In 1913, the first film certificates were given by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). For cinema releases, the BBFC has no legal power (technically, films do not even have to be submitted for classification), as it falls to councils to decide who should be admitted to a certain film, but they generally apply the BBFC's certificates, effectively making them legally-binding. In exceptional cases, councils may impose their own conditions, either raising or lowering the minimum entry age from the certificate, banning a certified film outright, or setting their own minimum entry age for films that have never been submitted for BBFC certification, or which have been refused a certificate by the Board. The following exhibit’s the history of the certificate rating system:
1913 - 1932
At the beginning there was only two advisable categories:
Universal - Suitable for children
Adult - Some councils ruled that you must be accompanied by an adult1932 - 1951
A Horror certificate was introduced to indicate audiences of horror based material:
A Horror certificate was introduced to indicate audiences of horror based material:
Horror - Some councils ruled that only people aged 16 or over would be allowed 1951 - 1970
For the first time, the X symbol was introduced for only 16’s or over to enter (this replaced the horror certificate)
For the first time, the X symbol was introduced for only 16’s or over to enter (this replaced the horror certificate)
X - Suitable for people aged 16 or over (enforced by all councils)1970 - 1982
On 1 July 1970 the A certificate was split into two: the A certificate now allowed those aged five and older to be admitted, but warned parents that they may not wish children under 14 to watch the film, while the new AA allowed only those aged 14 or over to be admitted. As there was now a mandatory certificate at 14, the X certificate was modified to raise its age from 16 to 18. The classification symbols were given a more modern look, replacing the ageing logos that had served the BBFC for almost 60 years.
On 1 July 1970 the A certificate was split into two: the A certificate now allowed those aged five and older to be admitted, but warned parents that they may not wish children under 14 to watch the film, while the new AA allowed only those aged 14 or over to be admitted. As there was now a mandatory certificate at 14, the X certificate was modified to raise its age from 16 to 18. The classification symbols were given a more modern look, replacing the ageing logos that had served the BBFC for almost 60 years.
Universal - Suitable for children
A - Children aged 5 or over admitted, but parents are advised that they may not wish to let children under 14 view the contents
AA - Suitable for those aged 14 or over
X - Suitable for those age 18 or over 1982 - 1985
On 1 November 1982 the ratings system was completely overhauled with only the U certificate remaining unchanged (though its description was slightly modified). The A certificate was replaced by PG, which was now completely advisory. The age of AA was raised a year and the certificate was renamed 15. The X certificate was unchanged but renamed 18 due to the lewd reputation that the letter X had acquired. A new R18 certificate was introduced for sexually-explicit films. In order to show R18 films, cinemas must be licensed members-only clubs (previously, a loophole allowed these clubs to show such films unrated)
On 1 November 1982 the ratings system was completely overhauled with only the U certificate remaining unchanged (though its description was slightly modified). The A certificate was replaced by PG, which was now completely advisory. The age of AA was raised a year and the certificate was renamed 15. The X certificate was unchanged but renamed 18 due to the lewd reputation that the letter X had acquired. A new R18 certificate was introduced for sexually-explicit films. In order to show R18 films, cinemas must be licensed members-only clubs (previously, a loophole allowed these clubs to show such films unrated)
Universal - Suitable for all
Parental Guidance -General viewing, but certain parts may be unsuitable for young people 
15 -Suitable for people aged 15 or over
18 -Suitable for people aged 18 or over 
R18 -Restricted to those aged 18 or over and only available in certain cinemas.1985 - 1989
The Video Recordings Act 1984 gave the BBFC the legal responsibility to rate all videos. The current certificates were all used, though a new Uc certificate was introduced for videos only to indicate a recording that is especially suitable for young children to watch on their own. Those under the age of a certificate could not buy or rent a video with that certificate. Shops wishing to sell or rent R18 videos had to apply for a licence. The certificate rating was now visible on the video cover.
