Classification

12A
Tone
The tone of the film can effect the classification of a film. If the film illustrates a particularly dark or unsettling tone then it can effect the rating. Psychological thrillers are an example of this.
Language
BBFC guidelines state that there may be strong language at a film classified 12 or 12A, but it must be infrequent. The context of strong language is important and aggressive use of strong language may result in DVD being rated a 15. This is due to the fact that scenes can be repeated with a DVD.
Violence
At 12A moderate violence is allowed but it should not dwell on violence or gory moments. Blood and gore may be shown as long as it is in the appropriate context e.g. a medical drama.
(12A is for cinema release only, where as 12 is for DVD release only.)
Our Thriller may be classified 12, however it limits the amount of content relevant to our thriller we can include, such as violence or an unsettling tone. This would decrease the amount of freedom we have to create a thriller that has the typical conventions. However a benefit of this that it widely broadens our possible target audience for the film.

15
Tone
Any tone can be accepted at this classification.
Language
Strong language expected at 15 rated film.
Violence
Gory, strong violence expected at 15
This would be a good classification for our film as it allows us the freedom of strong language and violence, which is a convention of thrillers ( Seven, Taxi, Secret Window etc.). However it also allows the opportunity to appeal to a wide target audience.

18
Tone
Any tone can be accepted at this classification, strong horror element is also expected at 18 rated film.
Language
Strong language expected throughout, strong discriminatory language and behaviour is also accepted at this classification.
Violence
Extremely Strong violence expected.
This rating allows us freedom to create what ever kind of film we want and include. Any tone, violence or language is accepted at this rating, however our target audience is much less broad than if we were to use a lower classification.