Cover Lines

I did some research on cover lines so that when it came round to choosing cover lines for my magazine front cover I had a good idea of what sort of things to put on there. Whilst researching cover lines I found that cover lines could be names of films:

They could also be information on the magazine: 

It could also be names of actors :

By doing this I now feel more confident on how to approach my cover lines for my magazine.

Magazine Front Cover Research

I have decided to do some research into magazine front covers before I sketch my magazine because I needed to get an idea of the type of things that are on the front of the magazine. I have looked at some of the pictures and written down all the different things I could find on them.

 

Certificate of my film

I have chosen to give my film a 12 certificate.

 Although my film deals with a difficult subject of somebody having a terrible car crash and not remembering anything, it doesn't have any swearing or drugs etc that would need to make it a 15 certificate. I also feel that because there is a happy finish and things end up the way most would hope to see it also lowers the certificate. If there was any strong language in my film or violent scenes I would definitely consider making the certificate higher but I do not feel like there is anything in my film a 12 year old cannot handle.

Certifcate research

The BBF'C classify every single film that is released in the cinema or on DVD. All classification decisions are based on the BBFC’s published and regularly updated Guidelines. The Guidelines are the product of extensive public consultation, research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years. They reflect current views on film, DVD and video game regulation.

In order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it, the BBFC examines and age rates films and videos before they are released. This independent scrutiny prior to release ensures the highest possible level of protection and empowerment.

We watch films and videos all the way through and award an age rating and insight to each one. We reach an age rating by applying the standards and criteria contained in our Classification Guidelines which can be downloaded below.

Typically, two examiners view a film for theatrical release. In most cases a Senior Examiner will confirm the examiners’ recommendation. But if the Examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and including, the Director and Presidential team. Occasionally we need to take specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for harm.

The same process exists for DVDs and Blu-rays though generally these are seen by one Examiner. However, opinions from other Examiners may be required for more difficult works.

We look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. The theme of the work is also an important consideration. We also consider context, the tone and likely impact of a work on the potential audience.

The release format of a work has an impact on classification. Our decisions on the age rating of DVDs and Blu-rays can occasionally be stricter than at the cinema because there is a higher risk of underage viewing in the home and a greater potential for watching scenes out of context.

There are five different classifications that a film or DVD can be given which are all shown below:

- The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.

- PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.

- Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child. To help them decide, we recommend that they check the BBFCinsight for that film in advance.

- No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

- Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

- The R18 category is a special and legally-restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and video works may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops. R18 videos may not be supplied by mail order.

For full details of the legal restrictions for these works click on the BBFC Guidelines document below