The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), originally British Board of Film Censors, is a non-governmental organisation, funded by the film industry and responsible for the national classification of films within the United Kingdom. It has a statutory requirement to classify videos, DVDs and some video games under the Video Recordings Act 2010The 18 certificate is issued by the British Board of Film Classification(BBFC) to state that, in its opinion, a film, video recording, or game should not be seen or purchased by a person under 18 years old.
As with other British film certificates, the 18 certificate theoretically only has advisory power for films shown in public cinemas, with the ultimate say being held by local authorities. In practice, the local authorities tend to follow BBFC rulings in all but a few exceptional cases.
All films that are released to the public have to be rated and given the appropriate age certificate; this is so people can be aware of the type of content they are expected to see in the film before they actually view it. In the UK the British Board of Classification (BBFC) is responsible for the national classification of films released. The BBFC is an independent, non-governmental body, which has been classifying films since it was founded in 1912 and since 1984 has then moved on to age classification of videos and video games.
Local authorities give the final verdict on what films are allowed to be viewed in the cinema, having the power to decline, ban or change the age classification set by the BBFC, but commonly follow choose to follow the advice given to them by the BBFC.
The BBFC have many guidelines that are used to classify film and video’s with the correct age ratings to match its content. There are many different factors to consider when selecting the appropriate age for films and videos, these guidelines and factors can be seen on the BBFC website.
There are so many guidelines that have to be followed that the BBFC have summed up two main principles which is always taken into consideration when classifying media. These two main principles are:
· that works should be allowed to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment
· that adults should, as far as possible, be free to choose what they see, provided that it remains within the law and is not potentially harmful.
Both of these principles can be found on the BBFC webpage in the guidelines section and when applying these principles they follow 3 main “qualifications” which are:
· whether the material is in conflict with the law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
· Whether the material, either on its own, or in combination with other content of a similar nature, may cause any harm at the category concerned.
· Whether the availability of the material, at the age group concerned, is clearly unacceptable to broad public opinion. It is on this ground, for example, that the BBFC intervenes in respect of bad language.
This summary of guidelines can help explain easily to someone what the BBFC purpose and the board’s role.
All cinemas have to acquire a licence from the local council from the area they are set up in. This licence is to allow them to be able to screen a range of different films and to allow
The reason for this licence is:
· The prevention of crime and disorder
· Public safety
· The prevention of public nuisance
· The protection of children from harm
The BBFC currently issues the following certificates. The category logos were introduced in December 2002, replacing the previous ones that had been in place since 1982.
Symbol | Name | Definition/Notes |
 | Universal | All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children over 4. |
 | Parental Guidance | All ages admitted, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 8. May contain mild language and sex/drugs references. May contain moderate violence if justified by context (e.g. fantasy). |
 | 12A | Cinema only. Introduced in 2002. Films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for very young people. Those aged under 12 years are only admitted if accompanied by an adult, aged at least 18 years, at all times during the motion picture. However, it is generally not recommended that children under 12 years should watch the film. Films under this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, moderate swear words, infrequent strong language and moderate violence/sex references. |
 | Home media only since 2002. 12A-rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the VHS/DVD version unless extra material has been added that requires a higher rating. Nobody younger than 12 can rent or buy a 12-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game. Films in this category may include infrequent drugs, infrequent use of strong language, brief nudity, discreet sexual activity, and moderate violence. | |
 | Only those over 15 years are admitted. Nobody younger than 15 can rent or buy a 15-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, strong language and one use of very strong language, moderate-strong violence/sex references, and undetailed sex activity. | |
 | Only adults are admitted. Nobody younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category do not have limitation on the bad language that is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and strong violence/sex references along with strong sexual activity is also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context. | |
Can only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at licensed retailers or sex shops, and only to adults, those aged 18 or over. Films under this category have material the BBFC does not allow for its "18" rating, thus the violence and sex activity will be stronger in R18-rated VHSs, DVDs and films than those rated "18," however, there is still a range of material that is often cut from the R18 rating. More cuts are demanded in this category than any other category.[6] |
OFCOM
Ofcom is the government-approved regulatory authority for the broadcasting and telecommunications industries in the United Kingdom. Ofcom has many roles; they cover all types of industries and processes. Its main job is to protect consumers from what might be considered to be harmful and offensive material. Ofcom handles licensing, research, codes and policies, complaints competition and protects the radio spectrum from abuse. Ofcom does its best to undertake a large number of consultations.
Age Certificate for: Eagle Eyes Teaser Trailer
If BBFC was to classify our movie, it will be rated a 18 because films under this catagory can contain adult themes, drugsim, strong language , most young teenagers of this age are aware of it in their day to day business and understand what it is meant, however 12 year olds will be too young to watch it and may harm them psychologically. Our teaser trailer consists of Horror , imitable behaviour and violence. It also contains strong sexual activity or hard drugs otherwise it would have been classed as an 18.
