Ratings

I am now going to look into more detail at the different types of movie trailers.

First of all, the ‘rating card’ that is seen at the start of the trailer. Most films use the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) and the rating card is usually green. Yet, each colour has a different meaning, as shown below:

Green shows that the rating is

G- General Audiences (all ages admitted)

                                              

Blue shows that the rating is

PG or PG-13 which is ‘Parental guidance suggested’ or ‘Parents strongly cautioned’

Red shows that the rating is

R –Restricted (under 17 not admitted without parent or guardian)

There are other restrictions that the MPAA set for movie trailers. These are that ‘theatrical trailers do not exceed 2 minutes 30 seconds in length’ although ‘each major studio is given 20 exceptions to this rule per year’.

So, the MPAA sets the standards for movie trailers, but this is the motion picture association of America, and my movie trailer isn’t going to be American. So, I need to look into the restrictions and guidelines for the UK.

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is the body that regulates the restrictions set around the movies and movie trailers from the UK.

The BBFC uses a different layout for its classifications.

U (universal) – suitable for all

‘A U film should be suitable for all audiences aged four years and over’. As I am producing a Horror trailer, I have paid particular attention to the Horror specification and the guideline states: ‘Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause undue anxiety to young children. The outcome should be reassuring.’

PG (parental guidance) – General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

‘A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older’

The Horror section states:  ‘Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.’

12A-12 (suitable for 12 years and over)

‘The 12A category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 may see the film unless accompanied by an adult.

The 12 category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video work.’

The Horror section states: ‘ Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained’

15 (suitable for 15 years and over)

No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema and no one younger than 15 may rent of buy a ‘15’ rated video work.

Horror: ‘Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

18 (suitable only for adults)

‘No one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent of buy an ‘18’ rated video.’

No specific Horror guideline.

Source for information regarding MPAA and BBFC are Wikipedia.org and bbfc.co.uk

If, upon completion of the film, it was rated strongly with a rating such as ‘18’, then this would severely decrease the potential target audience, which is bad for business.

Although I am only producing the trailer, I must take into account these restrictions to ensure that any rating does not majorly affect the income from the film.