Certificate Research.

While i am, waiting for my questionnaire to come back from the people i emailed, i will then start the research on the trailers themselves, however i need to think of what would be a reasonable certificate to give a horror movie.

Recent years have been more lenient on horror movies and a lot are now 15/18 cert, however the 15 being more popular, the 18 cert is used for very bloody and sexual nature in terms of horror (e.g. rape scenes).

These are the following classifications that the BBFC currently;y have in place to certificate films.

I highly doubt that any horror movie would be under any classification under 15.
U (unclassified)-this is normally animations, lots of Disney films and films with proper language and appropriate behaviour.
PG (Parental guidance)- Similar to U however can contain scenes of unease or tension.
12- This is usually films that have scenes of high action, sometimes death but not directly seen, and some soft core violence.
12A- This is often used in cinema's to allow a parent over 18 to allow there son/daughter to watch it.
15- Films that are 15 have death in, and scares, also killings and some sex scenes, films usually are horror, contain some gore and blood, but these are intent to scare. Sometimes involves action of a strong nature, explosions ect.
18- This usually contain strong language, strong sexual references, lots of blood/gore and lots of action.
R18- Usually explicit material.

I think i will choose the 15 cert;

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.

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 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, ‘cunt’) 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 must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.
(http://www.bbfc.co.uk/classification/guidelines/15-2/)

I chose this because i cant have strong sexual scenes in a trailer and racist comments, i can do this moderately at a push e.g. kissing and fighting (verbal) but i cannot ask people to do what they feel uncomfortable with.