Certificate Research

For our film we must decide what age rating we should have, age ratings range from U to 18

 U (Universal) films are suitable for all viewers, some examples are The Little Mermaid, The Lego Movie and Beauty and The Beast.

PG (Parental Guidance) films are permitted for any age but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children (under 8). May contain mild language and sex/drug references. May contain very moderate violence. Some examples are, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, Legend of the Guardians.

12A films are unsuitable for young children and cinemas are only allowed to let in children under the age of 12 if they are accompanied by an adult aged 18 and over. These films may contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, infrequent strong language and moderate violence, sex references and nudity. Some examples are, The Hunger Games, Skyfall, Godzilla.

12 films are for people aged 12 and over. Usually 12A rated films are given a 12 certificate when released on DVD. The guidelines are the same for 12A films. Some examples are Les Misérables, The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Lord of the Rings.

15 films are only suitable for those aged 15 or over. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, regular use of foul language and limited use of very strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without any strong detail. Sexual violence may be shown if discreet and justified by context. Some Examples are, Ted, Mama and The Heat.

18 Films are only suitable for people aged 18 and over. Films under this category do not have limitation on the foul language that is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and explicit sex references along with detailed sexual activity are also allowed. Scenes of strong real sex may be permitted if justified by the context. Very strong, gory, and/or sadistic violence is usually permitted. Strong sexual violence is permitted unless it is eroticized or excessively graphic. Some examples are, The Wolf of Wall Street, Evil Dead and Spring Breakers.

Because our film is going to be a drama/thriller, there will be moderate violence and some mature themes so therefore it won't be suitable for young audiences but 15 and 18 will probably be too high and will lessen the range of audiences for viewing our film. I think our film will probably fit under the 12 category because that if where most dramas are placed, however perhaps in cinemas the film could be a 12a because most of the violence will be moderate and a lot of action/drama films are 12a's in cinemas, such as The Hunger Games and Skyfall which are both quite dramatic and violent.