Certification in Films

U - Suitable for audiences aged four years and over containing no violence, crime or malicious words.

PG - General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Unaccompanied children of any age may watch, but parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children.

12A/12 - Contains 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. Sexual activity can be briefly portrayed or mentioned, the use of drugs, and small sections of nudity. There could be moderate language but not language that would be suited in a 15/18 certified film.

15 - No one younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated video work. This could contain - Discrimination, drugs, sex, violence, crime, threat, nudity and language. 

18 - No one younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated video work. Adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Could contain everything mentioned in 15, but sex education for the use of educating 18 year old adults about sex.


This will help us when creating our film as we now know what certificates are suited fit for our target audience. We can now choose the right age rating that will be appropriate for our audience. It can also show us what we are allowed to implement in the film and what isn't allowed in the film. For example if we choose a 12, we have the option of putting moderate language and bad behaviour in the film, but need to consider if it is relevant to the film plot and would our chosen target audience feel the need of the implementation.
We have certification so it limits the younger audience from seeing clips that do not suit their age group, as the media have a big influence on children and could use big words or copy actions from films they shouldn't be seeing.

All films shown in the UK need an age rating by law.This is monitored by the BBFC