Discussion of Rating (BBFC)...

When considering the audience rating for our piece we researched the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification). This gave us a breakdown on the national guidelines of film rating. Initially, we started by researching 'Kidulthood' and started to understand what rating this was given and why. 'Kidulthood' received a 15 age rating due to it's frequent scenes of a sexual nature, violence and strong language. However, it does not promote these acts. Next, we looked at the criteria that establishes film as a 15 age rating.

15 – Suitable only for 15 years 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 video work.

Discrimination

The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror

Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence

Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable.

There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

We want our film opening to contain the same gritty aspects of a Shane Medow's styled British film. Our film consists of scenes of strong language and abrupt violence during the fight scenes that Dom partakes in both in the opening sequence and full duration of the narrative. Within the first two minutes of the sequence Dom is seen to be smoking and fighting with another, whilst using profound language. The BBFC address that "Smoking was never spontaneously raised as a classification issue and when prompted, there was no support for raising classifications on this basis.". However, the use of the words 'Dickhead' and 'Prick' within our fight scene ensures that our film conforms more suitably to the 15 rating. Much the same as 'Kidulthood' it does note promote this violence and if anything would dissuade our target audience from these kinds of actions. We feel it appropriate therefore, to give our film a 15 age rating as it abides by the laws the BBFC have directed.