Film CertificationBy Rachel Gibson

How Does Film Certification Work?The BBFC watch every film before it is released and give it an age rate and insight according with the standards and criteria of the BBFC Classification Guidelines. The idea behind this is to protect children from unsuitable film and video content and to give consumers important information about a film before they watch it.

Generally there are two examiners viewing a film and a Senior Examiner confirming their recommendation. DVDs and Blu-rays are also monitored, though generally by one examiner.

Films that are not shown in a cinema may have stricter age ratings than those that are as these are more likely to be seen by underage children at home.

What do the Examiners Examine?DiscriminationDrugsHorrorDangerous, easily imitable behaviourLanguageNuditySexViolence

U – Suitable for AllThis symbol The U symbol represents the category of

‘Universal’. Films with this rating are appropriate for audiences of the age 4+.

Films with a U certificate can explore most themes as long as they suitable for young children. However, not all U films are aimed at children; adult films without strong issues are often of this rating.

This film rating includes most themes as long as they are related to in the appropriate manner, suitable for a young audience

Children’s films rated U will often include positive notions of loyalty, honesty, friendship, etc. especially revolving around children. There is almost always a ‘happily ever after’ and very rarely any form of discriminatory language or behaviour, and when there is, it is disapproved of strongly.

PG – Parental GuidancePG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable

for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content might upset younger or more sensitive children.

All themes are permitted in PG films, but they must be presented as appropriate for their category; these films have been known to include challenging issues such as domestic violence, bereavement or racism.

Illegal and antisocial behaviour is always condemned or disputed in some way; smoking and drinking are disapproved of and if children are presented smoking, this will be portrayed as ‘bad’, and drugs come with the notion of harm.

12A – Cinema Release Suitable for 12+ YearsThe rating ‘12A’ refers to films shown in

cinemas only. This means that anyone of the age 12 or over is able to see the film unaccompanied.

The ‘A’ stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. This means that children below the age of 12 are permitted to see the film if accompanied by an adult, i.e. someone above the age of 18 who watchesthe film with them.

12 – Video Release Suitable for 12+ YearsThis rating is only found on DVDs and Blu-

rays. This means that nobody under the age of 12 is permitted to buy or rent the film. However, a parent or guardian may purchase or rent a film with a 12 certificate and then in the privacy of their home show it to their children even under the age of 12.

15 – Suitable for 15+ YearsThis certificate means that nobody under the age of 12 is

allowed to see the film at the cinema, or buy or rent a ‘15’ rated DVD because works with these ratings are inappropriate for anyone younger as they may include;

Strong violenceFrequent strong languagePortrayals of sexual activityStrong verbal references to sexSexual nudityBrief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to

sexual violenceDiscriminatory language or behaviourDrug taking

18 – Suitable Only for Adults Films with this rating are suitable only for adults; nobody under

this age can see these films in a cinema or buy or rent a DVD with this rating as their content is not appropriate for anyone younger than 18.

All themes are permitted on an ‘18’ film as long as they are legal, although some themes in these films may still be offensive even to adult viewers.

18 works may contain strong issues such as; Very strong violence Frequent strong language and very strong language Strong portrayals of sexual activity Scenes of sexual violence Strong horror Strong blood and gore Real sex (circumstances dependent) Discriminatory language and behaviour

What is My Film’s Certificate?I have decided that due to the fact that my film does

include elements of horror and strong violence, but not so extreme that they would classify as worthy of an 18 rating, I would give our film a 15 certificate.

I decided this with the knowledge that the film Obsessed, which my film took alot of inspiration from is also certified as a ‘15’, and the second

film, Evilenko, was an ’18’ but presented a lot more gore and horror than my film and Obsessed

do.

What is My Film’s Certificate?It is very important to emphasise the

fact that this certificate does not mean that our film is meant for 15 year olds, as it is actually aimed at a much older audience, but that if 15 year olds wish, they can watch it as the content of the film is suitable for their age.

Thanks for reading!By: Rachel Gibson