Target Audience Research:
Classification:
The classification (age rating) of a film is something that should never be neglected by film producers. If a film is aged at 12 year olds, but then gets a certificate of 15, then something 's gone wrong. The certificate is given based on the content involved in the film, and the biggest factor is sexual content, closely followed by extreme gore. For example, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a PG, yet Boromir is shot by three arrows in the chest, all of wich are shown, in slow motion just in case the kids miss! Also, there are numerous accounts of decapitations, yet the film scores a PG. Then there's the Inbetweeners Film. I am pretty sure nobody is decapitated in that film, yet the certificate is much higher because of the degree o sexual behavior.All of the factors are put together and discussed by members of the British Board of Film Classification, or BBFC for short.
The BBFC:
This is an official organisation who tests films and gives them the appropriate certificate. They all watch the film and note down what they think, and then after official meetings, elect a certificate for the film. Below here is a list of the possible certificates, with a summary of each:
- UNIVERSAL
- Films are appropriate for viewers of any age, hence the name 'Universal'.
- Sexual behaviour is kept to a minimum, with little more than a kiss involved.
- Subtle language can be used, but no swearing is acceptable.
- No drug use of any kind. No exceptions.
- PARENTAL GUIDANCE.
- Films are appropriate for children if any age, so long as their parents allow.
- Sexual bevaviour is strict and must be minimal.
- Drugs are sometimes shown in PG rated films, however, they're kept to a small standard.
- Drinking and smoking is acceptable to an extent.
- TWELVE
- Violence is shown in more detail, but must be closely checked.
- Sexual violence is shown sometimes to an extent, but must be justified.
- Drugs are present but in small portions, and nothing major.
- Sexual behaviour can be shown more clearly, but still must be checked. Subtle nudity allowed.
- Aggressive racist or homicidal language is not acceptable.
- Mild swearing is accepted, but not too frequent.
- TWELVE ACCOMPANIED
- A 12A rating follows the same rules as a 12 age rating - only this is the age rating used for cinemas, and requires children under 12 to have an adult present, and most 12 year olds are with adults at the cinemas anyway.
- FIFTEEN
- Aggressive racist or homicidal language is acceptable.
- Drugs are able to be seen clearly, storylines may revolve around them.
- Sexual violence is allowed, although in small amounts and maybe in limitation.
- Strong violence is allowed.
- Stronger language used more frequently is acceptable.
- Sexual nudity is allowed in more detail.
- EIGHTEEN
- Very strong language allowed.
- Heavy amounts of blood, violence and gore allowed.
- Intense sexual scenes allowed.
- Drug use is allowed to almost any level, but is still used in moderation... most of the time.
- Extreme racist and homophobic behaviour is accepted.
- RESTRICTED EIGHTEEN
- These films are only allowed to be televised at specially licensed cinemas.
- Specialist category, restricted classification for explicit materials.
JARLINC's Identified Target Audience
Piecing all the information gathered together, we came to a conclusion of giving our film a certificate of 12/12A. This is because children below the age of 12 may be affected by trauma of the film, as elements of horror is involved and incorporated into the film.Age of Target Audience: 12+
Gender of Target Audience: Both sexes, but most likely male.
Ethnicity of Target Audience: West European/English speaking countries.
Education Level of Target Audience: Year 11 and higher
Genre Preferences of Target Audience: Thriller, Horror and Action.
