This document discusses film classification ratings in the UK and analyzes whether different ratings would be appropriate for a horror film the author is creating. It examines the guidelines for U, PG, 12A, 15, and 18 ratings in terms of allowed violent, sexual, and disturbing content. The author determines that the 15 and 18 ratings would be most suitable since they allow the types of graphic horror elements, violence, and language intended for the film, while lower ratings would not due to restrictions on such content.

1. Suraj Ram

2. It is important to look at classification before planning in order to
protect individuals from inappropriate or distressing content in films
and videos. This provides individuals with information about the film
or video, so that they can make a decision whether they would like
to view the video. It is important to guarantee that each precise film
has the correct classification for the accurate age group to ensure
that there is a high level of protection provided. Before planning my
film I am going to investigate the various 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 include the
allowed content, within this classification range. I think my film
opening will fit best in the certificate rating of 15, as it meets all the
guidelines, also because numerous horrors are 15.

4. The U symbol stands for universal, this means that the film should be suitable for any ages over four.
However, you cannot predict what might distress a particular child, particularly at this lower end of the
category range. There is no very bad language used in U except for mild bad language. Sex and sex
references are treated the same regardless of sexuality so there could be minor and undetailed
references at U. Violence will generally be very mild. A U film may contain brief fight scenes or
moments where characters are placed in a dangerous situation. However, moments of emotional
stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be comforting. There may be brief scary
scenes and moments where the characters are placed in danger. As with violence, however, these
scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music therefore this
would be very inappropriate for the horror genre, as graphic violence would not be allowed which is
what most horrors consist of, this would be too emotionally scarring for kids also fear is what
empowers the horror gene, the audience would expect to be scared therefore a lot of scary aspects
would be involved, and this could leave them with long or short term effects. Due to this, the age rating
U will not be suitable for my horror film.
In example this scene from ‘Evil dead’ a
famous horror film would not be acceptable
for the rating U as it has shown a close up of
a weapon and gore and horror which could
distress a child aged four or above.
However this scene from a U rated film
shows characters being happy with bright
lighting and no violence, blood, or weapons
in sight, this would defeat the object of a
horror genre film, showing that the example
of the horror film would be too disturbing for
kids.

5. In the certificate rating U the ‘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 however in the horror genre generically
the weapon is shown a lot from both the antagonist and
protagonist, in the top 10 horror shots, there is a close up of the
weapon, therefore if choosing a U, this would go against the
generic conventions and if this was displayed to children from four
and above, it would be very inappropriate as they’d be exposed to
things that they're not meant to be exposed to. Children could also
potentially copy dangerous or anti-social behavior.

7. PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is appropriate
for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young
children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or
older, however parents should decide if the child can watch the
film. Not all PG films are made for young children. The themes
passed in PG would be things such as bullying, racism etc. As well
as U; mild bad language is allowed however at a more explicit type
nevertheless if aggressively used, it would be passed to a higher
category. Violence would typically be mild however there would be
exceptions of blood. Some references of illegal drugs will be made
but there would be no focus on it; if there is an educational
message which can be understood by children over eight or if it is a
clear ant-drug then it will be allowed.

8. In a PG film there could be blood, but how it was caused would not
be permissible, as there should be no detail to violence; jumpy
moments and scary scenes can be added yet they would not be
displayed for an excessive amount of time.
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 pg. Comedy can also decrease the impact of sexual
references as it can shield up any reference made. Heterosexual or
homosexual sex and sex also applies the equivalent, meaning there
could be mild reference to gay or straight sex in PG. Only natural
nudity with no sexual contact.
My film would not be suitable for this film rating as I am creating a
psychological horror movie. In a PG, only a few scenes of horror are
allowed to be shown with a lack of detail, however my film will have
themes that would not be appropriate, and I will include blood, scare
and weaponry used throughout the movie.

10. The symbol 12A means that anybody aged 12 or over can view the
film unaccompanied, meaning they do not have to have
supervision. The A stands for “Advisory” and “accompanied”,
however children under the age of 12 must be supervised but an
adult (someone above 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. In 12A or 12 there may be strong language,
however it must be used occasionally and not frequently. The
context of the strong language is vital, as if the film contains
aggressive uses of strong language it may be classified to 15.
There may be moderate language used such as “bitch”. There may
be infrequent uses of drugs however it may not be portrayed as a
good thing to do. Dangerous behaviour such as suicide of self
harming may be shown but not in great detail.

11. In 12 and 12A movie; sex may be briefly discreetly be displayed.
Verbal sex references should not go further than what is suitable for
young teenagers. Comedy is often used to reduce the influence of
some moderate sex references. There may be nudity conversely
sexual nudity should only be shown inconspicuously. Some horror
films are passed in the 12A category. Physical and psychological
horror are allowed at 12 or 12A as long as disturbing scenes are
mild, moderate violence is allowed; scenes can be shown but not
be adorned. Scenes of sexual violence such as rape or assault can
be shown but discreetly. My film opening would not be suitable for
this certificate rating as the movie I am creating is based on the
horror genre and even though this category allows physical and
psychological horrors, it would not be suitable for children under
the age of 12 because it would be too draining on them, and could
harm them, mentally.

13. The symbol 15 means that no one under the age 15 is allowed to
watch a 15 movie at the cinema or buy or rent a 15 rated DVD. In a
15 movie there is no limit on the uses of explicit language for an
example “f**k” could be allowed. Stronger language such as “C**t*
can be tolerated but if it is used continuously and aggressively it
will not normally be passed under the category 15. Most horror
films are rated 15- this is because a 15, allows there to be strong
language and real threat however, gory images are unlikely to not
be accepted and would most likely be put into the rating 18.
Detailed verbal references to sexual violence may be tolerable
however any scenes of sexual violence can only be subtle and
have reasoning.

14. Sexual activity can be shown as long as there is no durable or
graphic detail. Sexual scenes can be shown for a period of time
and nudity may be acceptable nonetheless it should not be in
resilient detail. Nudity in a non-sexual way can be shown, strong
references to sex and sexual behaviour can be presented however
strong or crude references are improbable to be accepted. Drugs in
a 15 vary; drug taking may be shown however it should not be
encouraged or promoted. I think the film I will be creating will be
suitable for this certificate as it meets all the regulations the 15
category requires.

16. The symbol 18 means that no one under the age of 18 is certified
to watch the film in cinema and are incapable of either renting or
buying an 18. Most 18 films are for adults as they are not
appropriate for children. In an 18 there is no limit on the quantity of
strong language that is used, this covers all the spectrum of explicit
language. In terms of context; the language can be used
aggressively, directly, frequent and can be accompanied by strong
violence. In this category the strongest horror works are passed at
18, they can contain strong horror, gore, or continuous threat or
jeopardy. Strong violence can be shown in comprehending detail.
There can be dwelling of pain or injury, or scenes of strong
merciless or sexual violence. Gory images are allowable.

17. Drugs can be shown but similar to the classification 15, it should
not be stimulated or encouraged. In this category there can be
strong and exhaustive portrayals of sex. Including complete nudity,
there is no restrictions on nudity in an non-sexual content. Unlike
the category 15, very strong language, rudimentary and explicit
sexual references are allowed. My film will be suitable for this
certificate rating as it encompasses horror and endangerment
scenes. It is both suitable for the category and the the certificate
rating 18.