*Certificate Ratings

*It is important to research the different certificate ratings so you can see the boundaries of how much gore and sexual themes are allowed in the film. Researching ratings will help me decide what rating my short film will have so I know the levels of different themes allowed to an extent.

*“U”

*“U” stands for “Universal”. A universal film is suitable for everyone to watch from the age of four and above.

*No Horror films have been released with a certificate rating of “U”

*No use of bad language in any U rated films, only mild language (E.g. Damn) used infrequently

*Violence will generally be very mild, “Baddies” and “Goodies” can be seen using weapons but there will be no emphasis on these.

*“PG”

*“PG” stands for parental guidance, the films with this rating are suitable for general viewing but may upset viewers under the age of eight.

* Bad language could be used in these films, such as “Shit”. But the language would not be used aggressively or in great numbers because that would result in a higher certificate rating being given to the film.

*There could be mild or undetailed references of sexual themes at PG

*The BBFC allow some jump moments of horror, as long as they are not prolonged or intense.

*“12” & “12A”

*A “12A” film requires an adult to accompany any child under 12. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child

*More action can be seen in a 12, and strong language may be passed at this rating, depending on the manner in which it is used (who is saying it, frequency, and any special contextual justification)

*Some Horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A. For example Women In Black is a 12 and doesn’t have gory scenes but it has “jump scares” through out the film.

*“15”

*No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated film. Not suitable for under 15.

*You will see in a 15 rated film – Strong violence, strong language (frequent), sexual activity, nudity, drugs and more.

*At 15 there can be strong threat and horror as long as there is no sustained focus on sadistic or sexualised threat.

*Cabin In The Woods is a 15 rated horror film.

*“18”

*Nothing is held back in a 18 rated film, No-one under 18 is allowed to watch/rent/buy. Some themes may still be offensive to some adult viewers

*Strong violence, language, sexual violence, horror, blood and gore can be found in a 18 rated film.

*Horror films are in their prime at the 18 rating. Many horror films have the rating of 18 for example Scream, Friday the 13th, Saw and Child’s play. Very well known horrors are rated 18.