Film Certificate Research

Here are the certificate ages that are put on movies to ensure that the right audience are watching them, and people can see what movies they should be viewing.

U stands for universal and is suitable for anyone from the age of four and upwards. Mild bad language such as "damn" and "hell" would be used. Characters can be seen cuddling or kissing, any mild violence can only be shown for a few seconds but the outcome must be reassuring. Drugs wouldn't even be mentioned, unless it's for an educational use in which a young audience would understand

PG stands for parental guidance, the appropriate age would be for children aged eight and up can watch the movie, however even though children can watch the movie, it can still be aimed at adults. More topical themes such as bullying and racism can be passed through the movie. Mild bad language is allowed in the correct context. Violence is allowed but not allowed to be shown in detail, for example how the action is carried out or what impact the action has in detail. Only references are allowed to drugs, or again like U for educational purposes are drugs allowed to shown.

12A  movies may be viewed by children younger than 12 if accompanied by an adult. However, all of the topics and action in the film are suitable for twelve-year-olds an up. Therefore, it's up to the adult how the movie will affect the child. Themes or genres that may affect a 12A audience wouldn't be passed for that age group. Sex may only be displayed briefly and discreetly. Moderate violence is allowed, however it's not allowed to show the violence for that long or show too much blood. Horror movies can be passed at the age of 12, however they can't be overly disturbing.

Only people at the age of 15 or over are allowed to view the movie. A lot more is allowed in a 15, such as strong language, strong violence, portrayals of sexual activity, drug taking and discriminatory language. Drugs can be shown, but not to promote them in any way. Impact on behaviour in the film will be considered, and they would keep away from harm that could influence vulnerable teenagers.

People at the age or over 18 can watch 18 rated movies. Stronger issues such as frequent bad language, very strong violence, sexual activity, sexual violence, strong horror, strong blood and gore, discriminatory language and behaviour can be shown.  Strong frequent language can be shown in any circumstance. Discriminatory behaviour or language must link to the themes of the film. There can be detailed violence that can dwell in the pain caused. Horror movies can be strong and include gore. Drugs may be shown, but not promote drug misuse.

For my film, I would rate it a 15 as it can cover issues of drugs, and the bad effects of them. There would be a limited amount of strong language used, to cause impact on certain situations. Any violence at any situation would not dwell in the pain that it has caused or on the actual injury itself. My target audience are from the ages of 15-19, as the issues and topics shown will be suitable for them and will educate them on it therefore, making the age rating certificate of 15 suitable for my film. 15 year old's will be engaged  to see my film as it covers issues that they may relate to, and it has adventure and drama in it, therefore they would find it entertaining. Also they would expect more from the film because it's rated a 15, therefore they would be more engaged to go and watch it because they know it wouldn't be a light hearted story.