Understanding your target audience

The British Board of Film Classification is responsible for issuing age certificates for different films. It is a requirement that films classify what age rating is suitable for viewing, under the 'Video Recording Act 2010'.

There are differences you have to consider when looking at each age certificate. For the age rating 'U', any age is allowed to watch the film, there is no unsuitable scenes for ages over 4. 'PG' Contains some scenes not suitable for under 8's, which is why there needs to be an 18 year old with them. For category 12A, the film is inappropriate for very young people. This category contains moderate sex, violence or drug references. 12A films are usually changed to 12 for video and DVD use because extra material has been added. For age certificate 15, no one under the age of 15 is allowed to watch the film becausee it contains hard drugs, adult themes, violence and strong language. For age 18, only adults are valid to watch the film. Films under this category do not have a limitation to the explicit language.

For our film 'The Deception' we had to decide what age rating would be suitable and why.

 We decided our film would be a 12A because there are references to violence through body language and the conflict between Big Tony and Donny. There is no swearing in the film and no references to sex.