2. It is important to look at classifications before planning to protect
individuals from inappropriate/harmful content in films and videos. This
provides individuals with information about the film or video, so that
they can decide whether they would like to view the video. It is
important to ensure that each specific film has the right classification for
the right age group to ensure that their is a high level of protection
provided.
Before planning my film I am going to explore the different certificate
ratings, so that I will fully understand them and give my film the right
appropriate classification. Once I have chosen the right classification
I will follow these guidelines strictly and ensure I only contain the allowed
content within this classification range. I think my film opening will be
appropriate for the certificate rating of 15, as it meets all of the
guidelines. Also many horrors are rated at 15.
3.
4. Language: In U rated films you are only allowed to have mild bad language, as younger ages are also the
audiences of U rated films children younger then the age of 4 watch universal films. Language such as ‘Damn’
and ‘hell’ can be used. Bad language such as “bloody” can be also used if appropriate.
Violence or horror
A u film may use scenes which show minor fights in little details and scenes where characters are in danger.
There may be brief scary scenes but not to intense.
As with violence, however, these scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or
music.
‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’
characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon outside, for example, historical settings.
Potentially dangerous or imitable behavior, particularly those which come across as safe or fun, will not be
present.
Drugs
At U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs used inappropriately unless there is a very
clear un-encouraging or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience.
5. Sexual scenes
Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour for an example
making love’. However there should no focus on sexual behaviour or language.
Heterosexual and homosexual are treated in the same way.
Will there be references to drugs?
At U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear antidrugs or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience.
Would my film be suitable for this certificate rating?
My film will not be suitable for a U rating as the film I am creating will be a horror. Horror films are not passed
as a U rating as they contain violence and scare which can affect the younger target group as in a U rated
movies can only contain brief scenes of horror and violence, In my movie I will contain paranormal features
such as ghostly figures, blood and gore, as the aim of my movie is to scare. This will not be suitable for children
aged 4 and younger as it can emotionally and physically scare them as the movie will be too scary.
6.
7. Parental Guidance
What does PG mean?
PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing,
however some scenes can be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film is
designed to be suitable for children around eight years or older. Parents should
consider if the movie is appropriate for there children, and provide parental
supervision whilst their children are watching the film.
Drugs
In a PG rated movie there may be harmful references to illegal drugs however there
is not strong focus on it.
Drug references may be allowed if there is a clear anti-drugs or educational message
which can be understood by children over eight.
Language
Mild Bad language such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’ is tolerated however the context
they are put in and the delivery is always important. For an example if language is
used in a aggressive tone, or there is too much bad language used it cannot be
passed as a PG film but it will be put in the next category above.
8. Violence/horror
In a PG film there should there can be some blood but not how it was caused in great
detail as there should be no detail in violence. PG films allow jumpy moments and
scary scenes however these scenes are not showed for a long amount of time.
Sexual scenes
References to sex is suitable if the activity is talked or shown in little detail. If a child is
unlikely to understand a reference it may be certified as a PG. Comedy can also reduce
the impact of sexual references as it can cover up the reference made. Heterosexual
or homosexual sex and sex also applies in the same, meaning there could be mild
references to gay or straight sex in PG. Only natural nudity is allowed with no sexual
contact.
Would my film be suitable for this certificate rating?
My film would not be suitable for this film rating as the film I am creating is a horror. In a
PG film only a few scenes of horror must be showed and they should lack detail and
not be prolonged however as my film is set on a horror is will be based on blood, scare
and paranormal figures throughout the movie.
9.
10. 12 and 12A
What does the 12A symbol mean?
The symbol 12A means that anybody aged 12 or over can view see the unaccompanied , meaning they do not
need supervision. The A stands for ‘advisory’ and ‘accompanied’ . However children under the age of 12 must
be supervised by an adult (someone over the age of 18). The difference between 12A and 12 is that 12A is only
used by the cinema, and 12 is used on blue-rays and DVDs.
