Capital: case study blog tasks

Capital: case study blog tasks

Work through the following tasks to build a detailed case study for Capital. This will give you plenty of background information to use in an exam question. Remember, for this CSP the question could be on any of the key concepts: language, industries, audiences or representations.


Reviews and features

Read the following interviews, reviews and features on Capital:

Guardian review by Sam Wollaston
Telegraph review by Ben Lawrence
London Evening Standard: five things you need to know about Capital
Behind the scenes filming Capital from the Daily Telegraph

1) What positive points do the reviews pick out about Capital?
1. the cast is brilliant 
2. its far more gripping than a drama about the property market sounds 
3.it will ring true for alot of Londoners

2) What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?
There was an overly schematic tangle of under-developed storylines populated by underwritten characters.
Some may have been frustrated by the plot which meandered like the Thames, with only the sinister postcards that were delivered to the residents (which read “We want what you have”) giving a connection to the disparate lives.

3) How does the TV drama change the time period and location for the story in comparison to the original novel?
The novel was set in 2007-8 around the time of the financial crisis. However, the TV drama is set in 2015 and is located in Balham, rather than Clapham.

4) In the Telegraph 'behind the scenes' article, what does the writer say about the London housing market?
Average London house price hits £500,000 as capital's house market shows no sign of loosing stream.  
5) What references can you find in these reviews and features to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?
Capital refers to a 'state-of-the-nation' drama as it is designed to capture the issues facing the country at the time it is written and produced. Capital offers a microcosmic metaphor for London at large. It also gives an overview of the center of London where it is most developed with enormous, modern buildings.  


Textual analysis

Watch the trailer for Capital:

1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?
Capital uses camerawork very effectively at the beginning of the trailer. The video starts of with a closeup shot of the streets name, quickly giving the audience an insight of what the show is gonna be mainly focusing on. At 0:02, the video uses a birds eye view shot to amaze the audience of the beauty of London and briefly show where this TV show will be set.  Later on the show, there are many big/close ups of letters that are sent through the mail all with a different meaning and narrative concept behind it. These letters cause disruption among families which is captured through a over-the-shoulder shot.

2) What does the camera movement when characters are initially introduced suggest about the drama and its London setting? Pick out one or two shots in particular.
At the beginning when all the characters were being introduced, mainly a pan shot was taken place to capture the movements of the characters , reinforced by fast paced transitions between the characters. The shifts between the clips, only focused on the main characters and therefore the background and atmosphere was quite quiet in London.    

3) How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?
The main character, who is always in crisis, named Roger, wears a suit or something formal when hes at work or at a family motive. This suggests that the man is the provider in the family as his clothes connotes power, confidence. The props used such as the the supermarket owned by the Muslims suggests that they are in a financial crisis due to low income compared to Roger's job.  

4) Bastille's 'These Streets' is used as the soundtrack for the trailer. What does this communicate to the audience and why is it effective?
The Soundtrack 'These Streets' could be said to be parallel sound since it syncs with the video really well. The fast upbeat music keeps up with the fast paced editing between each character and the tension created in the video. The beat speeds up when there is suspense; this is effective as it brings realism and acts as an advocate for the tension being built up for the audience.

5) How does the trailer introduce narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?
The character Roger seemed happy in the first 20 seconds of the video and then suddenly seemed worried and frightened. The change in attitude creates enigma codes about the situation the characters are going through. Also the letters sent in the mail also generates enigma codes which also builds tension for the characters as well as the audience.
 
Watch the Episode 1 preview for Capital:

1) What does this preview clip suggest about the potential sub-genres for Capital?
The preview clip suggests that the potential sub-genres for Capital could be crime as we see a police officer being introduced and is investigating these letters  which normally occurs in a crime drama series.  

2) What elements of the clip might suggest this is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama?
In this clip it refers to immigration and racism, which could suggest the ongoing issues in society. This is shown through the islamophobia used by the police officer, which reflects back to the issues in today society as it has been ongoing for the last couple years.

3) Analyse the mise-en-scene in this clip. How does this provide realism and familiarity for audiences?
The undercover cop is wearing a very formal suit which connotes authority. The audience are easily familiarized by the British white character. However, You see Muslims working while joining into the conversation. This suggests labor at a young age which reflects to the audience how harsh reality is towards foreigners than British white people.  

