Film Rating

The BBFC say that “it is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.”

The story we are presenting is about a boy who falls asleep in a waiting room and dreams his way through an imaginary land. The boy, Will, encounters several different animals and creatures on his journey, which could distress or frighten a young child. The BBFC state that the theme of a ‘U’ film can include problematic themes, however, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate or young children. However, the guidelines for a ‘U’ film state that ‘horror scenes’ should be ‘mild’ and ’brief’ and that ‘the outcome should be reassuring.’ This is will defiantly be the case in our film as Will shall always find a way out of any dangerous situation.

As our film has been filmed using plasticine and the nature of the film, imitable behaviour is an issue that should be treated very seriously and carefully. As this is the case, there will be no emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons and the main character will never do anything to put himself in danger, or a situation a young child is likely to copy.

Through out the entirety of the film, there will not be any bad language, nudity or any sexual references and violence will be mild and very infrequent.

The BBFC state that “unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.”

Late into the making of the models used in the film, the group realised that the body shape and facial expressions of the main character and others where in fact quite horrific and that this should be taken into account when suggesting a rating for the film. As it is the main character who the viewer, in this case a potentially quite young child, is ideally meant to connect and feel comfortable towards, the facial features and nature of the character must be soft and friendly. As filming has already begun and cannot be re-done at this stage, this will have to be a problem the group takes into account when rating this film.

The theme for a ‘PG’ film can be slightly more serious but many of the factors covered in the paragraph above relate more to the content of the film.

Overall, the films themes, situations, behaviour and other factors point towards the film being a ‘U’. However, due to the appearance of some of the characters and particularly the main character, I believe this film should be rated a minimum of a ‘PG’