Film Certificate Research

Film Certificates 

Why do we need film certificates?

Film certificates are used to ensure that scenes in a movie or tv show are not to graphic or overly scary for that particular age group. Some movies and tv shows may contain strong language, smoking, alcohol use, violence, sexual scenes, graphic content and scenes that viewers may find upsetting. Therefore it is vital to have film certificates, so the viewer knows whether or not the film is appropriate for them. 

Film certificate 

The U certificate suggests that the film is universal. This means the film is suitable for all viewing of all ages and is mainly aimed at families and children. Most animated films and children's films will have the rating of a U. An example of a film with a U rating is the little mermaid (1989).

The PG certificate suggests that parental guidance is advised. It is mainly for films aged at children, and films that have minimal strong language, violence and sexual references, however might contain scenes that children may find upsetting. An example of a film with a PG rating is Elf (2003).

A 12A movie suggests that a 12 year old or under can view the film, if accompanied by an adult. For example if a movie contains mild language, upsetting scenes, sexual references and mild horror the film may be rated a 12A. They must be accompanied to minimise any distress caused my the movie. An example of a film with a 12A rating; that was a very controversial certification as many deemed the movie 'to scary' for under 12's was the woman in black (2012).

A 12 movie is for people who are the ages of 12 and over. In a 12 movie moderate language, discreet nudity, sexual references, violence and horror sequences are all passed and permitted as suitable for a 12 year old to view. An example of a film with a 12 rating is harry potter and the deathly hallows part 1 (2010).

A 15 movie is for people who are ages of 15 and over. A 15 movie may include racist or homophobic references, drugs, dangerous behaviour (although hanging, suicide or self half must not be shown in detail), sexual activity, nudity, strong language, threat, horror and strong violence. An example of a movie certified as 15 is insidious (2010).

A movie rated 18 is for adults only. An 18 movie may include discrimination  drugs, explicit sexual scenes, strong language, nudity, horror, violence and dangerous behaviour. An example of a film that is certified as an 18 is the exorcist (1974).

Certifying our movie opening

Our movie opening will focus on the horror genre. In line with the British Board of film classification (bbfc), we predict our movie would be of a 15 rating. It will contain distressing scenes that may be viewed as scary, and will involve strong language and conventions of the horror genre. We have decided it will be to frightening and the language may be to strong for a 12 certification, however it will not use discrimination, nudity or sexually explicit content to need to be an 18. 

All research and information was referenced from the British Board of film classification (bbfc) and therefore is accurate and up to date with the current film certifications rules and regulations.