BBFC talk

Today we attended a talk by the BBFC regarding certain age ratings in films, at the showroom in Sheffield. In our short film, we were hoping for our film to be a certificate 12A. However, when planning our script, near the end of the film, we used the word 'shit'. We were debating on whether to use this word and whether this swear word alone would push the certificate up to a 15. We also added this question into our audience research in to whether would expect any swearing in a 12 rated film, and the majority of the answers were either mild or in the right circumstance, so again this justifies the swear word in our script.

During the talk, we learnt that as long as we were not to use the 'F' or the 'C' word and every other swear word used, such as 'shit' is not used frequently then we are able to class it as a 12A.

Also, it was noted that the swear word should be used in the right circumstance and not involve any racial or discriminative remarks. In our script, the word is used to show a state of panic as Jayne is on the phone to Mum and Dad explaining that Ryan has gone missing. We believe, that this is a reasonable time to use this language and that it would not offend our audience, as it shows a state of panic.

Will there be uses of strong language in a ‘12’ or ‘12A’ work?
The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at ‘12’ or ‘12A’, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important and aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at the ‘15’ category. There is some allowance for puns on strong language at this category. There may be moderate language (uses of terms such as ‘bitch’ and ‘twat’ at ‘12’ 0r ‘12A’.

Discriminatory language may be present but will not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive use of discriminatory language (for example homophobic or racist terms) is unlikely to be acceptable at ‘12’ or ‘12A’ unless it is clearly condemned,

Will there be uses of strong language in a ‘12A’ work?
The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at ‘12A’, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important and aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at the ‘15’ category. There is some allowance for puns on strong language at this category.

This was taken straight off http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/categories_1212a/