The document discusses UK film certificate ratings from U to 18, outlining the types of content allowed at each rating level. A U rating is suitable for all ages and allows only mild language and violence. PG allows more language and mild references to sexual themes. 12A permits more action and strong language depending on context. 15 allows strong violence, language, sexual content, and drugs. An 18 rating has no restrictions and may contain strong violence, language, sexual violence, and horror.

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2. *It is important to research the different
certificate ratings so you can see the
boundaries of how much gore and sexual
themes are allowed in the film. Researching
ratings will help me decide what rating my
short film will have so I know the levels of
different themes allowed to an extent.

3. * “U” stands for “Universal”. A universal film is suitable for
everyone to watch from the age of four and above.
* No Horror films have been released with a certificate
rating of “U”
* No use of bad language in any U rated films, only mild
language (E.g. Damn) used infrequently
* Violence will generally be very mild, “Baddies” and
“Goodies” can be seen using weapons but there will be no
emphasis on these.
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4. * “PG” stands for parental guidance, the films with this
rating are suitable for general viewing but may upset
viewers under the age of eight.
* Bad language could be used in these films, such as
“Shit”. But the language would not be used aggressively
or in great numbers because that would result in a higher
certificate rating being given to the film.
* There could be mild or undetailed references of sexual
themes at PG
* The BBFC allow some jump moments of horror, as long
as they are not prolonged or intense.
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5. * A “12A” film requires an adult to accompany any child
under 12. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view
a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for
that child
* More action can be seen in a 12, and strong language may
be passed at this rating, depending on the manner in
which it is used (who is saying it, frequency, and any
special contextual justification)
* Some Horror films are passed at this category.
Moderate physical and psychological threat is
permitted at 12 or 12A. For example Women In Black is
a 12 and doesn’t have gory scenes but it has “jump
scares” through out the film.
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6. * No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema
or buy/rent a 15 rated film. Not suitable for under 15.
* You will see in a 15 rated film – Strong violence, strong
language (frequent), sexual activity, nudity, drugs and
more.
* At 15 there can be strong threat and horror as long as
there is no sustained focus on sadistic or sexualised
threat.
* Cabin In The Woods is a 15 rated horror film.
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7. * Nothing is held back in a 18 rated film, No-one under 18
is allowed to watch/rent/buy. Some themes may still be
offensive to some adult viewers
* Strong violence, language, sexual violence, horror, blood
and gore can be found in a 18 rated film.
* Horror films are in their prime at the 18 rating. Many
horror films have the rating of 18 for example Scream,
Friday the 13th, Saw and Child’s play. Very well known
horrors are rated 18.
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