certificate ratings
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Why is it important to look at classification?
It is important to look at classifications before planning to protect individuals from inappropriate/harmful content in films and videos. This provides individuals with information about the film or video, so that they can decide whether they would like to view the video. It is important to ensure that each specific film has the right classification for the right age group to ensure that their is a high level of protection provided.
Before planning my film I am going to explore the different certificate ratings, so that I will fully understand them and give my film the right appropriate classification. Once I have chosen the right classification
I will follow these guidelines strictly and ensure I only contain the allowed content within this classification range. I think my film opening will be appropriate for the certificate rating of 15, as it meets all of the guidelines. Also many horrors are rated at 15.
Universal
Language: In U rated films you are only allowed to have mild bad language, as younger ages are also the audiences of U rated films children younger then the age of 4 watch universal films. Language such as ‘Damn’ and ‘hell’ can be used. Bad language such as “bloody” can be also used if appropriate.
Violence or horrorA u film may use scenes which show minor fights in little details and scenes where characters are in danger.There may be brief scary scenes but not to intense. As with violence, however, these scenes will be balanced by reassuring elements, such as comic interludes or music.‘Baddie’ characters may carry or use weapons, but there will be no emphasis on these. Child or ‘hero’ characters are unlikely to use any kind of weapon outside, for example, historical settings.Potentially dangerous or imitable behavior, particularly those which come across as safe or fun, will not be present.
DrugsAt U there will not normally be references to illegal drugs or drugs used inappropriately unless there is a very clear un-encouraging or educational message which will be understood by a younger audience.
Sexual scenesCharacters may be seen kissing or cuddling and there may be references to sexual behaviour for an example making love’. However there should no focus on sexual behaviour or language. Heterosexual and homosexual are treated in the same way.
Will there be references to 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.
Would my film be suitable for this certificate rating?My film will not be suitable for a U rating as the film I am creating will be a horror. Horror films are not passed as a U rating as they contain violence and scare which can affect the younger target group as in a U rated movies can only contain brief scenes of horror and violence, In my movie I will contain paranormal features such as ghostly figures, blood and gore, as the aim of my movie is to scare. This will not be suitable for children aged 4 and younger as it can emotionally and physically scare them as the movie will be too scary.
What does PG mean?PG stands for Parental Guidance. This means a film is suitable for general
viewing, however some scenes can be unsuitable for younger children. A PG film is designed to be suitable for children around eight years or older. Parents should consider if the movie is appropriate for there children, and provide parental supervision whilst their children are watching the film.
DrugsIn a PG rated movie there may be harmful references to illegal drugs however
there is not strong focus on it.Drug references may be allowed if there is a clear anti-drugs or educational
message which can be understood by children over eight.
LanguageMild Bad language such as ‘shit’ or ‘son of a bitch’ is tolerated however the
context they are put in and the delivery is always important. For an example if language is used in a aggressive tone, or there is too much bad language used it cannot be passed as a PG film but it will be put in the next category above.
Parental Guidance
Violence/horrorIn a PG film there should there can be some blood but not how it was caused in great
detail as there should be no detail in violence. PG films allow jumpy moments and scary scenes however these scenes are not showed for a long amount of time.
Sexual scenesReferences to sex is suitable if the activity is talked or shown in little detail. If a child
is unlikely to understand a reference it may be certified as a PG. Comedy can also reduce the impact of sexual references as it can cover up the reference made. Heterosexual or homosexual sex and sex also applies in the same, meaning there could be mild references to gay or straight sex in PG. Only natural nudity is allowed with no sexual contact.
Would my film be suitable for this certificate rating?My film would not be suitable for this film rating as the film I am creating is a horror.
In a PG film only a few scenes of horror must be showed and they should lack detail and not be prolonged however as my film is set on a horror is will be based on blood, scare and paranormal figures throughout the movie.
