Exploring Certification of a '15'

(Suitable only for 15 years and over)
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. As a group we had to look over at what fits the criteria of a '15' certificate film. We had to look at the film as a whole and if the scenes we were looking to put into the opening, and the film, would not be accepted if the BBFC were to certify it. Looking at the criteria of a '15' rated video it seems as though our film would fit better in this category, as well as being suitable for our target audience.


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 unlikely to be accepted.


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, 'f***'). The strongest term (for example, 'c***') may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is 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 muse be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.


Considering the points of a 15 certificate we have decided as a group that our film will be certificated as this. This is because there will be some violence in out group as a whole, some indication of nudity may be shown throughout the film, frequent strong language and appropriate for 15 year olds.

By Jess Wilding