Planning: Classification

Films of the coming of age genre tend to have a 15 rated classification as it often includes scenes of a sexual nature, offensive language, the use of drugs and alcohol and scenes of crime. However as our short film is based around happier, lighter aspects of a teenagers life, this high classification will not be necessary. As a result we have chosen to classify our short film as a 12A as the only aspect of our short film that would be taken into consideration when finding a suitable classification is the brief use of alcohol. According to the BBFC website, a 12A rated film would include:

Discrimination:

Discriminatory language of behaviour must not be endorsed in the work as a whole. However it may be accepted if it is clear that it is being condemned. Our short film will not contain any form of discrimination. 

Drugs:

Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised. Our short film will feature a short clip of two friends drinking alcohol. The two characters in the scene are portrayed to be over eighteen, the legal drinking age. The scene is also extremely short, therefore making it clear the use of alcohol is not glamorised. 

Imitable Behaviour:

No promotion of potentially dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of weapons such as knives. No endorsement of anti-social behaviour. Our short film will not include any dangerous behaviour, any weapons or anti-social behaviour. 

Language:

Moderate language may be used. Strong language is permitted depending on the circumstances. There will very little if any strong language used within our short film.

Nudity: 

There may be nudity but if in a sexual context it must be brief. There will be no nudity within our short film.

Sex:

Sexual activity may be brief and discreet. Moderate sex references are permitted. There will be no scenes of a sexual nature in our short film.

Threat:

There may be moderate psychical and psychological threat and horror sequences. There will be no threats of danger in our product. 

Violence:

There may be moderate violence but it must not dwell on detail. However there will be no violence shown within our short film. 

Therefore the only aspects of our short film where we will need to ensure we stick to the guidelines of the classification is the use of alcohol within our short film and the possible use of moderate/strong language in our voiceover.