Section 3-Classification

Choosing a certificate  and classification for our Thriller film was hard because we didn't want it to be inappropriate and we wanted it to fit perfectly with our target audience. We researched the definitions of what each age certificate involved and then decided on a suitable certificate.

 

Certificate 12.

Violence- 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.

Horror- Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained.

Works classified at these categories may upset children under 12 or contain material which many parents will find unsuitable for them.

Certificate 15

Violence- 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.

Horror-Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised

 

Certificate 18

Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence
• where 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
• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

Taking all of this into consideration we decided to put our film as a certificate 15, we did this because our story line is focusing mainly on people around the age of 15-19 so we thought if we put it at a rating of 18 it would be very limited and wouldnt attract or engage the target audience we want it to.