4) What audience pleasures are provided by this scene?
The preview clip exhibits visceral pleasure to the audience as the impression given from the police officer lacks confidence towards the letters in his hands. This creates tension for the audience due to the unfamiliarity in the cops face when looking at the letters. Another audience pleasure that is shown is vicarious pleasure as we feel sympathetic towards the family receiving these obscured letters. 

5) How is the audience positioned to respond to the different characters in this particular sequence?
The audience is positioned to respond in a sympathetic way towards the Muslim family as they are going through a crisis even though they are low on financial income compared to the Roger family.  The audience cant put much faith in the police officer as he looked completely lost in words when he read the letters for the first time as well.
 
Watch the Episode 2 preview for Capital:

1) How does this clip represent upper-middle-class family life?
The upper-middle class are able to hire workers to look after their kids. This is rarely seen in middle class family's but however seen as normal in the upper. We see a glimpse of the enormous garden they have and the bright white colours in the living room indicates richness and a luxurious lifestyle.  

2) What narrative strands are suggested in this sequence?
The narrative strands suggested in this sequence are difficulties in the relationship between the husband and wife. As noticed on the previous episode, the wife was furious about the way the husband was acting. We also see the husband flirting with the nanny with the question " do you have a boyfriend "

3) How is the audience positioned to respond to Roger Yount, the main character (banker and father to the two boys)?
The audience should be disappointed in the the main character Roger Yount due to his selfish behaviour of flirting with another lady even though he has a wife with two kids. However, we do see Roger interacting with his kids and leaving work aside for a day by singing along with them.

Representations: close-textual analysis

Capital offers a range of fascinating representations - from London and Islam to the issues of asylum seekers and inequality. You need to be able to confidently discuss these issues in the context of 2015 London - with reference to key scenes from episode 1. Representations include: London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging and more.

1) Write an analysis of the representations in each of the key scenes from episode 1 we studied in class:

Scene 1: opening sequence 00:30 – 4.49
low key lighting of the London, birds eye view of a specific location in London - one neighborhood  
Family is not fixated- fast pace cuts, females are weak and fragile- men doing all the work 
White British think they are superior than others, close up of Pakistanis
House pricing increasing - showing a rapid economic change
Scene 2: work in the City 6.28 – 8.10
Busy underground stations, police sirens on the street of london,fetishes the buildings- birds eye view shot.
Rogers wife spending husbands money, top floor workers filled with men- male dominated- sexist
British white working in the city- profesional jobs
High paid jobs in the city , old lady is aging at the hospital, women are invisible 
Scene 3: “Which of those isn’t absolutely essential?” 14.00 – 15.35
Point of view shot of the houses, enigma codes in the beginning, music is very tense 
husband in bed still doing work, wife has power of her body, the relationship isn't strong  
Stereotypes of German being reinforced 
The rich have holiday and weekend houses
Scene 4: asylum 18.03 – 19.42 AND 31.10 – 32.40
Birds eye view of the houses, random noises coming from the houses whilst outside
Black female fearing to be deported, male sexual exploitation of female, black woman as an immagration lawyer- shows power
Black female showing contribution to the city,white high ranking officer, black people are involved in dodgy business.
black female has a letter from the asylum about immigration, positive  representation of an immigrant
Scene 5: “What use is 30 grand?” 36.40 – 39.00
Establishing shot, up-beat music
the female is flirtatious when husband is going work for a bonus
british male working in the city in a modernized office
the rich doesn't understand 30,000 is alot for poor people, time lapse showing how long he has worked for only to get 30,000 
Scene 6: life at the corner shop 40.10 – 42.55
diversity represented in london
Wife going outside for food to cook instead of the husband 
Pakistanis are shown to be helpful, Pakistani men are expected to have a medical degree, Asian family own a corner shop. 
Older generation have more authority over the younger generation, diversity is reinforced since the upper class and the lower class live on the same road. You can choose which aspects to focus on for each scene: e.g. London, family, gender, ethnicity, religion, immigration, asylum, inequality, wealth, aging etc.

