G321: Notes on Certification

Now we have begun to think about the genre of film we would like to create, we need to think about the certification of the opening before we think about initial ideas. By doing this it will give us a focus and loose guidelines to stick to when thinking about our storyline.

We have decided that we would like our film to be certified as either a '12/12A' or or a '15'. Below are the list of guidelines for these certificates:

12/12A


Exactly the same criteria are used to cloassify works at a '12A' and '12'. These categories ae awarded where material is suitable, in general, only for those aged 12 and over.

The '12A' category exists only for cinema works
The '12' category exists only for video works


Discrimination:
Discrimatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory languge or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs:
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

Horror:
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent of sustained.

Imitable behaviour:
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language:
Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for exmaple 'Fuck') must be infrequent.

Nudity:
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context but be brief and discreet.

Sex:
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme:
Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

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.

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.

Discrimination:
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour.

Drugs:
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikley to be acceptable.

Horror:
Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

Imitable behaviour:
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language:
There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, 'Fuck'). The strongest terms (for example 'C***') may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language in unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity:
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex:
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Theme:
No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.

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.

After considering the suitability or certain aspects for each certification, we have decided to certify our film as a '15'. We feel that this gives us more leeway for the comedy element and the opportunity to explore aspects of relationships.

Charley