In this PowerPoint I will be looking at different Certificate ratings and the requirements that are needed

for a film to be giving a certain certificate rating, which is set by the BBFC. I will look at Violence,

Sexual Activity, Bad Language and Drugs. These are the key things to take into consideration when

film certificates are handed out. Also having a look at certificate ratings will show me what is allowed

on my movie opening on a certain certificate.

The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over.

Violence: A U film may include brief fight scenes or moments where characters are placed in danger. However, moments of emotional stress or threat will be quickly resolved and the outcome will be reassuring.

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.

Sexual Activity: Characters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour.At all categories heterosexual and homosexual sexual behaviour and activities are treated the same – so there could be occasional very mild references to gay or straight sex at U.

Bad language: U rated films only allow very mild bad language (eg ‘damn’ and ‘hell’). Occasionally, bad language such as ‘bloody’ or ‘bugger’ may be included, where justified by the context.

Drugs: At U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse unless there is a very clear anti-drugs or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience.

PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be

unsuitable for younger children.

Violence: There should be no detail of violence in a PG work, so while there might be some blood, we would

not see how the injury was inflicted in strong detail. Violence is generally more acceptable in a historical or

fantasy setting, because of the distancing that this provides.

Sexual Activity: References to sex are acceptable if the activity talked about or shown is implied and lacking in

detail. In addition, if a child is unlikely to understand a reference, we may allow it at PG. Comedy can also

often lessen the impact of sex references and innuendo.

Bad Language: There may be mild bad language (such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’) in a PG film, but the

context and delivery are always important.

Drugs: There might be innocuous or passing references to illegal drugs or drugs misuse in a PG work, although

there should be no strong focus on this.

12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for

'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult

(eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.

Violence: At 12A, moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no

emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if they can be justified by their

context.

Sexual Activity: Sex may be briefly and discreetly portrayed at 12 or 12A. Verbal sex references should not

go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.

Bad Language: The BBFC's Guidelines state that there may be strong language (eg 'f***') at 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. The context of the strong language is important.

Drugs: There may be infrequent sight of drugs misuse in a 12 or a 12A but the portrayal should not be

glamorised or provide instructional details.

No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a ‘15’ rated DVD. 15 rated works

are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

Violence: Yes, at 15 violence may be strong. It should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury,

however, and the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

Sexual Activity: At 15 sexual activity can be portrayed, as long as there is no strong or graphic detail.

Some sex scenes can be quite long at this category and may involve some nudity and movement.

Bad Language: There could potentially be a great deal. At 15 there is no upper limit on the number of

uses of strong language (eg f***).

Drugs: At 15 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug

misuse.

Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy/rent an 18

rated DVD. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

Violence: Yes, at 18 violence can be strong and be portrayed with strong detail. There may even be dwelling

on the infliction of pain or injury, or scenes of strong sadistic or sexual violence.

The strongest gory images are permitted at this category.

Sexual Activity: There can be strong and detailed portrayals of sex at 18, including full nudity. There are no

constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Bad Language: There may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory language at 18, and the work

could explore themes relating to this.

Drugs: Yes. At 18 drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug

misuse.

My film opening will be a paranormal horror opening, so my film opening will be unsuitable for the film

certificates U, PG and 12. This is because of the nature of the horror type, it’s supposed to spook and scare

people so it would be inappropriate for younger children, it would be more acceptable for the certificate ratings

of 15 and 18.