Certificates for my film

Films from the horror genre, very occasionally, receive a 12A certificate ('The Woman In Black', the remake of 'The Wicker Man'), but more often films from this genre receive a 15 or 18 certificate. The more violent, bloody, gory horror films often gain an 18 certificate but increasingly film studios are keen for their films to receive a 15 certificate as this means they can reach a larger audience without having to water down the levels of violence and threat too much.

I think my horror film would receive either a 15 or an 18 certificate, but before I decide, I will conduct some research on the BBFC (British Board Film Classification) website to identify the differences between these certificates.

BBFC website

Below is a link to the BBFC's description of what is acceptable in a 15 certificate film:
15 Certificate Guideline

Here is a summary of what is acceptable in a 15 certificate film in relation to my horror film:

• Horror films often contain dangerous behaviour and easily accessible weapons - these may not be acceptable at 15, depending on the context.
• Horror films often contain sex scenes and sometimes contain scenes where sexual violence and sexual threat are present - at 15 there may be strong verbal references to these areas but it is unlikely there will be any detailed or prolonged visual activity.
• Horror films will show strong threat and horror at 15, typical of horror films, but a sustained focus on sadistic threat is unlikely to be acceptable.
• Horror films frequently contain violence and at 15 violence can be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.

Below is a link to the BBFC's description of what is acceptable in a 18 certificate film:

18 certificate Guideline

Here is a summary of what is acceptable in an 18 certificate film in relation to my horror film:

• At 18 certificate most levels of violence should be permissible. The restrictions found at 15 no longer apply. 
• There may be some restrictions on sexually violent behaviour and other harmful violent activities.

I have decided having looked at the different ratings above that a 15 certificate would be most appropriate for my film. Firstly my film is a psychological thriller with only fleeting moments of physical violence. Secondly, any violence in my film will not dwell on detail. Finally, I would want a 15 certificate so that my film could reach a wider audience.