P5 Certification Classification Based on Feedback

Certification Classification Based on Feedback

Using the data collected by my survey I can analyse the results and determine what age certification my production should receive. When I created this survey I based the questions on the factors that the BBFC would use to judge my film. As my production has no discrimination, drugs or sex in it I did not waste questions that covered these topics as they do not appear, instead I focussed my questions around threatening and violent content within the film, as I wanted to know if people thought it would be unsuitable for those below twelve, as this would allow the film to gain a PG certificate, thus widening the target audience.

This result shows that the majority of people think that the film shows a moderate amount of threatening behaviour. The BBFC states that for a PG film 'frightening sequences or situations where characters are in danger should not be prolonged or intense'. This is an issue because the characters in Hidden are clearly under threat for a long period of time, however I would consider this level of threat to be quite low, which may excuse this factor.

The data from this question suggests that most audience members found there was a very low level of violent content, thus they deem it appropriate for audiences under 12. BBFC guidelines state that Violence will usually be mild. However there may be moderate violence, without detail, if justified by its context. Therefore these results would seem to suggest that this film meets the requirements of a PG.

This result is interesting as it suggests that audiences do think the film shows moderate physical and psychological threat, which may mean the BBFC would classify this film as a 12 as 12 rated films are allowed 'moderate physical and psychological threat and horror sequences.'

This result even suggests that the film should be rated 15 as sustained horror sequences are not allowed in 12 rated films.

This is the most important question in the survey as it shows what age rating audiences feel this film should be given. This result shows that most people think this film could pass as a PG rated film with 50% of the vote, while another 40% felt that a 12 rating would be most appropriate. These decisions will have been made based on the amount of threatening and violent behaviour seen in this production. From these results I would suggest that this film receives a 12 rating due to the sustained horror sequence and overall feel of the film.

Letter to the BBFC

Final Certification:

Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult.