Certificate Research

As all you film fanatics know, all films have a certificate, which shows who can watch the film, which corresponds to the age. These certificates range from a ‘U’ all the way to 18 rated films. However these certificates should relate to the target audience of the film as if the target audience for a film was for children and the film gained a certificate of an 18, this would cut out a large portion of their target audience, meaning very low and even negative profits. These certificates are decided and classified by the BBFC, which stands for the British Board of Film Classification. These apply these classifications to films so the films are suited for the correct ages in the audience. They are based on the contents and messages within the film. This stage is vital as you need to match the correct target audience with the right certificate.

This certificate shows that the film is suitable for all ages from ages four to elder people in the audience. The 'U' certificate is used because it is virtually impossible to predict how and what might upset any particular child, how this certificate should suit all audiences. One key element for a 'U' rated film is that it should be set within a positive moral framework, meaning being set in a positive atmosphere. They should also offer reassuring advice and solutions to violence, threats or horror, which is to help the younger ages of the audience to learn the differences from right and wrong, which helps their learning development. There many examples of 'U rated films such as 'The Smurfs' and 'Cars 2'. Many 'U' rated films are cartoons, as this usually attracts this kind of target audience as cartoons are seen as fun and these ages can easily relate to them and what occurs in them.

This rating is considered to be for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. This is because the film is mainly for children, but in order for the children to see it the parents may have to come and see it with them, which means some scenes must appeal to an older generation, which could include innuendos. These 'PG' rated films should not disturb a child, aged around 8 or older, which is why it is suggested that if you are below this age you should be accompanied by an adult. The accompanied adult, however, can decide if the contents of the film is okay for their child by watching the trailers and judging on how sensitive their child is to specific things. 

However there two '12 rated films, which are '12A' and obviously '12' rated films. Firstly '12A' rated films are suitable for ages 12 and above, however people below the age of 12 can go and see it but would need to come with an accompanied adult. This because some scenes may not be suitable for children under the ages of 12, but if their parents feel as though they are old enough to see these they can see them but the adult would need to be with them. However the adult must take responsibility if the film upsets them in any circumstance as this rating advised them to be careful. The '12 rated certificate obviously means that the film is for people with age of 12 or above as some scenes may contain materials, which people under the age of 12 would be unsuitable for them. The use of the red colouring represents the difference between each certificate as the darker one suggests it is more serious and for older audience. 

The next certificate is for an audience which individuals must have an age of 15 or above. These kind of films usually have a genre of horror or adult comedy, which is why this rating is usually given to these films. There are many examples films which are rated 15, such as, 'The Ring', 'Role Models' and 'Paranormal Activity' series. Romances can usually be in this rating due to the sexual scenes in them to show intermittent and romantic scenes. 

The final certificate is an 18 rated film, which is for no one younger than the age of 18. This is because the scene which are in the film, are not suitable for the younger audience. These are certificates also mean that you have to be the age or above  of the rating to purchase this from a shop. This is to stop the younger audience seeing them as these certificates are put on for a reason. 

What certificate will my film be?

My film would probably have to be for the ages of 15 and above. This decision has many reasons behind it; firstly, financially, around this age this target audience are looking for jobs so would have money to go and see the films, so this would mean more profits and a larger audience which would purchase tickets and watch the film. As this would maximize the profit of what the film would make, it would still comply with the BBFC guidelines  Another reason is that this gives us a broad and wide range of audience, as it is from ages 15 and above. Having this certificate would be ideal as we can use our knowledge of what we 15 years and above like as we were this age around a year or so ago. Also in my film there would be gore, horror and scenes which may disturb and be unsuitable for ages below 15.