Certificate RatingsFrancesca Ziccardi

The importance of classificationClassification is a filter for all films audiences. It effects who can view a

film, its aim is to protect younger viewers from inappropriate content. It gives viewers a good idea whether they want to view the film

depending on the classification as they may or may not want to see particular content. It is important that film ratings are done to the high standard and scrutiny. I will be investigating the specific guidelines to each certificate rating to ensure which is best for my horror film, this

also allows me to choose what content I show. Most horror films are 18 as they contain a lot of explicit content as well as some being a 15, I will

analyse these guidelines before choosing one for my horror film.

U RatingThe U certificate is the lowest rating. U stands for Universal. These films are

recommended for children over the age of four. This rating guidelines are very strict and the content should not contain drugs, imitable behavior, language, nudity, sex,

threat, violence and raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination. Only infrequent use of mild bad language is allow (e.g ‘damn’ and ‘hell’.) As well as sexual behavior only being a kiss or a cuddle and should not be a main focus.

Within horror films this rating would never be appropriate as all horrors show at least mild violence and almost always threat. Anything seen as a scary will be

manipulated in a U to fit the rating such as monsters, If you look at ‘Monsters INC’ these monsters are friendly and monsters in horror films are seen as terrifying…

Why a U wouldn’t fit my filmIn a U rating any bad characters or any threats will be ‘dulled’ down,

meaning their would be no use of inappropriate language as well as no weapons or anything too scary. This also means that good characters

will also be defenceless and films in the rating also are something of an unrealistic representation of how certain situations would be resolved. For example in a U the bad character would probably be persuaded to become good in the film, were as in a horror they would be killed. This

would go against the typical conventions of a horror film, and the aspect of scare and horror would be taken away.

12A & 12The 12a Certificate requires the Accompany of an adult for a child under the age of 12. This is enforced in the cinema but not in home, therefore that introduces the 12 certificate. These films contain material not appropriate for children under the age

of 12. The tone for a 12a may be slightly disturbing, for example the woman in black is a horror film with a disturbing theme, little signs of violence and blood.

Strong language can be passed at 12a films terms such as (F*CK) depending on the way it is used. Moderate language such as (B*TCH TW*T) may be used.

Discrimination such as homophobic or racist terms will not be passed at this certificate. Violence can be allowed but cannot be detailed or dwelled upon.

Why a 12A wouldn’t fit my filmWithin Horror films there is overall theme of violence and gore. Some paranormal films would be mild in this that’s perhaps why they would pass at a 12a, films such as the woman in black use a lot of suggestion and often show

‘ghostly’ activities rather than showing any gore or violence. My horror film will contain gore and high levels of violence

that’s why it wouldn’t fit the certificate.

15The 15 certificate is appropriate rating for most horror films. It allows strong violence, strong language, nudity, sexual nudity, brief scenes of sexual and verbal references to sexual violence as well as drug taking. There is barely any limitations on a certificate 15 film. This would be

appropriate for my horror film as is has next to no limitations. It would allow me to present violent scenes with strong language, as well as including gore, nudity and sexual violence. This is probably the best

certificate for my film as it has a wider audience than a 18 and allows the horror movie essentials.

18The 18 certificate is rating is one that most horror films use. This allows

the most amount of gore, violence, drugs and previous things mentioned and not allowed in other certificates. This is appropriate for

my horror film, but I feel that a 15 certificate will be best as it has a broader audience than the limitation of people over the age of 18. An

18 certificate uses a lot of explicit language which I would not see fit for a horror film, as well as a lot of sexual exploitation which isn’t

appropriate.