12a certificate trials

It turns out the 12a certificate wasn't even introduced until 2002!

that's mad! that means that if you were under 12, you couldn't see ANYTHING other than a U or a PG! but now thanks to the new certificate, you can see a 12a if accompanied by an adult.

This interested me as Miss Humpleby informed me, trial runs for the 12a certificate were ran in my own town of Norwich, England (:

below borrowed courtesy from Wikipedia

The cinema 12 certificate was modified and renamed 12A. Those under 12 could now be admitted to 12A films, provided that they were accompanied by an adult, although the BBFC recommends that 12A films are generally unsuitable for children under 8 years old. Contrary to popular belief, the certificate was not introduced for the film Spider-Man, and the first film that got the certificate was actually The Bourne Identity. However, Spider-Man and other films still on general release at the time were reclassified as 12A. Introduction of the 12A followed two years of consultation and a trial period in NORWICH, during which time the certificate was known as PG-12 (see below). The video 12 certificate remained unchanged. Shortly after the new certificate was introduced, all of the symbols were graphically modernised but retained all their main features (colour, shape, etc.).

so now children under 12 can see a 12a film if accompanied by an adult, i guess it could encourage family viewing.

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