Research and planning: potential target audience.

Due to our film having a female as the murderer, challenging typical crime thriller conventions, our film would appeal to both the predominantly male audience and a female audience. I think our film would be aimed more towards the younger generation of ages 15-25. I think our film would attract an audience of people who enjoy watching films that keep you in suspense and have a lot of mysteries to solve; as it is a crime-thriller. After doing some research on crime-thrillers, I found that the main target audiences were young males, due to all of the violence and action within this type of film and they are the ones from which I found comments on the reviews of crime thriller films.
I do not think our film would suit an audience of;
- people who do not like the idea of any violence.
- elderly people
- younger children; below 15years of age.
- people who have had any personal experiences with this sort of incident/behaviour before.
- people who have claustrophobia; as our film shows someone tied up.
- people who have epilepsy; as we include flashes for the implication of a camera.

Film certifications:

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rates motion pictures, videos and more and more video games. It is the County authorities who are overall responsible for film ratings for cinema showings in their area however, most of the time the BBFC rating is accepted. Although, films can technically bypass the BBFC rating as they actually have no official legal power. Films do not even have to be submitted for classification. Rating certificates from the BBFC are not legally binding whereas those for videos are.
The BBFC system at present is:
Uc (Universal Children): Suitable for all age ranges, but especially suitable for very young children to watch on their own. This is applicable to video and DVD only.
U (Universal): Suitable for all. The board states that even though they are unable to predict individual differences on what can upset people, it should be suited for all audiences aged 4 and older.They should also be set within a positive moral framework.
PG (Parental Guidance): This is considered for general viewing although some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. It is the board's policy that films rated 'PG' should not be disturbing to a child of approximately 8 years of age or older; however, parents are advised to consider individual differences of their child and so whether content may be upsetting to young or more sensitive children.
12A (12 Accompanied/Advisory): Suitable for 12 years and older. If you are younger than 12 you are unable to see a '12A' film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult.
Rated 12: These are classed as suitable for people 12 years and older. No one younger than 12 is able to rent or buy a '12' rated video.
Rated 15: only suitable for 15 years old or older. You cannot see a '15' film in a cinema if you are not 15years old. Neither can you rent or buy a '15' rated video.

A film rated 18 is only suited for adults. Anyone younger than 18 cannot see an '18' film in a cinema, nor can they rent or buy an '18' rated video.

An R18 film (Restricted 18): These films are to be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or provided only in licensed sex shops, and to adults over 18 years of age. This is due to these films containing sexually explicit, pornographic content.

It is possible for films to receive a different rating when released on DVD/video to that at the cinema.

It is also fairly common for certain films to be refused classification, resulting in banning them from sale or exhibition in the UK. Media which becomes banned receives an 'R' certificate (Rejected).