Film Classifications and the BBFC

Film classifications are decided and rated by the BBFC (The British Board of Film Classifications). The BBFC are an independent, non-governmental body that has been classifying cinema films since 1912. When the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984, the BBFC began to classify videos and DVDs. The BBFC classifies films under the categories as follows:

‘U’ or Universal is described as suitable for all. Categorically, a U is aimed at any audience of 4 years and over. A Universal rated film may contain mildly scary scenes, mild threats or menace, mild sexual behaviour (i.e. kissing), and very sensitively dealt with themes.
Examples of films with a ‘U’ rating would be: The ‘Shrek’ Series, Monsters Inc, Casablanca and Mary Poppins.

‘PG’ or Parental Guidance is for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A ‘PG’ film should not upset or cause disturbance to a child aged eight or older. Parents should make the conscious decision as to whether younger or more sensitive children are able to view certain films. In a ‘PG’ film Drug references or Discrimination must be clearly disapproved of or not referred to at all. Sex, Violence and bad language must be very mild and must not be detailed. Themes of a more serious nature should show that such behaviour or actions are not condoned or acceptable.












‘12A’/’12’ are films that are suitable for ages 12 and over. The same criteria are used to rate these films – the only difference being that the ‘12A’ category only exists for cinema films. Anyone younger than 12 years of age cannot view a ‘12A’ film unless accompanied by a responsible adult. ‘12’ and ‘12A’ rated films should not glamorise the misuse of drugs and infrequent moderate physical and psychological threat may be used, as well as dangerous behaviour should not be dwelled on in detail which could be imitated. Moderate language is allowed, however stronger language must remain infrequent. The treatment of themes, sex and violence must be content which is suitable for young teenagers to view.
Certificate ‘12’ films are: The Bourne Ultimatum, The King’s speech, Sherlock Holmes and The Holiday.

‘15’ rated films restrict anyone under the age of 15 viewing one of these rated films in the cinema or purchasing these video works. Discrimination regards that the work as a whole should not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. Drug taking may be shown but drug misuse must not be glamorised or sanctioned as a whole. Also the use of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances, are unlikely to be authorised under this rating. Strong threats are permitted in 15 rated films; however they cannot be sadistic or sexualised. Dangerous behaviour must not be shown in great detail which could be copied. Strong Language of frequent use is permitted, however, the strongest less-used terms must be infrequent and justified by the context. Sexual activity and nudity may be shown without strong detail. No themes are prohibited, as long as they are suitable for the age restraint.
‘15’ rated films are: The Shawshank Redemption, Gran Torino, Slumdog Millionaire and Hot Fuzz.

‘18’ certificated films are not to be viewed in the cinema or purchased by anyone under the age of 18. Very little is limited at certificate ‘18’ apart from pornographic material, which is warned against with another certificate.
‘18’ films are: Pulp Fiction, Goodfellas, In Bruges, Fight Club and Kill Bill.

Total Film Magazine: Inception Analysis.

This is a magazine cover for Total Film. The theme of this edition is based around the film Inception. This magazine is dated Summer 2010, when Inception was first released. This theme is used in the colour scheme and certain texts. Titled: “The mind-blowing issue”; this has relevance and is referring to Inception, which is a film that is set “In a world where technology exists to enter the human mind through dream invasion”. This film was also said to be one that got people thinking. Therefore the magazine has picked up on the mind element of this film and toyed with that idea in its themes. This is also portrayed in the tagline for Inception “Inside the ultimate head trip”. The colour scheme for the film Inception is seen to be blue, and this colour scheme is used on the front of the magazine with the image and the design of the ‘Total Film’ logo. The logo is made to look like an electronic device or the inside of a computer – which relates to the technology element of the film. The red text theme is used to highlight or make certain parts of the text bold and more noticeable. In order to capture the audience’s attention, certain text is in red and is then followed up with the information in white. The use of bold white text also makes some titles more noticeable, followed by normal white text to create a softened effect. There are also metallic silver texts which link to Inception and electronic/modern/technology. The magazine also has the conventional features, like the barcode, price, date of the issue and the website of the magazine. The cover also draws an audience in with the use of a star. In this case; Leonardo Di Caprio is the star, who can not only be regarded as a star but also perhaps as ‘eye candy’. The character appears to be holding a gun, and is wearing a black suit, with insinuates the use of the action genre in this particular film; perhaps making certain audience’s/readers want to know more information and read the article and the magazine.

