A U classification stands for universal. A universal film is suitable for all people and children over the age of four years olds. These films are targeted at mostly pre-school children as they do not contain any scene of issues such as sex, bad language or violence. This is different to a PG certificate, a PG rated film is suitable for all adults and children with parental consent. This usually means that the film could include scenes that children could find upsetting or scary. These films are not always targeted at younger people. A recent example of a film mostly enjoyed by grown ups but passed PG would be Saving Mr. Banks. PG just means that the film should be appropriate for eight year olds and older, parents should just be weary for younger more sensitive children. Films classified 12A and 12 contain scenes that are not usually suitable for children aged under 12 years old. No one younger than 12 years old may see a 12A rated film in a cinema unless with an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to view a 12A film should consider whether the film is appropriate for the child they are taking.

‘Some horror films are passed at this category. Moderate physical and psychological threat is permitted at 12 or 12A as long as horror sequences are not too frequent or sustained and the overall tone is not disturbing.’ – taken from BBFC

this shows that there is the possibility to make our film opening the classification but we feel we want to impact the audience more than a 12 or 12A can do. This is why we have chosen to rate our opening film higher than this. 

A rated 15 film is only suitable for viewers over the age of 15 years old.  At 15 there can be strong threat and horror as long as there is no sustained focus on sadistic or sexualised threat.

Any of the following could appear in a rated 15:

•   strong violence

•  frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').

•   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

A rated 18 film must only be watched by 18 year olders and older. At 18, horror films

may contain very strong horror, gore or sustained threat.

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

•   very strong violence

•   frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’)

•   strong portrayals of sexual activity

•   scenes of sexual violence

•   strong horror

•   strong blood and gore

•   real sex (in some circumstances)

•   discriminatory language and behaviour