Researching Film certificates

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Research into Film Certificates

I am going to be doing some research into the different film certificates using the BBFC website. This will help me to decide what certificate I should give my film. It is important that the age certificate for a film is correct in order to protect children and vulnerable people from harm and to help people choose what film is right for them. The different age certificates are U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18 and R18. 

 U [Universal]

 Suitable for all.
  • DANGEROUS BEHAVIOUR - Any dangerous behaviour is clearly disapproved of and there is no emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.
  • DISCRIMINATION - No discriminatory language.
  • DRUGS - No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse, unless it has a clear educational purpose or anti drug message. 
  • LANGUAGE - Infrequent use of a very mild bad language.
  • THREAT & HORROR - No scary or unsettling sequences that could cause anxiety for children.
  • VIOLENCE - Must be very mild or justified by context (eg: comedy, animated, unrealistic).

PG [Parental Guidance]

 Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents should consider if the content may be upset younger or more sensitive children.
  • DANGEROUS BEHAVIOUR - No promotion of violence that children are likely to copy and no emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.
  • DISCRIMINATION - No discriminatory language unless in an educational or historical context.
  • DRUGS - Any reference must be innocent or have an anti drug message.
  • LANGUAGE - Mild bad language.
  • NUDITY - May be nudity but no sexual context.
  • SEX - Sexual activity may be implied but discreetly and infrequently.
  • THREAT & HORROR - Situations where characters are in danger should not be intense.
  • VIOLENCE - Usually mild but may be moderate violence without detail if justified by context (eg: comedy, animated, unrealistic).

12 and 12A

 Suitable for children age 12 and over. Children younger than 12 may see a 12A film while accompanied by an adult.
  • DANGEROUS BEHAVIOUR - No promotion of dangerous behaviour that children are likely to copy and no emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.
  • DISCRIMINATION - Must be approved by looking at the work as a whole but is unlikely to be accepted.
  • DRUGS - Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and shouldn't be glamourised.
  • LANGUAGE - Moderate bad language and strong bad language may be permitted depending on context and who is using the language.
  • NUDITY - May be nudity but must be discreet if in a sexual context.
  • SEX - May be brief and discreet. Sex references are permitted, but not frequently.
  • THREAT & HORROR - Moderate physical and psychological threat and horror. May be disturbing but the overall tone shouldn't be.
  • VIOLENCE - May be moderate violence but not in detail. Gory moments may be permitted.
15

 No one younger than 15 may see this film in the cinema or rent or buy a 15 rated film. 
  • DANGEROUS BEHAVIOUR - Should not dwell on details that can be copied. If easily accessible weapons are acceptable depends on the context, realism and setting.
  • DISCRIMINATION - There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language. 
  • DRUGS - Drug taking may be shown but should not encourage drug misuse.
  • LANGUAGE - May be strong language and very strong language may be permitted depending on context and who is using the language.
  • NUDITY - No restrictions to nudity in a non-sexual way, unless in a brief way.
  • SEX - May be portrayed but not with strong detail. May be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.
  • THREAT & HORROR - May be strong threat and horror.
  • VIOLENCE - May be strong but shouldn't dwell on the pain or injury.
18

 Suitable only for adults and no one under the age of 18 may be able to see the film in cinema or rent or buy a 18 rated film.
Adults should be free to choose their own entertainment except in the likely areas:
  • The material is a violation of criminal law.
  • Where the material is harmful to individuals through their behaviour to society. 
  • Where there is more explicit images of sexual activity in the context of a sex work.
R18

Can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops and to adults only.

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