Regulation Research

Every single film that is made needs to be regulated so that a certification can be fitted to it. The certification gives an indication of the age the viewer needs to be to be able to watch the film. The content varies in films but are all based around the BBFC classification system. This is to help regulate the way parts of a film are portrayed e.g. drugs, violence and sex. The different classifications are U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18 and R18. Some of the times that need to be regulated are:

Discrimination ~ Race, gender, religion, disability and sexuality

All of these can change the out come of the films classification. It takes into account the strength of the discriminatory action and the impact it has. the context in which it is used can sway the classification of the film as well. It depends whether it is used implicitly or explicitly which can change the fate of the films category. A film with more implicit criticism will get a lower classification than a film with more explicit criticism.

Drugs

The shown use of drugs in films are very strict. If there is any part of a film which looks as if it is glamorising or promoting the use of drugs, it may be cut out of the film. If the film shows drugs being used but also shows the negative consequences of it happening, then it is likely that it would be OK to show it. Only if it seems to be shown in a positive or neutral manner does the film have a good chance of having the scene taken away.

Horror

The use of horror to frighten an audience has been a big part of film for a very long time but it still has regulations especially for younger audiences. Younger audiences like to be scared for the excitement, but there are some regulations for how long it can appear on screen and the detail that can go into it. There are also the factors of the frequency of the scary happening, how many times will it crop up. Plus the length and detail already mentioned. What are you able to see and how long will it be on the screen, this also includes sound effects and music. There is also the situation of a swift and positive outcome. Children will want a morally right outcome.

Imitable behavior

A films classification can also be determined by the behavior it shows in the screen such as criminal or violent behavior. Things like this have to looked over thoroughly in case there is anything that could be imitated or copied by younger viewers. Films with lower classifications won't have behavior such as this whereas films with a higher classification might, because the is less susceptible to copying such behavior due to a more developed sense of right and wrong. Films with a lower classification will not have any scenes with criminal activity.

Language 

Some language is found very offensive by some which is why it's used very carefully films. The offensiveness of a word is generally defined by the usage of it and the context it is being used in such as against someone discriminantly. The level of offence would differ with race, religion and age and the context in which the word (or even gesture) used will also differ. With all of these different variables and opinions on the meaning of words, it is almost impossible;e to create a list of all the words and gestures acceptable for each film classification.

Nudity

Nudity is acceptable in all classifications as long as there is no sexual implications to it. In the lowest classification, this is only allowed to happen very occasionally. Any nudity that has been shown in any sexual manner will be restricted to the higher classifications and if there is any strong detail portrayed then the film has to be restricted to the adult classifications.

Sex

Sex in a film can be portrayed from just kissing to a detailed references. The stronger the theme gets, the higher the classification is needed. Any film that depicts clear images of 'real sex' or any other sexual imagery, it will be confined to the classification of 'R18'. These types of films can only be sold in licensed sex shops and only shown in specially-licensed cinemas.

Theme

The theme of a film will have a major influence on the classification of it. themes such as drugs and violence will have have higher ratings to those who have themes of marriage or racing but it also depends on how they depict the theme chosen. Some themes though are simple to classify as the theme would never be able to classify as a lower classification e.g. violence whether it be domestic or racial, drug abuse or anything children.

Violence

Violence in films has been part of both children's and adult film for a long time although the extent of violence will differ considerably in all categories. The sections of violence most likely to be given a high certification are people who use violence as a solution often, people who take pleasure in the pain and humiliation of others and also people use sexual violence. Films which contain sexual violence or have a glamorised view of violence will have a very restricted classification or will be have that scene cut.

As the film that I am making has been given a 12 certificate, it will have:

• No references to drugs or horror (possible use of paracetamol or aspirin although not mentioned in script or synopsis).
• No discrimination scenes.
• Imitable behavior may consist of things like the driving and any beverages and food substances consumed within the film.
• Swearing will not be strong and few and far between.
• There will be no sex or nudity in the film. Any references will be mild.
• The theme has nothing that could offend in it. It just follows the typical 'boy meets girl' storyline.
• There will be no violence in the film. if there is any, it will be mild e.g. slapping someone to pull themselves together or in frustration.