Chicago Poster Analysis

Chicago, The film adaptation of the Broadway stage show Chicago the Musical was released in 2002. This poster uses made different devices to draw an audience in. The first device would be the use of stars. The poster has prominently featured the lead cast; Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere. They are all looking toward the camera that took the photograph of them, making it look like they are looking out of the poster to the audience. Making a personal connection. The poster is predominantly black, to make the red ‘Chicago’s stand out. The black colouring has connotations to be “mysterious, sexy and sophisticated.” Black can also be the colour of mourning and rebellion. It also portrays murder and elements of good and evil. The two girls are also portraying the contrast of good and evil in black and white dresses. Both colours can represent good and evil in different instances. Each character has an element of red in their costumes, the girls with red lipstick and nails, and Billy Flynn with a red handkerchief. The red lipstick and nails are a trait found in the stage version of Chicago which have been transferred to film. The red gives connotation of being sexy, evil, blood (which is highly prominent in this film) beauty, courage and death. At the feet of the characters is the skyline and view of the buildings in Chicago, Illinois. The portrays the characters being larger than life and overruling the city. The two girls are holding guns behind their backs, showing a mischievous and sly side to both of them, as well as giving away character traits and elements included in the film. The tagline – written in red under the characters feet – is “If you can’t be famous, be infamous.” Which makes the audience think that the characters wish for fame, but become infamous in the process, or are obsessed with the notion of fame. The title; ‘Chicago’ is written in black outlined red, apart from the 2^nd C, which is lit up bright red, and then enlarged behind the characters in like a red neon stage lighting. This is a prominent and memorable logo for the film.  

Casino Royale Poster Analysis

Casino Royale came out in 2006; and was an instant hit as the new James Bond series comeback. The background to this poster is a metallic like grey colour; that gives off the impression of seriousness and formality. This is then backed up with the evidence of Daniel Craig who portrays James Bond in a smart black suit, but with the bow tie undone – showing a sense of slight informality. He is also holding a gun, which shows the use of violence and weaponry in this film, which will interest a lot of the male gender audience as this is usually a point of interest in a film for this audience. There are then three separate images portrayed on the right hand side. The first, Is of a chase between two boats and a helicopter, if studied closely, one may be able to recognise the canals of Venice and surrounding buildings in this image. This Image gives an impression of action being featured in the film, and gives an idea as to what type of action. The second image is of the two leading cast members, Daniel Craig and Eva Green, also in the water, emphasising its presence featured in this film. This also shows the element of romance being featured in the film and again, opens doors for a wider audience to enjoy the film. The third and final image is much larger and shows an Aston Martin car driving past a large exploding building, showing more action scenes and the use of fast cars to excite an audience. These images are presented in a certain manner that looks like a gun barrel, a trait of the James Bond franchise, which defines it and makes it recognisable. The title is in a white text, centred and near the bottom of the poster. The text has a slight shadow to it, which is swept to the left to give the impression of movement and speed. The title is placed in such a way that the two ‘O’s are one above the other, with the ‘7’ placed strategically underneath to create the OO7 trademark for the James Bond films. The ‘7’ also features the well-known logo of the gun.

