Children's Film: Film Classification

All films are given a classification. In the UK the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) watches and assesses films so that they are given the correct classification. For our Children's film there are two options: Universal or Parental Guidance.


Universal (U) classification:

• Suitable for 5 years and above
• Positive moral framework
• Offers reassurance to any threat/horror
• Suitable for children to view alone
• No bad language or discrimination
• No drugs unless referred to for educational purposes
• No emphasis on realistic or accessible weapons
• No sexual content
• No dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy
• Violence in the Film must only resemble a 'Mild Threat' and the outcome must be reassuring to the audience.

Parental Guidance (PG) classification:

• Suitable for 8 years and above
• Parents should consider if it suitable for younger audiences
• Some discrimination but for educational purposes
• Drugs must carry an anti-drug message
• Horror should be short and NOT intense
• More grown up themes discussed
• Mild Language only
• Where more serious Themes used (such as domestic abuse) should not be shown in a way that condones such behaviour.

Our group have decided to go with a PG classification for our film as it gives us more opportunities in the film making process. Our plot will involve some superhero characters which may be only usable in the PG classification. However, we would be later able to alter the classification to suit our filming if anything changes.