad/wrong

·         Nightmares

Iconography

The visual style in a horror film is usually dark with dark colours like red and black ; which is linked to evil, blood and danger ect.

There is usually dark lighting which helps to create shadows and unfamiliar shapes in the blackness.

Props used can also help the audience identify that it is a horror film; specific props can be linked with certain characters or villains. E.g., chainsaws, machetes, knifes ect.

The iconographies of the monster help to connote fear and terror to the audience. E.g. werewolves, vampires, mummies ect.