Kill Bill Poster Analysis

This poster is for Kill Bill – a film that I have taken a lot of inspiration from to create my teaser trailer. The poster is comprised of a bright yellow background with the contrasting black text and embellishments to stand out. There are all sorts of connotations and metaphors that can be made to the yellow colour. For example, caution, intelligence and warning. Yellow is the colour of lemons, and this connotation can even be used as lemons are bitter; reflecting the mood of main protagonist, Beatrix Kiddo. The sub text ‘A roaring rampage of revenge’ is very dramatic, and the text colour is red, which has connotations with anger, evil, aggression, blood and death. All factors which are featured in this film – it gives a lot away about what might relate to this film. In red is also ‘Volume 1’ which draws attention to this text and implies that this is the first of a series or the first instalment to this particular story. ‘The Bride’ is wearing a yellow jumpsuit with black trim, again, another use of the yellow and black colour theme to make her costume match the poster (or the poster matches her costume). The jumpsuit is designed like leathers for a motorbike – giving the character a rebellious and fearless look of nature to her. This is then hit home by the expression of boldness and strength on her face. She looks determined and powerful. She is also holding a samurai sword; which gives away an element of the plot and is a device to give the audience a little more information about the film. The character looks very practically dressed and like she has a motive and a drive. This audience can get a lot of information from this simple poster. With the title ‘Kill Bill’ layered on top of the characters image, it leaves the audience to interpret that perhaps the character is set out to kill ‘Bill’. Having the picture of the star on the poster, Uma Thurman, on the poster may also draw in a wider audience, and with the text ‘The fourth film by Quentin Tarantino’ in a noticeable black colour with the white contrast – this grabs an audience’s attention and remind them that Tarantino will probably use his trademark cast choices.

The poster is simple yet effective, due to the bright colours, bold titles, and the very symmetrical theme to the poster, for example, the streamlined titles and information text, and the single stripe across the middle and Uma Thurman standing directly in the middle of the poster.

Production Diary

28^th June 2011 –

During this week I am having correspondence with my actress Rosie Hakes and am sorting out costuming, make-up, props and timings for the filming. I had to consider the availability and the concerns of my actress, so this took some planning and giving her some guidance. We have decided on the costume today – She is wearing ripped biker jeans, a white vest top, a black leather jacket and orange and grey high heels. We will probably make the final decision on the make-up before the filming begins.

29^th June 2011 –

Today I talked more to Rosie and decided that the props we should use would be a brown leather bag that was big enough that it looked like it could hold the bare essentials for the character and a pair of Aviator sunglasses. We decided to keep it minimal as we did not think that the character in such a desperate time of need and seeking such revenge would care for accessories and anything but essentials. I also travelled to the location of the bus station and took photographs with a digital camera of the shots/locations of shots I would use, like real life storyboarding.

3^rd July 2011 –

On this day I prepared and charged the camera and put together the finishing touches to preparing for the filming shoot. I also thought more about certain shots in places and the use of extras. I decided not to employ any actual extras and use real people in a Ken Loach type manner, hoping that they would all act natural and continue with their own tasks and ignore us. I thought that this would make it look more realistic and there would probably be a wide range of different people present, for example school children, to girls having been shopping, people go out for dinner, people travelling home from work, and normal townspeople.

4^th July 2011 –

 Rosie was scheduled to arrive at 7:30 this evening. At this time the outside daylight would be sunset and would suit the timing for the film quite well as it would look like she had been travelling during the day and showed a passing of time, as it is the end of a day, showing that she must have endured an entire day before the time of the storyline. Whereas had it been set in the morning, it would have showed a new day, a beginning, not necessarily showing a previous occurrence.

Rosie arrived and we made our travels to Wycombe Bus Station with the video camera and digital camera for more screenshots. When we began filming at the bus station it was fairly busy, which was good for shots of extras, but as time passed and we did more shots, it emptied out a bit and became quieter. This was in fact a good factor as it gave even more insinuation of time passing. We shot about 8 minutes of footage, with made long shots, medium shots, close ups, ECU’s, low angle shots and panning.

