The document discusses UK film ratings and provides information about the content restrictions and guidelines for each rating level: - U films must be suitable for ages 4+ and can only contain very mild language, sexual references and violence. - PG allows stronger language but rare sexual references. Violence must be brief and not graphic. - 12A is the same as 12 but children can watch with an adult. Strong language is permitted but discriminatory language is not. - 15 allows strong language, nudity, and portrayal of drug use but not promotion. - 18 has no restrictions but cannot break laws. The proposed film warrants a 15 rating due to portrayal of underage drinking and potentially graphic violence.

1. Who are the audience
for my film?
Rochell Rowe
http://bbfc.co.uk/

2. Age rating – U?

3. Age rating – U.
 Films rated U must be suitable for everyone over the age of 4 as
‘U’ stands for ‘Universal’.
 The only form of bad language is very mild. For example, ‘damn’.
 The films have very mild and undetailed sexual reference- If any.
 There is little violence and any moments of stress are often quickly
resolved.
 There are no references to drug use or misuse UNLESS there is
an anti-drugs message being enforced.
 U films often show “positive messages about loyalty, honesty and
friendship, particularly amongst children.”[Reference from
http://bbfc.co.uk/what-classification/u].

4. Age rating – PG?

5. Age rating – PG.
 ‘PG’ stands for parental guidance. This means that the film is suitable for a
wide range of viewers but there are some scenes in which parents may view
as inappropriate for young children.
 Bad language is also mild however, it may be stronger than in a ‘U’ film. For
example ‘Shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’.
 Sex references are very rare and infrequent if the exist. If children are unlikely
to understand them, then it may still be classed as a PG.
 In terms of violence, there is very undetailed violence. Horror scenes much be
short and there mustn’t be much more than blood seen.
 There may be some subtle drug references but it cannot be the main focus.
Similarly to ‘U’, Drugs can be the main focus if there is a strong anti-drugs
message.
 As in ‘U’, any behavior that children may copy, such as illegal or anti-social
behavior, should be discouraged and is not allowed in PG films.

6. Age rating – 12/12A?

7. Age rating – 12/12A.
 12 films and 12A films have the same content however, for films rated a 12, children
under this age are not allowed to attend at all but for 12A’s, children accompanied by an
adult are able to watch the film.
 Strong and offensive language (swear words such as F***) are allowed to be present in
films of this age rating however, it is dependent on who is saying it, and why they’re
saying it.
 It is highly unlikely that discriminatory language (such as racial hatred comments) will be
passed in a 12/12A.
 Sexual references may occur but can not be too strong. (The rule applies for
all sexualities.)
 Moderate violence is permitted but it is not allowed to be shown in too much
detail or be out of context.
 Anti-social and illegal behavior may be portrayed but again, it cannot be
shown in too much detail. (For example drug use.)

8. Age rating – 15?

9. Age rating – 15.
 No one under the age of 15 is allowed to view the film in
cinema or buy/rent a DVD with the age rating 15.
 There is often a lot of strong language (a lot of swearing)
 Sexual reference/nudity/sexual violence/sexual activity are
allowed to be displayed.
 Discriminatory language and behavior is allowed but it must
not make it seem acceptable.
 Drug usage is allowed to be portrayed however the film
must not encourage it.

10. Age rating -18?

11. Age rating – 18.
 Adult rated films and no one under the age of 18 can buy/
rent the film or view it in the cinema.
 There are no limits to an 18 movie.
 Frequent use of strong language and violence.
 Discrimination can be present as long as the film doesn’t
break and laws or legislations.
 May be sexual works (The use of sex to arouse the
audience/viewer).
 Drug use may also be present as long as it does not
promote drug mis-use.

12. Age rating – R18?

13. Age rating – R18.
 R18 films are films for adults which are based around
sexual works and strong fetishes.
 These films are available but can only be shown in
specially licensed cinemas.
 They can only be sold in adult sex shops.

14. Our story-line.
 A police officer's daughter has finally finished her AS exams
and meets up with a few friends in the local park for drinks,
music and a social gathering. After drinking a funny
flavoured drink, she decides to leave alone and is followed.
Before realising that someone is following her,she passes
out. Fading in and out of consciousness, she she's fuzzy
lines and herself being kidnapped. When she finally wakes
properly, she finds herself trapped in an abandoned room.
Her mother knew that getting into this field of work would
cause her to gain enemies, but once she receives the call to
say she only has 24 hours to find and save her daughter,
Will she remember who her true enemies are?

15. The age rating for our film
is….

16. Because…
We decided that our age-rating should be 15 as there is
drug usage and illegal behavior being mimicked. (E.g.
underage drinking). Whilst we are not promoting it, we
feel that it adds to our story, it makes it more realistic. This
then means that it is obviously not suitable for a PG or U
rated audience as drug usage can only be mildly
referenced and not seen. Our whole plot relies on the
protagonist (Charlie) drinking a ‘spiked’ drink. Also, there
are some violent scenes which may make it inappropriate
for an audience of 12. We may use make up to create
some gory images, which may help us build suspense in
the film, which is exactly what we want as it’s a thriller!