1. WHO WOULD BE THE AUDEINCE FOR
YOUR OPENING SEQUENCE?

2. We decided to make our film rated 12. We agreed that we wanted our target audience
to be age 12 and above, but to focus specifically on older teenagers. This is because
we though that our film is easily relatable and would be more interesting to someone
of that age range. According to the BBFC, a film rated 12 is:
• What does the 12A symbol mean?
12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can 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 eg. someone over the age of 18, who must watch
the film with them.
• So what's the difference between 12 and 12A?
The 12 certificate is just for videos, DVD'S and Blu-rays. 12A is for films as the cinema
only.
• Is there a lower age limit for a 12A film?
No, however the BBFC considers the content of 12A rated film to be suitable for
children ages 12 and over, would not recommend taking young children to see them.
Words classified at these category's may upset children under the age of 12 or contain
material which many parents will find as unsuitable for them. An adult may take a
younger child if in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. To help
adults make this decision, the BBFC provide insight for all films.

3. • How important is the tone of a film at 12 or 12A?
The overall tone of a film or DVD and the way it makes the audience feel may affect
the classification. For example, a word which had a very dark or unsettling tone to it
could disturb the audience would be less likely to be passed 12A even if the individual
issues in the film were considered acceptable under the BBFC guidelines.
• Will there be uses of strong language in a 12 or 12A work?
The BBFC's guidelines state that there may be strong language ed. 'f***' or 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 of DVD being placed at the 15 category.
There is some allowance for puns of strong language at this category. There may be
moderate language (eg uses of terms such as 'bitch' or 'twat' at 12 or 12A) Any
discriminatory language (for example homophobic or racist items) is unlikely to be
padded at 12 or 12A unless is it clearly condemned.
• Do 12A films contain sex?
Sex may be briefly and desperately portrayed at 12 or 12A . Sex references should not
go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Comedy may lessen the impact of
some moderate sex references or innuendo, but frequency crude sex references are
unlikely to be accepted at this category. There may be nudity in 12A films but sexual
nudity should only be brief and discreet. Heterosexuals and homosexual sex and sex
references are treated the same.

4. • What sort of violence can i expect in a 12 or a 12A ?
At 12A moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail.
Action sequences and weapons may be present at 12 or 12A, and
there may be long fight scenes or similar.
• Can horror films be passed at 12 or 12A?
Yes, some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical
and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long as
distributing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.
• What other issues like imitable behaviour or drugs at 12 or 12A
Dangerous behaviour such suicide and self-harming may be present in
12 or 12A but will not dwell on detail which could be copied or present
those activities as pain or harm free.
(Source BBFC Website)