Research into film classification related to our film

The BBFC determine what certificate a film receives before release and is based on many factors. The examiners look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, sexual violence, theme and violence when making decisions. They also consider context, the tone and impact of a work, which is how it makes the audience feel and even the release format, for example, as DVDs are watched in the home, there is a higher risk of underage viewing as older relatives could buy the DVD for them.

Our film certificate

We think that our film would receive a 12 certificate as it is going to contain only one or possibly two uses of moderate language and no use of strong language, however it will not be used in an aggressive way which would mean that it would pass as an 18. We are no going to include scenes of gore including blood that would be unsuitable for under 15's and are going to insinuate the gore instead. The BBFC states that most horror films are rate 15 and so our film will be unlike most horror works ours as it will contain only moderate threat but will not be sadistic or sexualised which complies with the 12 rated guidelines. The contents of threat and menace will be the main feature that classifies our film as a 15 rather than a 12 as the BBFC guidelines say that 'moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long as disturbing sequences are not too frequent or sustained.' and our film has sustained threat.

The Woman in Black is an example of a horror film that has been adapted to meet a certain certificate criteria in order to reach a specific audience. The Woman in Black film was given a 12 certificate however received many complaints from viewers and the parents of viewers stating that it was too scary for a 12 rated horror film. 6 seconds of the film were cut, sound levels were lowered and some scenes darkened to allow the film to receive a 12 certificate, by releasing the film as a 12 a wider audience could be reached including young fans of Harry Potter who would most likely want to see the film as it stars Daniel Radcliffe. The 6 seconds that were cut included strong violence and horror that the BBFC decided would make the film a 15.

Our film would best reach our target audience by receiving a 12 certificate as we concluded that our target audience would most likely be 12-20 year olds.