Age Certificates

I thought it would be important to look at age certificates when considering my genre.

It's a very important because it determines the suitable minimum age for a viewer watching the film as some moments in a film may offend, disturb and frighten younger viewers. The BBFC determines the age certification of a film before it is allowed to be released in UK cinemas, and either gives it a rating of a U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, 18 or R18. This is a strict age code which allows the audience to watch movies that are suited to them, and that they will most likely appreciate and understand; no one under the minimum age rating applied to a movie is allowed to rent, buy or watch it in a cinema

Each age certification category has its own purpose and reasons as to why it has been placed on a film. Here are the official certification restrictions from the BBFC website http://www.bbfc.co.uk/

  SUITABLE FOR ALL

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

If a work is particularly suitable for a pre-school child to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice.

  PARENTAL GUIDANCE 

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are told to consider whether  it may upset younger or more sensitive children.

 SUITABLE FOR ONLY 12 YEARS AND OVER

Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. These categories are awarded where the material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over. Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

The ‘12A’ category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult, and films classified ‘12A’ are not recommended for a child below 12.

The ‘12’ category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work.

 SUITABLE FOR ONLY 15 YEARS AND OVER

No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

 SUITABLE FOR ONLY ADULTS 

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video work.

For my Horror film trailer I intend to create strong themes of terror and fright, without any elements of sex, sadism or that dwells too much on gore and the infliction of pain. I want my film to contain more of a ‘paranormal’ context, and not of physical torture and gore. So I came to the conclusion that my Horror movie would fit into the ’15′ category.

The BBFC’s detailed guidlines intended for a ’15′ rated film: (this has been taken word for word off their website)

"Discrimination

The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs

Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Horror

Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language

There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, ‘f***’). The strongest  terms (for example, ‘c***’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity

Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme

No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

Violence

Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification."

So from those guidlines, I think my Horror movie would work the best as a ’15′ rated movie. Although, there are some restrictions are implemented, I believe that this would be suitable. In addition, there are many successful horror movies within this age certificate that are classics of fear and dread such as ‘The Grudge’, ‘The Ring’, ‘Final Destination’, ‘[REC]‘, ‘The Mist’ and ‘The Decent’.

I have taken inspiration from Horror movies such as‘The Blair Witch’ and ‘Paranormal Activity’ where a majority, or the whole of the film has been shot through the lens of a handheld home video camera. They have all been categorised as ’15′, therefore I believe mine will also be suited to this age certificate.