2) How does Capital use stereotypes? Do the characters and issues represented in Capital reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we typically see in the media?
Capital reinforces Muslim stereotypes as they are expected to get a medical degree and go university hopefully. However there are some aspects where Capital subverts Muslim stereotypes as they are not all seen as terrorist in fact none of them. Instead they are viewed as genuinely caring and down to earth. 



Industries and production context

Capital was produced by independent production company Kudos for the BBC. Look at the Kudos website and also read the Kudos Wikipedia page.

1) Who is the parent company for Kudos?
The parent company for Kudos is 21st Century Fox. Apollo Global Management and Endemol Shine Group are also parent companies.

2) What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?
 Spooks - debuted on BBC One, 13th May 2002.

3) Watch the showreel on the Kudos website. What other TV dramas have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?
 Kudos have won awards such as Peabody Award for Broadchurch ,Television Bulldog Award - Best Indie and Broadcast Magazine Supplement. They have produced TV dramas such as:  Broadchurch, Flowers, Grantchester, River, Humans and The Tunnel. These programmes have made them receive these awards.


4) What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer? 
 The showreel gives an insight of what TV shows can be viewed on Kudos production. Showreel exhibits alot of personal relationship where the audience builds an emotional connection with one of the character. Also some TV shows on showreel create visceral pleasure, a sense of suspense that occurs during the season.



Marketing and promotion

Read the BBC Press Pack for Capital.

1) How does the programme information on page 3 make Capital sound interesting to audiences?
Capital's analysis on the post codes deepens which evokes changes in the audiences focus on learning more about this vivid and unforgettable ensemble of characters. Interweaving stories reveal lives filled with love and loss, fear and greed, fortune and envy and most recognisable of all, family and home. All these factors emphasise the social realism in depicts towards the modern reality.

2) Why does the programme information mention the other shows that the director and producer have worked on?
The director promotes his other shows to give an insight of what sub genres would be included in Capital. The audience that have watched the previous shows, will be more engaged in watching the next upcoming TV drama which is Capital. This shows familiarity between two TV shows. 

3) Who commissioned Capital for BBC?
Kudos commissioned Capital for BBC One.

4) Read the interview with Toby Jones. What does he say about the character of Roger?
According to Toby Jones, Roger isn't and evil banker. instead he is presented as a slightly complacent banker.  he’s a very well educated, functioning human being on one level, who has obeyed the rules and earned a lot of money.

5) Read the interview with Adeel Akhtar (page 10). What does he suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?
The crossroad is slowly evolving culturally, economically and socially. Pepys Road is a manifestation of this.  The idea of a community is that it consists of everyone from different backgrounds however in capital some characters feel like that they don't belong in this community for example Ahmed’s brother Usman.

6) Read the interview with Shabana Azmi (page 12). What does she say about Asian representations in Britain? 
If you look at the subject of Capital, we are absorbing cultures, and understanding them, or at least trying to understand them within their own paradigms.




7) Read the interview with Peter Bowker (who adapted Capital - page 14). What are his favourite scenes in the drama and why?
Christmas morning where Roger has been abandoned and left to look after his two children is one that Euros (Director) has done brilliantly. I also love the Kamals’chaotic family meals. They are quintessentially archetypal family scenes that everybody lives through, but played with great comedic panache.

8) Read the interview with Derek Wax, the Executive Producer for Kudos (page 16). Why did he produce Capital and what does it say about the way we live now?
The novel really spoke to me as it has a sweeping Dickensian ambition to it, all life in one street. I loved the sense of this big, expansive panorama of life as well as the small details of human behaviour. The whole of London seen through the microcosm of one street. And the characters are so complex, real and believable.

The obsession with property, the fact that London house prices have risen extraordinarily, has only intensified the sense of a society of haves and have-nots.





DVD packaging

Look at the DVD packaging for Capital. There are many marketing techniques employed here.

1) How does the packaging use other critically acclaimed TV dramas to promote Capital?
 The packaging uses other critically acclaimed Tv dramas to familiarize the audience that capital will be based on the same concept or same sub-genres.

2) What does the use of design and images suggest to the audience about the drama?
The design has a very modern look therefore, the audience would believe that this tv drama is based in a modern society and may include wealthy people. Also the different characters from different ethnicity shows this TV drama has diversity. 