We made different changes to the costuming in different shots, for example we took away the leather jacket for some scenes and Rosie carried it, the sunglasses were mainly on her head, but there are some scenes where she wears them, and also she sometimes puts her bag down on chairs.

The extras (members of the public) that were present were all very good about the filming and some barely noticed our presence. Luckily with the camera being quite small and unnoticeable, many had no idea and literally carried on with their own lives. A few people, did, however notice. This means a few shots will have to be scrapped and unused due to people looking at the camera, noticing, and even some children playing up and making noise in the background. Although, this final point can be ignored due to the lack of use of the real sound in the editing, as I have decided that the soundtrack will be played over the top of the visuals with possible voiceover’s, therefore there is barely any need for the actual sound.

With an extra prop, we decided to adlib with a children’s toy vendor, which I decided that the character should disinterestedly look at. I later decided that maybe after some disinterested use of the vendor that the character should buy a toy out of boredom and just out of instinct, as the audience work out that her thoughts are evidently elsewhere. Rosie performed this idea very well, and as I directed that she should fiddle with the toy she won, she should look very vague and distant. She then suggested that she improvise some more and see how the shot goes. This turned out to be much better as it looked more natural and Rosie went completely with the real events, and purchased a toy from the vendor and quietly sat with this toy, making it another prop.

7^th July 2011 -
Today the editing of the film began officially as I transferred the footage to the computer and began to open it up and work with Adobe Premiere. Looking at the footage I captured, I knew I would have more than enough material to cover the time with a selection of suitable and usable shots that were all acceptable. I was comfortable that I would not have to re shoot anything or create anything new. Therefore the editing could go ahead and I would be well on my way to completing the film. I also began to brainstorm how I would create the titles and make them look, to suit the colour palette and the style of the film.

25^th July 2011 -
I decided today that I should begin cutting parts of the film, and doing the first basic bits of editing, which involved getting rid of outtakes, shots that were unnecessary, and unwanted footage. This shortened a lot of the film that I had captured, making it easier to edit it further, and I was left with the decent, usable shots. I also sourced a microphone to create a voice-over and made sure it worked with the program I was using.

2^nd August 2011 -
The finalised editing has begun, and I’ve decided to create the final cut. I’ve edited down more of the footage to approximately one minute long for the teaser trailer. I also re-ordered the shots, as I filmed them out of order to make filming more convenient, rather than working in the sequence. I worked to editing the film and placing the shots to fit with the soundtrack. I also decided to design the titles for the film and made sure they fit in with the themes and the look of the trailer footage. I also edited the previous script I had created for the titles and made them stand out and be short and snappy in the trailer.

16^th August 2011 -
The editing was completed today, and everything was finally tweaked to finish the post production editing.  I recorded the voice over also, and fitted that into the appropriate spaces of the teaser trailer. I then decided to look back at the criteria and see if my trailer would correspond with it. I also decided to begin looking to creating my posters now, and moving on with the tasks, as the film was completed.

22nd September 2011 -
Production of the film poster and magazine began a few days after the editing on the teaser trailer was completed, and both the poster and magazine cover were competed today after lots of time was spent editing them and making changes as they progressed. I decided to keep the date of August 2011 for the film release and put it in the past tense for when it was scheduled to be finished. This is also shown in the magazine and poster.

Time Management

7^th June 2011 – Research and Planning for Trailer

17^th June 2011 – Finishing Research and Planning and beginning of creation of the film.

24^th June 2011 – Finish filming, Editing begins.

8^th June – Begin Evaluations.

This schedule was later altered for reasons due to delays, availability of actors and preparation.

7^th June 2011 – Research and Planning for Trailer

17^th June 2011 – Looking into the main task, and other tasks besides filming.

4^th July 2011 – Filming with actress Rosie Hakes at the bus station.

5^th July 2011 – Begin Editing and carrying out main tasks.