What does the 12A symbol mean?The symbol 12A means that anybody aged 12 or over can view see the unaccompanied , meaning they do not need supervision. The A stands for ‘advisory’ and ‘accompanied’ . However children under the age of 12 must be supervised by an adult (someone over the age of 18). The difference between 12A and 12 is that 12A is only used by the cinema, and 12 is used on blue-rays and DVDs.
LanguageIn a 12A or 12 there may be strong language for an example ‘f***’ however it must be used infrequent. The context of the strong language it vital, as if the film contains aggressive uses of strong language it may classified to the category 15. There may be moderate language used such as ‘bitch’ and ‘twat’.
DrugsIn a 12 and 12A film there may be infrequent misuse of drugs however it may not be portrayed as a good thing to do. Dangerous behavior such as suicide of self-harming may be shown but not in great detail.
12 and 12A
Sexual scenesIn 12 and 12A movie sex may be briefly and discreetly shown. Verbal sex references
should not go further than what is suitable for young teenagers. Comedy is used often to reduce the impact of some moderate sex references. There may be nudity in 12A films, but sexual nudity should only be shown discreetly.
Violence/horrorSome horror films are passed in the 12A category. Physical and psychological horror is
allowed at 12 or 12A as long as disturbing scenes are not frequently disturbed. Moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell in detail, occasional gory moments mat be permitted. Weapons and action scenes can be shown but must not be glamorised. Scenes of sexual violence such as rape or assault can be shown but discreetly.
Would my film be suitable for this certificate rating?My film opening would not be suitable for this certificate rating as the movie I am
creating is based on the horror genre, although this category allows physical, psychological horror and gory moments they cannot be dwelled in. in addition children under the age of 12 can watch a 12A movie with parental guidance, this will not be suitable for children under the age of 12 as this can affect them physically and emotionally as the movie would scare them.
What does the symbol 15 mean?The symbol 15 means that no one under the age of 15 is allowed to
watch a 15 film at the cinema, or buy and rent a 15 rated DVD.
Language In a 15 rated film there is not limit on the uses of strong language for
an example ‘f***’. Stronger language such as ‘c***’ can be tolerated but if it is used more then once and aggressively it will not normally be passed under the category 15.
Violence/horrorMajority of horror films are rated at 15. As this category allows there
to be strong threat and however the strong gory images are unlikely to be accepted and put into the certificate rating 18.
Detailed verbal references to sexual violence may be allowed. However any scenes of sexual violence may be discreet and have justification.
15
Sexual scenes Sexual activity can be shown, as long as there is no strong or
graphic detail. Sexual scenes can shown for quite along time. Nudity may be allowed however there should not be in strong detail. Nudity in a non-sexual way can be shown. Strong references to sex and sexual behaviour can be shown however strong or crude references are unlikely to be accepted.
DrugsIn a 15 movie drug taking may be shown however it should not
be encourage or promoted.
Would my film be suitable for this certificate rating?I think the film I will be creating will be suitable for this certificate
rating. As it meets all the regulations the 15 category requires.
What does this symbol stand for?This symbol means that no one under the age of 18 is allowed to
watch an 18 film at the cinema or buy and rent one. 18 rated films are for adults they are not suitable for children.
Language In an 18 there is no limit on the amount of strong language you use
for an example on words like ‘f***’ or ‘c***’ even very strong language can be passed at 18. Language used can be aggressive, directed, frequent and accompanied by strong violence.
Violence/horrorIn this category the strongest horror works are passed at 18, they
can contain strong horror, gore or constant threat and danger. Strong violence can she shown containing strong detail. There can
be dwelling of pain or injury, or scenes of strong sadistic or sexual violence. Gory images are permitted.
18
DrugsDrug taking may be portrayed but similar to the category 15
it should not be promoted or encouraged.
Sexual scenesIn this category there can be strong and detailed portrayals
of sex. Including full nudity, there is no restrictions on nudity in a non-sexual context. Unlike the category 15 very strong, crude and explicit sex references are allowed.
Would my film be suitable for this certificate rating?My film will be suitable for this certificate rating as it contains
horror and danger scenes, as it is suitable for the category 15 it is also suitable for the certificate rating of 18.