3) How are review quotes used on the cover and what do they suggest to the audience about sub-genre, narrative and audience pleasures?
The review quotes suggest that the narrative is intense and would immediately grip the audience into it. The quotes suggests that the sub genres are mystery and crime since you expect the unexpected.

4) What representation of London does the DVD packaging offer?
 I believe it represents the diversity of London, due the different ethnic groups on show in the front cover.

The appeal of arthouse cinema

Final reading: Media Magazine - the appeal of arthouse cinema

Complete the following tasks to improve your understanding of arthouse film and the possible audience pleasures that the genre offers:

Read Beyond Hollywood: Reading Arthouse Cinema. This is in MM45 on page 24 - go to our Media Magazine archive to find the article. 

1) Summarise the article in 50 words.

Hollywood dominates to such an extent that American culture is the second culture of many Western countries. Art-house films are artistic rather than commercial in character. In other words, they are films that are purposely difficult to understand or read. People who are easily entertained by straightforward and easily understood films, are more likely not to enjoy Arthouse films.  The art cinema is less concerned with action than reaction; it is a cinema of psychological effects in search of their causes.

2) What are some of the suggested audience pleasures for arthouse film?

 The audience pleasures that the audience are most likely to receive are vicarious pleasure since art house movies are difficult to understand therefore being able to relate to the situation, your more likely to engage in the story line. Referring to User and Gratification, Surveillance may be adopted by the audience from art-house movies since the films are for educational purposes and therefore much harder to understand  
3) Why do some audiences struggle with arthouse film? Refer to some media theory here (there are some important media theories discussed in the article itself).

Referring to the article as evidence it says 'art-house is also characterised by ‘maximum ambiguity’, where a bizarre turn of events can only be ‘explained’ by characters’ subjectivity, rather than the world of the film'. This means that art house inhabit Prop's theory about certain characters in a story arc. Art house movies use characters to create the atmosphere rather than the props used or setting.

4) To what extent is arthouse film only for the middle classes and older audiences? Why might this be the case?

The younger generation are more engaged in movies that are straightforward and action packed. Whereas, the older generation are intrigued by movies that have deeper meaning to the narrative and films that have many plots. Normally posh and highly valued British movies that have a lot of dialogue in their movie, reinforce an arthouse film. Mostly middle class would enjoy an art-house movie because it includes highly sophisticated language which a working class person wouldn't be educated enough to understand.

5) What type of audience would be interested in Chicken?

The target audience that would be interested in watching chicken would 30 year old to people who have retired. Audience who have fully experienced the whole world and who are educated are most likely to be interested in watching the movie chicken.

An introduction to TV Drama: Blog task

An introduction to TV Drama: Blog task

1) What is serial television drama? Write your own definition.
 A serial is a television show which has a continuous plot that unfolds in sequential episode-by-episode fashion. Serials are, more often than not, shows that possess narrative complexity. They typically follow many story arcs.

2) List five of the TV dramas discussed in the history of the genre on page 1 of the factsheet. How has the genre evolved over time?
Doctor Who, The avengers (1961-1969), Danger Man (1962-1968), The Sweeney(1975-1978) and Minder(1979-1994), TV Dramas that are discussed. Genre has involved over time since TV dramas are starting a trend of featuring a cold opening. The is when the TV drama jumps directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown. This creates enigma codes for the audience and engages them into the show even more. This offers greater flexibility and provides easy to follow narratives, but at the cost of character progression and narrative complexity.

3) List the sub-genres of TV drama featured in the factsheet. Come up with your own example of an existing TV dramas to fit each category.
Police procedural(crime)- Luther , Medical- Holby City, Period(costume)- MadMen, Science-fiction/fantasy- The Flash , Family- Game Of Thrones, Teen- Riverdale
 
4) Why is setting so important for TV drama? 
dramas that tend to focus on a story of the week, invariably ‘cops and docs’, are generally based around a location. His allows the drama to develop over a long period of time, weathering the comings and goings of the cast member. Even heavily serialised dramas like Lost are defined by their location.



