Age Certification

An important part of the production of our film opening is decided which age certificate we are aiming to give it. We used the standards given by the BBFC (British Board of Film Certification) to determine what aspects of film fell into which age rating, which are as follows: U, PG, 12A, 12, 15, 18. We have decided that our film opening will have a 15 certification, as we have included some bloody violence and the overall feel of the film is unsettling and thrilling. The BBFC have strict restrictions on what type of content can be shown in each age rating, which must be obeyed in order for the film remain within their desired category. These are the conditions for a 15 rated film:

• Theme: No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.

• Language: There may be frequent use of strong language; the strongest terms are only rarely acceptable. Continued aggressive use of strong language and sexual abuse is unacceptable.

• Nudity:  There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

• Sex: Sexual activity and nudity may be portrayed but without strong detail. The depiction of casual sex should be handled responsibly. There may be occasional strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.

• Violence: Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain, and of injuries. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.

• Imitable techniques: Dangerous combat techniques such as ear claps, head-butts and blows to the neck are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be no emphasis of easily lethal weapons (in particular, knives).

• Horror: Sustained or detailed infliction of pain or injury is unacceptable.

• Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but clear instructive detail is unacceptable. The film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug use.

A 15 rating is suitable for our target audience of teenagers our age and above (16+), therefore a 15 rating means that there is some lenience for slightly younger members of the public to watch the film opening, but it would also be highly appropriate for older viewers, and so widening the audience and raising more awareness for the film.

We also took into consideration the age ratings of TV programmes and films that influenced our film opening such as Teen Wolf, The Walking Dead and Supernatural, all of which have a 15 rating.