Research into certificates

U stands for Universal this means that it is suitable for all. However U films should be suitable for children over four. U’s are able to use violence, threat and horror as long as the film makes sure that good comes from within this such as a moral. Within a U there is no discrimination within language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.

Within the showing of drugs there is no use of illegal drugs or using drugs within an addictive or wrong nature. However it can be shown for education reasons and to promote anti-drugs.

Within dangerous behaviour there is no reference within it as young children are likely to copy.  This then links into language there is only the use of mild bad language as children are likely to pick it up and copy. The use of nudity is used occasionally with only for the purpose of being natural and it is never intended on being in a sexual nature. Linking into this there is only slight sexual behaviour such as kissing. The reference to sex would be known as making love so that the young children would not understand into a great detail.

The themes within U’s have to be thought about appropriately it has to be made sure that it is sensitive and will be okay for the younger audience.

PG stands for Parental Guidance this means that is suitable for most however some scenes might not be suitable for young children. Children will not be questioned in entering a PG unaccompanied by an adult in a cinema if they are over the age of eight. It is unlikely that discriminative language or behaviour will be included in a PG however it is excepted if it’s for an educational purpose or a historical context. Within the use of drugs refereeing to illegal drugs would be only used to spread a message of anti-drugs. This is so that it informs children about it but also allows them to learn the effects in which they can lead. Within the element of horror within a PG it should not be carried on for to long or too intense. However this is unlikely to occur and a fantasy setting is more likely to occur. This is because it is more appropriate to the target audience. Within the behaviour of the characters there would be no reference to real danger due to young children able to watch. There would be no promotion of weapons and the accessibility within the weapons.  Like the certificate U there would be reference to natural nudity with no sexual reference. This is because it is a sensitive subject within this nature and also because this is more likely to be targeted at an older audience. Linking into this sexual activities maybe implied but would not occur a lot and would not be very detailed. They would never have been shown. Themes in which would be featured within this is an element of more serious matters. Within this they allow this to be shown that the behaviour is wrong and within this the children are able to learn. Violence that occurs within a PG must be for a correct reason such as comedy, fantasy or within a historical reference. The violence will not be in a lot of detail so that young children will not copy.

12 are suitable for 12 years and older and a 12A is suitable for people over the age of 12 and 12’s are allowed in with an accompanied adult. Discrimation can be used within this film however it is unlikely to be acceptable unless explained. Within the use of drugs it should not  be frequent and should not be used to promote,or details within how to use.Horror is not continuous and often, this is because it uses moderate physical and psychological threats within a 12. Linking into this dangerous behaviour will be dwelled upon however it will not allow access to detail due to being able to be copied. Weapons will be used however it should not promote how easy weapons are easy to get. Language within a 12/12A will be used but the use of strong language such as “fuck” would not be used regularly. Within nudity, the use of nudity is used but the sexual content must be brief and discreet.  Linking into this the sexual activities will be brief and also discreet. It should only have reference to what is suitable for young teenagers.The theme within 12/12A’s is one of a more mature manner however it must be suitable for young teenagers. Violence within 12/12A’s is moderate but never goes into detail. The occasional gory moment is allowed but it must be explained why. Sexual violence may be used but only implied or showed briefly and must have a contextual explanation.

A 15 certificate is only suitable for people 15 and over. Discrimination within a 15 can be used but not encourage this particular behaviour. Within the element of drugs it maybe shown but not promote or encourage the use of illegal drugs or misuse of drugs. It is not acceptable to promote have accessible drugs are. Within the element of horror strong threats and implying danger are allowed unless it uses the theme of sadistic or sexual. Linking into this the violence may be strong but it won’t allow actual inflictions of pain. There may be portrayals of sexual violence but it    must be discreet and with a contextual purpose. This then links into the behaviour of the characters within the product. The use of dangerous behaviour such as self harming can not be shown in great detail and the accessibility of weapons should not be promoted. The language within a 15 can use frequent strong language such as “fuck”. However the strongest offending language such as “cunt” can be used is explained the reason. But the use of offensive language such as this is unlikely to be frequently used. Within a 15 the use of nudity is allows in a sexual content but without huge detail. However there are no restrictions on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Linking into this sexual activity can be portrayed but without huge detail. There may be strong reference to verbal to sexual behaviour. Strongest references are unlikely to be used unless justified. Sexual arousal or stimulation is unlikely to be acceptable.The theme within there is no prohibited topics as long as they are appropriate for 15 year olds.

Certificate 18 is suitable for people 18 and over.

A lot of 18 films can include elements of taboo subjects as long as they are justified however there are some limitations within it. Some elements that are not aloud to be used are:

• Some crimes that have been committed this will need to be looked over to see it will be acceptable.

• Material that could affect the audience such as detailed of violence, dangerous acts, illegal drug use. This is because it could harm the public health or people morals.

This could also included sexual violence as it has to portray sexual violence in a bad way so that it is not erotic otherwise it could promote it.

• Explicit sexual activities.