5) How do TV dramas typically use character? What audience pleasures can be linked to character in TV drama? (Hint: Uses & Gratifications theory!) 
As broadcasters seek to ensure that their most successful brands run for as long as possible it is necessary to populate them with a large cast of character. More often than not their presence in story of the week forces the guest characters to change and grow. This is especially true of medical dramas like House. Certain characters that fit the sub genre such as Teen Create vicarious pleasure, where the audience gain a emotional connection with the characters manly due to the characters scenario or favouritism. A typical user gratification for the sub genre teen is personal identity. Audience are able to relate to the character or its scenario.   


6) What is a multi-strand narrative? Give an example of a TV drama that features a multi-strand narrative.
A multi-strand narrative is where there are more central characters and will have multiple plots. An example of a  TV show that has a multi strand narrative is Doctor Who.
 
7) What is a cold opening?
when the TV drama jumps directly into a story at the beginning of the show before the title sequence or opening credits are shown.
 
8) How can Todorov's theory of equilibrium be applied to TV drama serials?
In a linear narrative arc, the first episode may be the equilibrium( state of normality). As the season unravels more episodes, the narrative will be disrupted causing a disequilibrium in the story. This may be a kidnap or an introduction of a villain. Once the disequilibrium is solved, The next season will start of with a new equilibrium. Whereas in a multi-strand narrative, Todorov's Theory is inhabited in each episode. 

9) What is the typical form for TV dramas and how are the programmes typically distributed to an audience?

 TV shows are typically distributed in the length of a 'season'. In the UK, many serial dramas fill one-hour or a ‘commercial hour’ (about 50 minutes), with some dramas commissioned to span a two- hour slot. Sherlock was originally made as a 60-minute pilot but was later remounted as a 90-minute drama on the suggestion of the BBC in order to improve certain elements such as the look and pacing of the show.

10) How have subscription channels (such as HBO) and streaming services (such as Netflix and Amazon Prime) changed the form and content of TV dramas?
HBO, AMC and Showtime are not governed by the same considerations, hence their dramas allow for a lot more adult and challenging content. Netflix and Amazon Prime also often commission shorter runs (between six and thirteen episodes) and do not need to stick to rigid running times.


11) Choose a TV drama and do your own analysis of it using the SETTING / CHARACTERS / NARRATIVE / FORM headings as featured on page 3 of the factsheet.

 The TV show that i have chosen is The Flash 

Setting 
The Flash is set in a city called Central city where crime is dealt with every hour of the day. The setting is pretty much fixated in one area since its an enormous location. The flash also known as Barry explores the location with the audience while fighting crime. 
Character
The flash has an ensemble cast where there is many important main characters. The audience can create vicarious pleasure with numerous characters since they all have an important and  specific role in the show. However the main character who intrigues and engages the audience in the show is Barry Allen also known as the Flash.   
Narrative
The show follows a linear narrative arc where the disequilibrium is solved at the end of 23 episodes. The story arc is about a 24 year old man with supernatural powers who fights other evil supernatural people for the safety of the world and the people in it. With his speed and his team beside him, they fight crime that runs in the city mostly every hour of the day.


12) How might the TV drama genre evolve in future? 
Online programme makers are starting to create more short form content, leading to drama serials that run for much less than 60, or even, 30 minutes.  With BBC 3’s move to an online only platform, and the rise in the popularity of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, the form and content of the serial drama is likely to evolve further.

As Hollywood concentrates on superheroes, special effects and high octane action, many film actors are turning to television to play ‘difficult’, this trend is likely to continue.

Distribution

Distribution

1) Why did the film fail to secure a distribution deal when first made in 2014?

 Every funding body turned Chicken down at every stage, so Joe decided to become independent. The distributors believed that this movie wouldn't generate enough profit.

 

2) What film festivals did Chicken feature at between 2014-2016?
The film festivals Chicken featured at between 2014-2016 were Edinburgh, Busan, New Hampshire, Dublin, Palm Beach and Julian.   

3) Why are film festivals an effective way for a low-budget film to secure a distribution deal?

If you win an award in a film festival, its a great opportunity to gain interests from audiences and target a large audience even though its low-budget film. Also many films get critical acclaim which can be used for promotion.  

4) When was Chicken released in cinemas in the UK?

The film was released in UK cinemas in the year 2016 

5) Why do you think film subscription service MUBI chose the film to feature on the service?
The film Chicken started to gain alot of audience due to winning 5 awards in two festivals, Therefore, MUBI recognised the potential of this movie and believed featuring this n MUBI will raise more awareness for this amazing Film. 

