Film Classification

15 –
Discrimination - 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.


18 –
No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema.

No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.

In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

– where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence

– where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault.

Sex education at ‘18’ Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.


The difference in a 15 to 18 is quite large, with 18 allowing a lot more detailed language. Furthermore it also allows more detailed violence, with this we can see more drugs used in different ways. Sex in heavily used in 18 rated films as it is more acceptable whereas its not allowed to be show unless for educational reason in a 15. Also 18 uses all these things to make the film have an effect, but in a 15 they would not able to be used to the same extent also would have to be for a specific reason eg: for education.

Taking this into account I will be producing a 15 rated film this is because one we are not 18 yet so making an 18 rated film would not be viable. Also we can use more features from a 15 rated film in the school compounds, giving a easier production, making the end result a lot more realistic and better all rounder.