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The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) decide what audiences are allowed to view a motion picture and there are specific requirements that films have to match in order to fit into different film classification. This is important to take into account when making a horror trailer as it is most likely going to be targeted at young adults rather than children.

'U' - Universal - The BBFC state that a U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range.

What about those younger than four?

The BBFC rate films and videos aimed at very young viewers, such as Chuggington or Tinga Tinga Tales, U. However, they give them special BBFCinsight stating they are ‘particularly suitable for pre-school children’. Films or videos with this BBFCinsight should raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs,, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, threat or violence.

Is this suitable for a horror film?

Definately not, horror films reguarly contain violence, gore and bad language, not fit for viewing by children.

'PG' - Parental Guidance - This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.

Are all PG films made for younger audiences?

The BBFC website reads: No. Some films are given a PG certificate but have not been made with a young audience in mind. A recent example of a film mostly enjoyed by grown ups but passed PG would be Saving Mr. Banks. However, the certificate means that any issues in the work are appropriate for the majority of this age group and nothing should upset a child of eight or over.

Is it suitable for a horror film?

Again it is highly unlikely that any horror film would be rated PG due to the explicit and violent content. However horror films aimed at children are likely to be rated PG.

12A - 12 - Films classified 12A contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12. No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is suitable for that child.

What's the difference?

The BBFC website dictates that the 12A requires an adult to accompany any child under 12 seeing a 12A film at the cinema. Accompanied viewing cannot be enforced in the home, so the 12 certificate remains for DVD/Blu-ray, rather than the 12A. The 12 is also a simpler system for retailers. It means they cannot sell or rent the item unless the customer is over the age of 12.

Is it suitable for a horror film?

Some horror films have been rated as 12A and 12 such as 'The Ring' however the amount of effects and language that can be included are limited and therefore reduce freedom when it comes to making a horror film.

15 - No-one under 15 is allowed to see a 15 film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are not suitable for children under 15 years of age.

What are you likely to see in a 15 rated film?

Any of the following:

  •   strong violence

  •   frequent strong language 

  •   portrayals of sexual activity

  •   strong verbal references to sex

  •   sexual nudity

  •   brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence

  •   discriminatory language or behaviour

  •   drug taking

Is this suitable for a horror film?

The BBFC website states that at 15 there can be strong threat and horror as long as there is no sustained focus on sadistic or sexualised threat. Therefore films of this rating allow for more gore to take place along with other things such as swearing, making the film unsuitable for younger audiences and more suited towards my target audience.

18 - Films rated 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 is allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

What sort of issues might you find in an 18 film or video?

18 works are for adults and can contain strong issues such as:

  •   very strong violence

  •   frequent strong language 

  •   strong portrayals of sexual activity

  •   scenes of sexual violence

  •   strong horror

  •   strong blood and gore

  •   real sex (in some circumstances)

  •   discriminatory language and behaviour

Is this suitable for a horror film? 

This is where most horror films are classified, as there are no children able to watch this film. This means that many horror films that are 18 rated are both scary and gory.

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