6) Why was Film4 a good choice to give the film its UK television premiere?
Film4 is many known for streaming mainstream films therefore, giving chicken its UK televison premiere, has raised alot of recognition for this movie. 

7) When will the film be released on iTunes and other video-on-demand services in the USA and Canada?
Digital distribution in USA/Canada – January 2018. 
 

Production

Production

1) What difficulties did the film run into during production?

During the production work, They suffered alot of external shocks e.g. vulnerability to rain which increased the production time. They also had difficulties with lighting when filming in the dark. 

 2) How many days did the film take to shoot?

19 days 

3) What scenes were particularly difficult for Joe Stephenson to film?

Scott Chambers indicated that it was difficult controlling the chicken therefore, they used two for two different scenarios.  

Funding

Funding

1) What was the budget for Chicken?

Joe Stephenson said " when we say low budget, we’re talking micro. You wouldn’t make a film on this budget if you was sane (laughs)". The budget for the film was £110,000.

2) How did Joe Stephenson end up raising the money to make the film?

Joe Stephenson end up raising 110,000 pounds through family and friends. This is also known as external source of finance since raising funds through family/friends, doesn't normally require payment back.  

3) How does the Chicken budget compare to a Hollywood-funded British blockbuster such as Spectre or Paddington 2?

There is a huge difference between a British movie like Chicken and a Hollywood movie like Spectre. According to Joe Stephenson, the movie Chicken was created with a micro budget, Whereas the movie Spectre has a high budget due to its locations and mainly the actors. Joe believed that Chicken was made through compassion rather than dwelling on the budget. 

4) Joe Stephenson tried to secure funding from organisations that help low-budget filmmakers. What is the BFI Film Fund and how does it contribute to the British film industry?

 The BFI uses National Lottery funds to develop and support original UK filmmakers and films, and to increase the audiences who can enjoy them. The BFI Film Fund contributes to the british film industry by providing support for the production, development and completion of feature films and increasing film choice for audiences. 
5) Why do you think Chicken failed to secure funding from the BFI Film Fund?

 I believe chicken failed to secure funding from the BFI Film Fund because the film budget was too low also recognised as a micro budget therefore, the BFI Film Fund decided not to fund them since they thought this film wouldn't distribute in the market.  

Film regulation and the BBFC - blog tasks:

Film regulation and the BBFC - blog tasks: 

1) Research the BBFC in more detail: what is the institution responsible for? How is it funded? What link does it have to government? 

The BBFC is a non-governmental organisation; the BBFC keeps its classifications within bounds deemed acceptable to government. The institution is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films exhibited at cinemas and video works (such as television programmes and trailers) It is an independent, non-governmental body funded through charged fees. 
2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.

BBFC has to make some very tricky judgement calls. In assessing the likelihood of ‘harm’, how does unreal violence compare with real violence? And with pleasant/unpleasant sex? And with bad language, generally reflecting reality?  The BBFC has been classifying films and giving them age ratings since it was established by the film industry in 1912.

3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words. The debate is about how adults should be eligible to choose what they want to watch as long as it remains within the law and is not potentially harmful. The BBFC determines whether the material is may cause any harm at the age rating concerned. This includes not just any harm that may result from the behaviour of potential viewers, but also any ‘moral harm’. Also whether the context in which an issue (such as sex, language or violence) is presented is central to the question of its acceptability.

4) Read this BBFC section on controversial decisions. Why did The Dark Knight generate a large amount of media coverage regarding its certificate? Do you agree with the 12A certificate The Dark Knight was awarded?  

The audience believed that the material had violence which was too strong to be contained at that category. In my opinion, a 12A certificate movie doesn't include that much aggression neither any sex references therefore, for a movie to have a strong level of violence should be classified with a 15+ certificate.   

5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

A 15 certificate contains 9 guidelines which are: Dangerous behaviour, Discrimination, Drugs, Language, Nudity, Sex, sexual violence, Threat/horror and violence.

6) The BBFC website offers an explanation of every classification it makes and detailed case studies on selected titles. Look at the rating for Chicken and explain why it was given a 15 certificate.

The movie chicken is classfied with a 15 certificate because it has very strong language, strong violence and many sex references.