Language
In a 12A or 12 there may be strong language for an example ‘f***’ however it must be used infrequent. The
context of the strong language it vital, as if the film contains aggressive uses of strong language it may
classified to the category 15. There may be moderate language used such as ‘bitch’ and ‘twat’.
Drugs
In a 12 and 12A film there may be infrequent misuse of drugs however it may not be portrayed as a good thing
to do. Dangerous behavior such as suicide of self-harming may be shown but not in great detail.
11. Sexual scenes
In 12 and 12A movie sex may be briefly and discreetly shown. Verbal sex references should not go
further than what is suitable for young teenagers. Comedy is used often to reduce the impact of
some moderate sex references. There may be nudity in 12A films, but sexual nudity should only
be shown discreetly.
Violence/horror
Some horror films are passed in the 12A category. Physical and psychological horror is allowed at 12
or 12A as long as disturbing scenes are not frequently disturbed. Moderate violence is allowed but
it should not dwell in detail, occasional gory moments mat be permitted. Weapons and action
scenes can be shown but must not be glamorised. Scenes of sexual violence such as rape or
assault can be shown but discreetly.
Would my film be suitable for this certificate rating?
My film opening would not be suitable for this certificate rating as the movie I am creating is based on
the horror genre, although this category allows physical, psychological horror and gory moments
they cannot be dwelled in. in addition children under the age of 12 can watch a 12A movie with
parental guidance, this will not be suitable for children under the age of 12 as this can affect them
physically and emotionally as the movie would scare them.
12.
13. 15
What does the symbol 15 mean?
The symbol 15 means that no one under the age of 15 is allowed to watch a
15 film at the cinema, or buy and rent a 15 rated DVD.
Language
In a 15 rated film there is not limit on the uses of strong language for an
example ‘f***’. Stronger language such as ‘c***’ can be tolerated but if
it is used more then once and aggressively it will not normally be passed
under the category 15.
Violence/horror
Majority of horror films are rated at 15. As this category allows there to be
strong threat and however the strong gory images are unlikely to be
accepted and put into the certificate rating 18.
Detailed verbal references to sexual violence may be allowed. However any
scenes of sexual violence may be discreet and have justification.
14. Sexual scenes
Sexual activity can be shown, as long as there is no strong or graphic
detail. Sexual scenes can shown for quite along time. Nudity may
be allowed however there should not be in strong detail. Nudity in
a non-sexual way can be shown. Strong references to sex and
sexual behaviour can be shown however strong or crude
references are unlikely to be accepted.
Drugs
In a 15 movie drug taking may be shown however it should not be
encourage or promoted.
Would my film be suitable for this certificate rating?
I think the film I will be creating will be suitable for this certificate
rating. As it meets all the regulations the 15 category requires.
15.
16. 18
What does this symbol stand for?
This symbol means that no one under the age of 18 is allowed to watch an
18 film at the cinema or buy and rent one. 18 rated films are for adults
they are not suitable for children.
Language
In an 18 there is no limit on the amount of strong language you use for an
example on words like ‘f***’ or ‘c***’ even very strong language can be
passed at 18. Language used can be aggressive, directed, frequent and
accompanied by strong violence.
Violence/horror
In this category the strongest horror works are passed at 18, they can
contain strong horror, gore or constant threat and danger.
Strong violence can she shown containing strong detail. There can be
dwelling of pain or injury, or scenes of strong sadistic or sexual violence.
Gory images are permitted.
17. Drugs
Drug taking may be portrayed but similar to the category 15 it should
not be promoted or encouraged.
Sexual scenes
In this category there can be strong and detailed portrayals of sex.
Including full nudity, there is no restrictions on nudity in a nonsexual context. Unlike the category 15 very strong, crude and
explicit sex references are allowed.
Would my film be suitable for this certificate rating?
My film will be suitable for this certificate rating as it contains horror
and danger scenes, as it is suitable for the category 15 it is also
suitable for the certificate rating of 18.