The Video Recordings Act 1984 gave the BBFC the legal responsibility to rate all videos. The current certificates were all used, though a new Uc certificate was introduced for videos only to indicate a recording that is especially suitable for young children to watch on their own. Those under the age of a certificate could not buy or rent a video with that certificate. Shops wishing to sell or rent R18 videos had to apply for a licence. The certificate rating was now visible on the video cover.
Universal Children - Suitable for all, however more suitable for young people to watch on theirown (video only)
1989 - 1994
Due to the large gap between PG and 15 and industry pressure regarding Batman, a 12 certificate was introduced on 1 August 1989. However, it was for cinema use only and did not cover videos. 12 films released on video would typically be classified 15, though they were sometimes edited to fit the PG category. All of the symbols were also graphically edited slightly.
Due to the large gap between PG and 15 and industry pressure regarding Batman, a 12 certificate was introduced on 1 August 1989. However, it was for cinema use only and did not cover videos. 12 films released on video would typically be classified 15, though they were sometimes edited to fit the PG category. All of the symbols were also graphically edited slightly.
Universal children - Suitable for all, but especially suitable for young children to watch on their own (video only) 
Universal - Suitable for all
Parental Guidance - All ages admitted, but parents are advised that certain scenes may be unsuitable for small children
12 - Suitable for people aged 12 or over (cinema only)
15 - Suitable for people aged 15 or over
18- Suitable for people aged 18 or over
R18 - Restricted for those aged 18 and older and only available at licensed cinemas and sex shops1994 - 2002
The 12 certificate was also introduced for videos on 1 July 1994.
The 12 certificate was also introduced for videos on 1 July 1994.
12 - Suitable for those aged 12 or over (now covers videos as well)2002 - Present Day
The cinema 12 certificate was modified and renamed 12A. Those under 12 could now be admitted to 12A films, provided that they were accompanied by an adult, although the BBFC recommends that 12A films are generally unsuitable for children under 8 years old. Contrary to popular belief, the certificate was not introduced for the film Spider-Man, and the first film that got the certificate was actually The Bourne Identity. However, Spider-Man and other films still on general release at the time were reclassified as 12A. Introduction of the 12A followed two years of consultation and a trial period in Norwich, during which time the certificate was known as PG-12 (see below). The video 12 certificate remained unchanged. Shortly after the new certificate was introduced, all of the symbols were graphically modernised but retained all their main features (colour, shape, etc.).
The cinema 12 certificate was modified and renamed 12A. Those under 12 could now be admitted to 12A films, provided that they were accompanied by an adult, although the BBFC recommends that 12A films are generally unsuitable for children under 8 years old. Contrary to popular belief, the certificate was not introduced for the film Spider-Man, and the first film that got the certificate was actually The Bourne Identity. However, Spider-Man and other films still on general release at the time were reclassified as 12A. Introduction of the 12A followed two years of consultation and a trial period in Norwich, during which time the certificate was known as PG-12 (see below). The video 12 certificate remained unchanged. Shortly after the new certificate was introduced, all of the symbols were graphically modernised but retained all their main features (colour, shape, etc.).
Universal Children - Suitable for all, especially for young children to watch on their own (video only)
Parental Guidance - General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for children under 8
12A - Suitable for those aged 12 and older (cinema only); under 12s admitted, but only if accompanied by an adult. Children under 8 are not admitted accompanied or not.
12 - Suitable for people aged 12 or over (video only)
15 - Suitable for people aged 15 or over
18- Suitable for people aged 18 or over
R18- Restricted for those aged 18 and older and only available at licensed cinemas and sex shopsThis is important for our thriller because the evolution of what a film used to be and what it has become influences many great film directors, and has also influenced us and our thriller. Also it gives us a rough idea of what age group our thriller is aimed at.
The way films used to be and what they are today made us think about how our film might have to be like if we had made it in 1913. An adult rated film in 1913 would be classified as a PG (or even a U) in todays rating system. This could influence target audience aswell because if an elderly person wishes to se our thriller, but he's used to the old rating system and the way older films used to be like, He may not like it. This inturn wouldn't increase word of mouth and thus losing us a profit if the film hit cinemas.
- David Huxford
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