BBFC

Film regulation and the BBFC - blog tasks:

1) Research the BBFC in more detail: what is the institution responsible for? How is it funded? What link does it have to government?
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is a non-governmental organization, founded by the film industry in 1912 and responsible for the national classification and censorship of films exhibited at cinemas and video works. The BBFC is a not for profit organisation. It is funded by the fees it charges for its services.

2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.
Films are rated based on the following things: general context - plot, characters, outline of individual scenes ;timings of key moments, including camera angles, type of shots, on- and off-screen moments; bad language, sex and drug references and so on.

3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words.
There are many debates: whether the film faces conflict with the law or created with criminal offence, whether material is its own or combination with other content, availability of the material, the target audience and the overall tone.
Alongside considering the relevant legislation, the main age rating issues that need to be taken into account include:
• Violence
• Sex
• Sexual Violence
• Drugs
• Horror
• Imitable Behaviour
• Discrimination
• Language

4) Read this BBFC section on controversial decisions. Why did The Dark Knight generate a large amount of media coverage regarding its certificate? Do you agree with the 12A certificate The Dark Knight was awarded?
The Dark Knight had a significant amount of media coverage because the movie was rated a 12A, but the public complaint that the movie contained too much violence.

5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

• The work must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although you can have racist or homophobic language/themes.
• Drugs can be shown, not promoted.
• Strong language is permitted, depend on manner though.
• Imitable behaviour can be shown, but not in extensive amounts that people will try.
• Sexual activity can be portrayed, no strong detail.
• No constraints on nudity.
• Strong threat and horror is allowed. Sexual threat is not acceptable.
• Strong violence.

6) The BBFC website offers an explanation of every classification it makes and detailed case studies on selected titles. Look at the rating for Chicken and explain why it was given a 15 certificate.
Chicken was given a rating of 15 because it had very strong language (use of the words c**t and f**k), strong violence-(child abuse)and (bloody scenes) and sexual references.