Taken from - http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/
DVDs/Films are classified by a Board of Directors, Presidents and Vice Presidents who take responsibility for the certificates. They consider such issues as:
Violence
Weapons
Imitable Techniques
Sex
Sexual Language
Sexual Violence
Drugs
Horror
Criminal Activities
Language
Theme
Tone
Discrimination
U = Universal for ages 4+
Only allowed mild language e.g. Damn and Bugger.
Only kissing and cuddling can be shown, can have some sexual reference but can't focus on it.
May have brief scenes of danger, fight scenes or scary scenes, but may be more comical or have a 'baddie' and 'hero'.
No references to Drugs.
U certificates will contain positive messages and happy endings for children.
PG = Parental Guidance for ages 8+
Can include some challenging issues like bereavement or racism, but won't be condoned or glamorised.
Bad language will be mild e.g. S**t, but not used aggressively.
Can have reference to sex but lacking in detail.
This is the same for Violence and Drugs, they can make a passing reference but nothing to disturbing.
12/12A = 12 Accompanied for ages 12+ alone, or younger if with a person 18+
May have strong language e.g. F**k, but must be infrequent.
There is some allowance for puns on strong language.
Discriminatory language may be present but not endorsed.
Sex may be briefly portrayed but nudity must be discreet.
Moderate horror is allowed if not to frequent.
Dangerous behaviour such as suicide may be present but not dwelled upon.
Drugs may be present but infrequently.
15 = for ages 15+
Allowed to portray:
Strong Violence.
Frequent language e.g. F**k.
Portrayals of Sex, both verbally and actively.
Nudity.
Brief sexual violence scenes.
Discriminating language and behaviour.
Drug taking.
Occasional Strong terms e.g. C**t.
Horror can be strong but not strong in gore.
Only strong substance drug abuse will not be in a 15.
18 = for ages 18+
Allowed to portray:
Strong issues.
Violence.
Sex in real time not brief cut scenes.
Sexual Violence and activity.
Language.
Horror, with blood and gore.
Discriminating language and behaviour.
Drugs as long as they are not promotional.
From this research i can conclude that our film would probably be certificated at 12 or 15. Our film deals with frequent issues of alcohol abuse and bereavement and would definitely be unsuitable for younger viewers as it depicts a dark and vulnerable side to life.
