2. Certificate Rating - U
U stands for universal. The suitable audience for a U film is anybody over the age of four , these must have no
reference to drugs, horror, nudity, bad language
In films with a U rating, only mild bad language is allowed, such as ‘damn’ and ‘bugger’. Some bad language can
be slightly worse, such as ‘bloody’, but nothing worse than that.
At U there may be some scary scenes, where the characters are placed in a dangerous situation. The films may
also involve fighting scenes or, again, times where the character is placed in danger. However, these scary
scenes will be balanced with humour or music and the fighting scenes will be dealt with quickly. Villains may
also carry weapons, but there is no reference to these.
3. Certificate Rating - U
There may be reference to sexual behaviour and characters may be seen kissing or cuddling, but there is no
explicit sexual behaviour or language. Also, only natural nudity is allowed, with no sexual content.
A U film will not usually mention drugs at all, unless there is an educational purpose or anti-drugs message.
However, if they are mentioned briefly, children are unlikely to understand the reference, regardless.
As I am making a horror film, it would not be suitable for a U rating. This is because, people from the age of
four are able to watch the film and the content may scare them. also my film opening may include weapons,
such as knives, which are not focused on in U films.
4. Certificate Rating - PG
PG stands for parental guidance, which means the film is suitable for a general audience. Usually,
this is anyone over the age of eight. The film may be unsuitable for younger children and parents
should decide whether their child should see the movie.
In a film with a PG rating, some bad language may be used, such as ‘s**t’ or ‘son of a b***h’. This
language cannot be used too aggressively, but little swearing is acceptable.
A PG may contain references to illegal drugs or drug misuse but not in a hurtful way. Although, if
there was an anti-drugs message, which could be understood by children over eight, this would be
acceptable.
5. Certificate Rating - PG
If what is shown or talked about lacks detail, then references to sex are acceptable. Comedy is sometimes used
to cover up references and if children are unlikely to understand them, only natural nudity is acceptable, with
no sexual content.
There may be some blood in a PG, but we wouldn’t see how it happened in detail. Although there is some
violence, the focus is usually on the characters. There may also be some jump scares, but these scenes
are not usually long.
As PG is similar to the U rating, my film opening would not be suitable for a PG rating. Rarely, language, such as
‘sh*t’ is allowed in a PG and usually in horror films, more explicit language is used. Also, in a PG rated film only
a little blood is acceptable
6. Certificate Rating - 12A
The ‘A’ in 12A stands for accompanied. This means that anyone going to the cinema to see a 12A must be 12 or
over unaccompanied and anyone under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 12A is only used at the cinema.
In films with a 12 rating, there may be infrequent use of strong language, such as ‘f***’. Although, this kind of
language cannot be used frequently or in an aggressive way. Any offensive language is not usually featured in a
12 as audiences may think this is acceptable to say.
There may be some scenes of illegal drug use, but it should not be glamorised in any way. There may also be
use of dangerous behaviour, such as self-harming or suicide, but this would not be dwelled on in detail.
7. Certificate Rating - 12/12A
In a 12, sex can be shown briefly but discreetly and verbal sex references must be suitable for young teenagers.
Humour is sometimes used to cover up these sex references, but too many would not be acceptable for a 12.
There may also be nudity in 12s, but again, it would be brief and subtle.
Occasional gory moments are acceptable but they can’t be dwelled on in too much detail. There
may also be long fight scenes involving weapons and violence. Scenes of sexual violence, for example
rape or assault can only be referenced to or briefly and subtly indicated.
Although the 12 certificate would still not meet the certificate rating i would want . This is mainly because gory
scenes cannot be dwelled on too much in a 12 and my horror movie opening may contain a lot of blood.
Also, as under 12 year olds are able to see 12As with an adult, some aspects may scare them and it would not
be suitable.
8. Certificate Rating - 15
A 15 rated film means that nobody under the age of 15 is allowed to see the film in the cinema or watch it on
DVD/Blu-ray.
In compassion to a 12, there could be a lot more bad language featured in a 15. Bad language, such as ‘f***’ is
acceptable at 15, even in an aggressive tone. Although, words, such as ‘c***’ are not acceptable unless only
used once in a less aggressive way.
Strong violence is often acceptable in a 15, but should not focus on pain and injury. Gory scenes are usually
acceptable. When it comes to sexual violence, only verbal violence is allowed, with the exception of discreet
portrayal. Most horror films are rated 15, so this isn’t an issue, but then again, very gory scenes will feature
mostly in 18s.
9. Certificate Rating - 15
Sexual activity is allowed in a 15, as long as the detail is not too graphic. Also, some sex scenes can last a while
and sometimes involve nudity. Again, nudity can be shown in sex scene, but there should not be too much
detail. Nudity in a non-sexual way is allowed and some strong references to sexual behaviour may not be
acceptable.
Drug use is quite common in films with a 15 certificate, but should still not promote taking illegal drugs.
My film opening could be given a 15 as it does have the nessacary requirement but there are a few thing in my
film which could push it to an 18 instead.
10. Certificate Rating - 18
Films with an 18 rating are only suitable for adults and no one under the age of 18. They should not be watched
by children especially. Some 18 films can be offensive as there are very loose guidelines to meet.
:
Strong images of violence can be portrayed at 18 and could even focus on the pain or injury. The strongest
horror films are accepted at 18 and usually would contain a lot of gore.
The same as in films with a 15 rating, drug use is very common, but it should still not promote taking illegal
drugs.
11. Certificate Rating - 18
Unlike any other rating, there is not limit to how much swearing is in an 18 certificate film. The words ‘f***’
and ‘c***’ are just some of the words which can be used repetitively. They can also be said in an aggressive
way, unlike in a 15.
In an 18, detailed sexual encounters can be shown and can also include full nudity. There are no restrictions to
any explicit sex references at 18. Although, films containing images of real sex are not acceptable at 18 or even
R18.
My film would most likely be given an 18 certificate. As it will include very explicit language gory images and,
therefore will probably be rated an 18.
