Research: The British Board of Film Classification

The BBFC is the film regulator of film and video and give the films which get released in the United Kingdom a specific rating. The BBFC's finance only comes from what it charges companies for its service to keep the BBFC independent. They calculate the fees they charge by the length of the film and if DVD's and videos are produced, the BBFC was not organised to gain profit, the money they charge is only to cover the costs of the business.

Classification is the process by which BBFC check who is suitable to watch the film produced, this is done to protect children especially from harmful content. It is also used when the buyer is about to buy the film to see if its suitable for them/their child or family member to watch without being too harmful for them. The BBFC classifies all films before they are released to the public, this classification before release enables the highest level of protection and empowerment. They choose the right classification by watching the film all the way through and pairing it up with the right age range. They compare the film to all the criteria in the classification guidelines. 

For a 15, which is only suitable for anyone aged 15 and over. They cannot watch the film or rent or buy it if they aren't over 15. One of the area they look at is discrimination, there must not be discriminatory behaviour or language, although racist, homophobic and other discriminatory themes are allowed. The BBFC will not allow drugs, especially the ones that are easily accessible and most dangerous. If drugs are used in the film they must not promote drug use. Imitable behaviour is also forbidden, this includes suicide, self harming and hanging. Depending on realism, setting and context the use of accessible weapons may be acceptable. The film may include strong language and very strong language depending on the frequency and manner in which its used, and who is saying the strong language. Nudity is not forbidden if it is used in educational context. If it is sexual content then there won't be much strong detail. If the sexual activity is without strong detail it may be allowed to be portrayed. Unless justified by context, very strong references to sexual behaviour most likely won't be accepted, although strong verbal references is permitted. Strong threat and horror is allowed, but a continued focus on sexual and sadistic threat is very unlikely to be permitted. Violence should not focus on the pain or injury, but the violence is allowed to be strong. Very gory and bloody images and strong sadistic violence is unlikely to be accepted. Sexual violence must be to a minimum and justified by the context in which its being used, but detailed verbal references to sexual reference is permitted.