Film certificate research

In Britain, there are 6 different types of film certificates. They are:

 TBC stands for “to be confirmed”. In other words the film still needs to be certified before it can be shown. This sign is used on cinema sites that show what films are coming out soon.

Universal. This certificates it suitable for all audiences aged 4 years and over. However, persons under the age can view the film under guardian or parental guidance.  An example of U rated film is Gnomeo and Juliet. This has been classified as a U because of the story line is very simple and is about gnomes.

Parental Guidance, this can be viewed by anyone, but young people may need adults permission, due to some scenes may not be suitable. An example of a PG rated film is Casper the friendly ghost. This has been classified as a PG because the film also has a simple plot about a childlike ghost and his friendship with w young girl. The film has no bad language or violent/sexual references so this wouldn’t make the 12A classification.

12A with parental guidance, this means that the film has been classified to not be suitable for children under the age of 12. Yet, they can still watch the film if they are with someone over 18. The film if most likely to contain mature themes, some sort of mild discrimination, mild uses of swear words and a moderate level of violence/sex references.  An example of this is “The kings speech”. This is classified as a 12A because is has a mature theme, after all it is a biopic film.

The films that have been certified as a 15, means that its not suitable for those who are under the age of 15. The audience must be over the age, and cannot be escorted by anyone over 18. This means that proof of age may be required. Films under this category may have a lot more swearing, adult themes and a moderate/strong violence/sex references. A good example a film with this classification is “the black swan”. This film has includes moderate sex/violent references plus a more mature theme, due to the ballerina going mental.

This means the film is for only persons of 18 years and over. Once again proof of age maybe required. This film has no limitation of bad language and hard drugs are generally allowed. The film may also have strong violence/sex references.  All of the “SAW” films are a good example of an 18. This is because of the strong used of bad language and gore in the film.

In conclusion, our group is going to classify our film as a 15. This is because most of the thriller films we have seen are 15.