Classification And Certification

U (Universal) - This means that the film is suitable for young children. No one knows what twill upset a child, but these films are generally for persons aged 4 and over. Films with a 'U' certificate should have a positive and happy plot, they should also offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror. If a work is particularly suitable for pre-school children to view alone, this will be indicated in the Consumer Advice. There is no discriminatory behaviour or language unless clearly and quickly disapproved of, no reference or use of illegal drugs. Scary scenes should be very mild and the outcome should be reassuring. There should be no dangerous behaviour that children can possibly copy or imitate and no emphasis on any weapons of any sort. Also, there should be infrequent use of very mild bad language and natural nudity. The only sexual behaviour aloud is kissing and the overall theme should be sympathetic and positive. There can only be a mild threat or menace when it comes to violence in U certified films.

This Film Certificate is not suitable for our film because we plan to use scenes of strong violence which last for a minimum of 5 minutes, there are also many scenes that have the use of alcohol and drunken behavior.

PG (Parental Guidance) - This film is for everyone, there may be some scenes of very moderate violence but small children can watch this when accompanied by an adult. PG films should not disturb or upset a child aged eight or older. Parents are however advised to research in advance what the film contains to know if it is suitable for their child to watch. There is mild discriminatory behaviour and language in PG rated films, and if there is, is clearly disapproved of. Any reference to illegal drugs must have a clear anti-drug message to it. Any sort of frightening scenes should not be on screen for a long time and it cannot be intense, there can also be no glamorisation of weapons or dangerous behaviour. Mild bad language can only appear in the film, no sexual content (only kissing), sexual activity may be implied but cannot be shown on screen. Moderate violence may be aloud if justified by it's context.

12/12a - Suitable for 12 years and over. Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at ‘12A’ and ‘12’. 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 films in the cinema. No one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. An adult may take a younger child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video work. Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be glamorised by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned. Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail. Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences

are not frequent or sustained. Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. Moderate language is allowed, the use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent. Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet. Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable. Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers. Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification.

15 - Suitable only for 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 Film. The film as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour. 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. Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised. 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, ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

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

18 - Suitable only for 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. Adults are free to choose their own entertainment unless the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through

the commission of a criminal offence, or the material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals. This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault. Other exceptions are where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ Films (Sex Films) would normally be confined to that category.