BBFC

The British Board of Film Classification. This is the board that puts the 12A, 15, PG, etc, ratings on your favourite films. They decide who should be able to see this film and what characteristics place that film within that category. 

"The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non-governmental body which has classified cinema films since it was set up in 1912 and videos/ DVDs since the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984."

It is used in order to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films and videos and to give consumers information they might need about a particular film or video before deciding whether or not to view it. 

"We look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence when making decisions. The theme of the work is also an important consideration. We also consider context, the tone and likely impact of a work on the potential audience."

Because we are doing a horror film, i'll focus on the threat and violence categories of each rating.
12/12A: There may be moderate physical and psychological threat and horror sequences. Although some scenes may be disturbing, the overall tone should not be. Horror sequences should not be frequent or sustained. 

There may be moderate violence but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and its depiction must be justified by context. Drug use, strong language and nudity are not typically acceptable in this rating either. 

15: There may be strong threat and horror. A sustained focus on sadistic or sexual threat is unlikely to be acceptable. Violence may be strong but not dwell on the infliction. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable, as well as strong sadistic images. Sexual violence may be verbally addressed but only shown in a discreet manner that is justified by context. 

18: Anything goes, essentially. This is due to the idea that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment- resulting in less films being banned nowadays. (Cannibal Holocaust is free to watch on YouTube in this modern world.) Unless the film breaches criminal law or shows legitimate harm or actual drug use or is of sex work then it is free to be shown under this rating. 

After looking at the guidelines we put our finished film at a 12/12A. Meaning that no one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. On most counts our film could be seen as PG- there is no gore or violence, nudity, drugs or discrimination. However because of the psychological aspect of the film and the depiction of the poltergeist we felt that our film should fit into the 12 category, not to mention the fact that most people under the age of perhaps 16 would find it enjoyable or even understandable. After all, a horror film that is less than a 12 probably shouldn't come under the horror category.