Themes and the Main Elements
So before I explain to you about our target audience and what a target audience is, I shall tell you the keywords that are the themes and elements of this film, not just in the first two minutes, but the whole film. These are the themes and elements I've identified.- Thriller
- Action
- Computer Science
- Political
- Secretive
- Serious Drama
- Banks
- Crime
- Journey
- Spook
British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)
British Board of Film Classification (also BBFC) is a classification given to your film based on what age people is only to view the film. Basically on films, they say what such things is in a film such as Violence, Strong Language, Sexual References and will say an age after, which is the age people only aloud to see this content in this film. (so which age is this appropriate for). Here are all the British Board of Film Classifications
U-Universal
The first Classification is a U which is Universal. This basically means that films with this are suitable for people aged four and over. But sometimes, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.So some examples of films that may be rated U are "102 Dalmations", and "Rio"
At U there are only mild bad language and may use words such as "dam" or "hell". Occasionally bad language such as "Bloody" or "Bugger" may be included where justified by the context. Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour (i.e. making love). However there will be no overt focus on sexual behaviour, language or innuendo.
At all categories heterosexual and homosexual behaviour and activities are treated the same. So there could be occasional very mild references to gay or straight sex at U.
Some brief fight scenes or moments ma be included in a U film where characters are placed in danger. There are normally no references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse.
PG-Parental Guidance
This classification is PG which stands for parental guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for a younger children. A PG should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children. Not all PG films are made for a younger audience.No theme is prohibited at PG as long as it is treated in a manner appropriate to the category. PG works can explore challenging issues such as domestic violence, bereavement or racism.
There may be mild bad language, but the context and delivery are always important. So for example if the language is used aggressively or if there is too much bad language, a work may be passed at the next category.
References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in detail. Heterosexual and homosexual sex and sex references are treated the same. There should be no detail of violence in a PG work, so while there might be some blood, we would not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail.
12A/12
12A means anyone who 12 years of age or over will be able to go and see the film unaccompanied. The 'A' stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (e.g. someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.
The difference between 12A and 12 is that the 12 certificate is just for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays. 12A is for films at the cinema only.
There are uses of Strong Language at 12 or 12A but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important. Aggressive uses of strong language may result in a film or DVD being placed at this category. There is some allowance for puns on strong language at this category.
Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis
or injuries on blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their context.
15
None under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated DVD. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under the age of 15. No themes are prohibited provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.15 films include strong violence, frequent strong language, portrays of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour, drug taking.
Strong violence in a 15 film should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury, however and the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable, Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable.
There could be a potentially great deal of strong language in a 15 film. At 15 there is no upper limit on the number of uses of strong language
18
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 DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children. No theme is prohibited at 18.18 works are for adults and contain strong issues such as very strong violence, frequent strong language and/or very strong language, strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances), discriminatory language and behaviour.
There is no limit on the number of uses of strong or even very strong language which can be passed at 18. Uses could be aggressive, directed, frequent or accompanied by strong violence.
Strong and detailed portrayals of sex at 18, including nudity can be seen in 18 films. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Very strong, crude and explicit sex references are permitted at 18.
At 18 violence can be strong and be portrayed with strong detail. There may even be dwelling on the infliction of pain or injury or scenes of strong sadistic or sexual violence.
The strongest gory images are permitted at this category.
Target Audience
A target audience is an audience at which a film may be based and aimed at. Target audiences can differ in many varieties from young children, toddlers, teenagers to young adults or old adults. The elements in the film and pacific facts in it are what match and represents a certain audience so for example our film which called "Hacked" represents an audience of age from 16 to 21 year olds. The gender target is predominantly male and the ethnicity would be white British. The income level would be that of a student (Band E) so no more than a few thousand pounds a year through part-time jobs whilst studying. Early A-level years to mid to late (depending on course) University years would be the education of our target audience. To gain the attention of our target audience adverts on popular websites used by our target audience would be our main point of distributing of advertising.From here since our target audience uses social media to inform friends of what they are up to, it is hoped that after seeing the film they will share their thoughts about the film which could raise the profile of the film and as a result could spread across social networks to further increase the awareness of our film. An example would be a video on youtube which is viewed by people and is then shared on social websites such as facebook and twitter, it then raises more awareness as more people would be interested in seeing this film. The more likes and compliments the video then gets on youtube and other social media networks makes it more popular and raises its profile.
Our Typical Target Audience Member
Our typical target audience member is John Smith. He is a white British male and he has a band income of £3000 a year through his year as a part time store assistant in a supermarket while he studies in his final year at Birmingham Sixth Form before moving on to University. His favourite films include Wall Street: Money never sleeps and Die Hard 4.0 both of these being thrillers which is their favourite genre. He is aged 18, so therefore he would re-present our target audience. His hobbies include going to the cinema to watch films with other people similar age to him. He may stream films on the internet through websites such as Netflix and Love Film. His other hobbies include playing football and interacting on social media. He currently lives at his Mum and Dad's house before he may move away to go to University. He likes listening to a mixture of different types of music such as rock and pop.
