BBFC Classification

I decided to rate my film a 15. I used the BBFC classification rating system and compared it to similar films to make my decision. I researched the guidelines used by the BBFC on http://www.bbfc.co.uk/ and found the student guide particularly useful. The guidelines are very specific, meaning certain types of violence for example can lead to a higher or lower rating. The violence shown in my film is not "portrayed as a normal solution to problems" and my victims do not "inflict pain" however "callousness" is shown towards my victims. Following the BBFC guidelines the violence in my film is strong however it does not "dwell on the pain and suffering of the victims" and there is no sexual violence. My film does show "alcohol abuse" which would not increase the rating. My film does not appeal to young children however if it did this would have to be detailed in the consumer advice. My film does contain one use of bad language however it is not very strong and isnt targeted at gender, race or background. The BBFCs guidelines on trailers state "only one use of stong language is permitted in a trailer at "15" and it must be neither threatening nor aggressive" I followed this guideline as 15 to 24 is my target audience therefore it must be able to be advertised to the full target audience. My film suggests sexual activity however dosent show it therefore this would not affect the rating.
To get a firmer view of this classification I compared my film alongside films with similar themes such as Friday the 13th (2009 Marcus Nispel) and The Hitcher (2007 Dave Meyers) which are both also rated 15.
When undergoing research about the BBFC we found it has been belived they often have an over zealous attitude towards the classification of films. Before the 1960s films were often censored as a form of social control such as Rebel Without A Cause (1955 Nicholas Ray) was cut because it was belived to encourage teenage rebellion. I researeched films in my genre and their reasons for being banned and found The Last House On The Left (1972 Wes Craven) caused much controversy in the UK. It was refused a cirtificate for cinema release by the BBFC in 1974 due to scenes of sadism and violence. It came into video circualtion during the 80s then was banned as one of the infamous "video nasties". It was then re released in 2002 on video but has never been given a cirtificate for cinema release. This is due to its "graphic violence" and "the manner in which the villans imposed their psychopathic and sadistic will on the victims" (http://blogs.myspace.com/videoterror)