This document summarizes the rating classifications used by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) for films in the UK. It outlines the criteria for films rated as Universal, PG, 12A, 12, 15, and 18. Universal films can contain mild language and kissing but no sexual content or references to drugs/alcohol. PG films can tackle more mature topics but only mild language, violence, and brief sexual references. 12A and 12 films can have stronger language and more explicit violence/sexual content as long as it is not frequent or graphic. 15 and 18 rated films receive more leniency but should not promote illegal or discriminatory behavior. The document concludes by stating the author's film would receive an 18 rating due

1. BBFC Research
U – Universal
Universal is suitable for preschool children usually at the
ages of 4 years old and only include mild bad language
such as “damn” and “hell” and there may be some
kissing and hugging but no other sexual behaviour or
references. There will be no reference at all to drugs or
alcohol unless used for educational purposes to
persuade them to not use these things, they may also
include small amounts of stress or danger in the
situations that the characters are in but this will be
resolved quickly to reduce this stress in the children.
PG – Parental Guidance
This is usually fit for children aged 8 but it is usually up to
the parent or guardian whether or not children of younger
ages will be unsettled by the content in the movie. These
films won’t include inappropriate themes but may include
things that tackle things such as racism and bullying. It may
include some mild bad language such as the words “shit” or
“son of a bitch” but if it is used aggressively or is used a lot
then the rating may be passed higher. Sex references may
be included if they aren’t used in detail and aren’t used frequently or use
references children won’t understand. Some mild violence may be used with
the use of blood but no detailed shot of how the injury was inflicted and horror
movies may only use jumpy or short sequence frightening moments as these
are short and won’t cause too much stress, some references to drugs may be
used but not in detail and should mostly only be used for educational
purposes.

2. 12A and 12
12A movies are different to 12 movies, 12A movies
mean that children aged 12 or over can enter the
cinema to watch this movie alone, anyone under
the age of 12 must have an adult accompanying
them and full responsibility is on them whereas 12
movies require all viewers to be 12 even if
accompanied by an adult. 12A and 12 movies may
include some strong bad language such as “f***”
but if this is delivered aggressively or in a frequent
amount then it may be passed as a 15 or higher, 12
and 12A movies may also include some moderate
bad language such as “bitch” or “twat”.
Aggressive discriminatory terms aren’t allowed
to be used unless it clearly condemns
discrimination. There may be some short and
discrete sex and nudity scenes and some sexual
references will be used but these shouldn’t go
past what is suitable for young teenagers.
Moderate violence may be used and there may
be some gore and injuries but this shouldn’t be
dwelled on too long, fighting scenes and the
use of weapons may also be used but weapons
easy for 12 year olds to get, such as knives,
shouldn’t be used. Some scenes of rape or
assault will also be used but discretely and short and should be justified. There
may be some use of drugs but these shouldn’t be glamorised and there may be
hanging and suicide but these shouldn’t be dwelled on too much.

3. 15
15 rated films prohibit anyone under the age of
15 from viewing and renting movies and may
require some form of identification. There may
be a lot of the use of strong language such as
“f***” or even “c***” depending on who is
saying it and in what manner. There may be
some discriminatory usage such as racism and
homophobic themes but these shouldn’t be
endorsed. Strong gore may be used but the
infliction of these injuries shouldn’t be dwelled
upon and sadistic violence shouldn’t be used.
Drug usage may be shown but this shouldn’t
promote it, strong threat and horror may also
be used unless in a sadistic manner.
18 and R18
There is no limit on the use of strong language and it
may be used frequently and aggressively. There can be
a large amount of discrimination but shouldn’t be a
large part of the movie and shouldn’t be promoted. Any
type of nudity and sex scenes can be used and sexual
activity may be shown in educational video. Strong gory
images and strong violence can be used and may even
dwell on the infliction of these injuries and may use
sadistic themes. They may also use strong horror and
threat and drug taking can be widely shown but
shouldn’t be promoted. Any illegal activity that is
promoted cannot be used in an 18 film. R18 films
are special legally-restricted content that can consent
to sex or strong fetishes but can only be shown in
specially licensed cinemas or sex shops.

4. What I would rate my movie
I would rate my movie at the age rating of 18, even though there is very little
use of strong language and little showing of inflicted injuries, my movie
includes a large amount of blood and includes a sadistic nature of somebody
who hunts the woods killing people. This could therefore have a chance of
promoting this sadistic nature to anyone under 18. Although it is possible I may
be able to get it at an age rating of 15, the sadistic nature of my plot mainly
places it into the 18 category although it may be possible to skip this sadistic
theme or to present it in a shorter, less obvious way so that I can get my age
rating lowered to at least a 15 or 12.