The British Board of Film Classification introduced the first film rating system in 1912 to provide safety ratings for movies. Over time, the system evolved to include additional ratings like "H" for horror in 1932, and divisions of the "A" rating in 1970 into categories based on audience age. Further changes included introducing a "PG" rating in 1982 and making the BBFC legally responsible for ratings in 1985. Different countries now have their own unique film classification systems to help determine appropriate audience age levels for viewing movies.

1. Film Certification

2. History of Film Certification
The British Board of Film Classification introduced the film certification
in 1912. Before this film classifications were decided by the local
councils. Ratings were introduced for safety reasons. To begin with
there was only 2 classifications. These were ‘U’ for universal, which
were suitable for everyone and ‘A’ for adult. IN 1932 the ‘H’ category
was introduced. This stood for horror and meant that only people of
16 years and older could watch it. The ‘A’ certificate was divided into 3
categories in 1970, the ‘A’ for 5’s and over, the ‘AA’ which was for
aged 14 years and older, or the ‘X’ category, 18 years and older.
During 1982 the ‘PG’ rating was introduced in which it was for general
viewing films but may have certain scenes of unsuitable viewing for
children. The ‘AA’ was updated to 15 years and above too. ‘X’ was
also renamed to ’18’. In 1985 the BBFC became legally responsible
for rating films. Those underage of the certificate were not allowed to
buy or rent films of that rating. Due to a large gap between the ‘PG’
rating and ‘15’ rating, a ‘12’ and a ‘12A’ certificate was released in
2002.

3. The different ratings
Universal- suitable
to all
Parental Guidance- general
viewing with some scenes
unsuitable for young children
Suitable for 12 years
and over. Under 12’s
permitted with an
adult.
Suitable for 12 years
and over.
Suitable for 15 years
and older.
Suitable for 18 years
and older.
Suitable for 18 years and older in
licensed cinemas and shops.

4. Audience Impact
These ratings can prevent audiences from seeing the films
they want to see. The ratings are based on the films target
audience and how they will respond to certain scenes. It then
limits the audience which can reduce sales and the popularity
of the film.

5. Variation
The certificates previously shown are for the UK only. Other
countries have different rules and regulations regarding film
classification. In Hong Kong, film ratings are decided by the
Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration. Before
they had certification, films were made under strict guidelines-for
example, no character was allowed to get away with a
crime. The rating system is in levels ranging from 1-3. Level
one is for all ages, Level 2A- not suitable for children, Level
2B- Not suitable for young children and Level 3- persons 18
and above only. Level 2 films are advisory only, and have no
legal effect as it is down to the parents choice.

6. Example of Effect
Spider-Man is an example of a films success been limited by
the BBFC. It was rated a 12 film and this limited the people
who wanted to go and watch the film. It was targeted as a film
for children, and much of its audience was under 12 years old.
This damaged the success of the film as many people who
wanted to go and watch it, couldn’t. The BBFC received many
complaints about this and this contributed to the introduction of
the ‘12A’ certificate. This allowed under 12’s to see the film if
accompanied by an adult.