Age Ratings

Age Ratings

U

The letter U in the U symbol simply stands for 'universal'. A Universal film is suitable for any audience aged four and over. U rated films usually contain no violence or horror as they are aimed at young audiences and therefore need to be suitable for children of all ages who don't need to be exposed to threat.

PG

The letters PG in the PG symbol stand for 'Parental Guidance'. A Parental Guidance film is for general viewing and is mainly suitable for children aged around 8 years or older however it is up to parents what they want their children to watch. The parents of the child can consider whether the content is likely to upset their child.

12A

12A rated films are not generally suitable for children under the age of 12 , but they are allowed to see the film if accompanied by a responsible adult. The 12 rating is put in place for retailers because it is simpler that only people above the age of 12 can purchase the film. My film is not going to be this rating as I the suggested threat in the opening sequence sets way for potentially quite a dark thriller around the concepts of abduction which young people should not be exposed to with or without an adult. The complex plot is also aimed at an older audience.

15

No-one under 15 is allowed to go and see a 15 rated film at the cinema or buy/rent a 15 rated video. 15 rated works are therefore  not suitable for children under 15 years of age because of the content. My film will be rated at a 15 as there is a complex storyline that people under this age may not understand as well as violence and threat which may disturb younger audiences.

18

Films rated at 18 are for adults. No-one under 18 should be allowed to see an 18 film at the cinema or buy / rent an 18 rated video. No 18 rated works are suitable for children.

This information will provide an insight into the sort of features and content we can include in our own thriller openings and what aspects and parts of our thriller openings will be suitable for which age group and allow us to determine the age group at which our thriller film will be aimed at and suitable for.