Film certificates

After looking at the basic outlines of classifications of films I will look at them in depth. Then analysing what I have found out, have more of and idea what is permitted in our opening sequence.

CERTIFICATE U
The theme of the film should have problematic themes that must be sensitive and appropriate for a younger audience. Language should be infrequent and if used be very mild bad language. Nudity in a film would be occasional and natural nudity, with no sexual content. Sex would be mild sexual behaviour (eg kissing) and references only (eg ‘making love’). Violence should only have mild violence. Occasional mild threat or menace only. Also no emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons. No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. Horror effects should be mild and brief and should take account of the presence of very young viewers. The outcome should be reassuring. No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse in the film unless there is a clear educational purpose or clear anti-drug message suitable for the audience.

CERTIFICATE – PG
The theme in this type of film is where more serious issues are featured (e.g. domestic violence, racist abuse) Language should use mild bad language only. Natural nudity may be used, with no sexual content. Also sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only. Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its setting (e.g. historic, comedy or fantasy). No glamaration of realistic or easily accessible weapons may be used. Or detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor. Finally any references to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.

CERTIFICATE – 12
The theme of certificate 12 films are that mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers. Strong language must be infrequent. Racist abuse is also of particular concern. Nudity is allowed in this type of film but in a sexual content must be brief and discreet. Sexual activity may be implied. Sex references may reflect what is likely to be familiar to most adolescents but should not go beyond what is suitable to them. Violence being used must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated. Dangerous techniques (e.g. combat, hanging, suicide and self harming) should not dwell on imitable detail or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.Horror included should be only occasional gory moments only, and sustained moderate threat and menace are permitted also. Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be highlighted or instructional.

CERTIFICATE – 15
No theme is prohibited in certificate 15 films, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds. There may be frequent use of strong language. But the strongest terms will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable. Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour. Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.. Dangerous techniques (e.g. combat, hanging, suicide and self harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. Horrors in the film are that strong threats and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Drugs taking in the film may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

CERTIFICATE – 18
Certificate 18’s guidelines are that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are as follows. Where material in the film appears to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour to society, e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity.

Rebecca