Target Audience.

First of all, due to my film idea I had to add a restriction of the youngest class of people allowed to watch. My initial thought was that I would set the age restriction to 12 as there is the implication that she has committed suicide although you don't see what happens to her after the screen fades to black. However, when I was researching the difference between what elements contribute to the age differences I found that '12' no longer exists and has been replaced in 2002 with '12A'.

This category applies to cinema releases from August 1989 to 2002. It is suitable only for persons aged 12 and over, not to be supplied to anyone below that age.

This category applies to cinema only releases since 2002. Films under this category are considered unsuitable for young children. Cinemas are only permitted to supply tickets to see a 12A-rated film to children under the age of 12 years if they are accompanied by an adult, aged at least 18 years.





I found that the restriction of 12A was given to films which contained 'mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, infrequent strong language and moderate violence, sex references and nudity'.
I agreed with my initial thought that my film would be classified as a 12A as within the rest of my film it would include moderate violence and infrequent strong language.

Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, regular use of foul language and limited use of very strong language, strong violence and strong sexual references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without any strong detail.




I had a glance at the restriction for 15 and found that overall my film would not suit this and would be better suited to a 12A. However, I debated whether a suicide would be classed as a mature theme or adult theme.

I looked at a few films I knew that contained a suicide to help me gain a better idea:

• Kidulthood = 18
• Dead Poet's Society = PG

In Kidulthood, there is no limitation on foul language, there is a large reference to both drugs and sex, and the use of sadistic violence, which means that it is not a reliable source of information as to whether suicide counts towards a mature theme or adult theme.
However, Dead Poet's Society, the film is light-hearted apart from the unexpected event of the suicide.

Due to the rest of my film being in reference to moderate violence and infrequent strong language, I have realised that the restriction on my film would be a 12A.