Film Classifications

As part of our film and planning we need to decide what age rating we will put our horror film. We decided to look at the BBFC website at the different age ratings and which we could relate to our film to help us decide. As most horror films are a 15 rating this is where we are focusing, but as our film doesn't involve much gore we are looking from 12 upwards.
Below are the definations of the age ratings from the BBFC website, from age rating 12 to 18. I looked at the subjects that may be involved in our horror films, such as the horror, violence, language and the theme. Subjects such as nudity and sex will not be involved in our film.

12:
- Horror; "Moderate physical and psychological threat may be
permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained."
- Violence; "Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong contextual justification."
- Language; "Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, ‘fuck’) must be infrequent."
- Theme; "Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers."

15;
- Horror; "Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised."
- Violence; "Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification."
- Language; "There may be frequent use of strong language (for example,‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable."
- Theme; "No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds."

18;
- "In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment."

All information taken from http://www.bbfc.co.uk/downloads/pub/Guidelines/BBFC%20Classification%20Guidelines%202009.pdf