Audience Research

In this certificate adults have the right to choose their own entertainment. There are no constraints at this level on theme, language, nudity or horror. The Board may reject any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts which is likely to promote the activity. This includes also instructive detail of illegal drug use.

In this certificate there is no theme is prohibited, so long as the film is suitable for 15 year olds. There may be frequent use of strong language. There is no const

raints on nudity in films with a 15 certificate in a non-sexual or educational context. Violence may be strongly portrayed but scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.

Dangerous combat techniques such as ear claps, head-butts and blows to the neck are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be no emphasis on the use of easily accessible lethal weapons (in particular, knives). Drug taking may be shown but clear instructive detail is unacceptable. The film as a whole must not encourage drug use.

This certificate was initially introduced to help parents and guardians reach an
informed decision, the reasons a film was given a 12A certificate are supplied in the form of a brief summary of the levels of sex, violence and bad language, to be featured on the poster and press advertisements. This practice is increasingly being applied to U and PG certificate films as well.

This film certificate is only intended for people aged 12 years and over. The theme of these films are mature and acceptable (for younger audiences). The use of strong language is rare and justified by the context. Nudity is allowed in these films, however if it is in a sexual content it must be brief and discreet. Also, violence should not be too detailed. There should only be brief and occasional references to, and sight of drug taking (soft).

'PG' means parental guidance. Films with these certificates can generally be viewed by everyone, though some scenes may be unsuitable for children of younger ages. It is the parents responsibility to decide what their children should be allowed to watch. In these type of films more serious issues may be addressed such as: crime and domestic violence. There is mild, bad language used only and there is also natural nudity but without sexual content and there is also minor sexual references. In addition to this there is moderate violence, there is no excessive recurrence of contemporary weapons and no references to illegal drugs.

'U' means universal and 'U' films are usually suitable for audiences aged four years and over. 'U' films are set within a moral framework. In this certificate the management of problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate to younger audiences. Mild, bad language is used rarely; there is occasionally natural nudity but with no sexual content. There is only mild violence used and infrequently mild threat. These films also contain mild sexual behaviour e.g. kissing and references e.g. 'making love.' There is no suggestion as to realistic weapons or any references to drug use or illegal drugs.