Film Industry: BBFC film regulation
Watch this (slightly old) video outlining how videos are classified at the BBFC:
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 is an independent, non-governmental body which is responsible for classifying cinema films, TV shows and video games. It is a non-profit organisation and its fees are adjusted only to cover its costs. In order to preserve its independence, the BBFC never receives subsidies from either the film industry or the government. Its income is solely from the fees it charges for its services (calculated by measuring the running time of films or DVDs submitted for classification). The BBFC must consult Department of Culture, Media and Sport before it can make any changes to its fees.
2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.
A group of compliance officers watch films and take down notes on what they watch. This includes- 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, etc. They then agree on an age rating collectively.
3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words.
When classifying a film, the BBFC must take into account the context of the film and whether it is suitable for the target audience. While the presentation of specific issues such as sex and violence may not be problematic at a particular rating, if the work has a generally dark or unsettling tone that may disturb the audience at that level, then it may receive a more restrictive rating.
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?
Audiences thought that there was too much violence in the film for it to be rated a 12A. Personally I agree with the 12A rating because the violence in the film is quickly edited, and whilst sometimes crunchy, it is almost entirely lacking in any blood or injury details.
5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?
It was given a 15 due to the strong language used by the older brother. There is also a strong violent scene where Richard ends up bloody and injured. Furthermore, there is reference to incense and child abuse.
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 is an independent, non-governmental body which is responsible for classifying cinema films, TV shows and video games. It is a non-profit organisation and its fees are adjusted only to cover its costs. In order to preserve its independence, the BBFC never receives subsidies from either the film industry or the government. Its income is solely from the fees it charges for its services (calculated by measuring the running time of films or DVDs submitted for classification). The BBFC must consult Department of Culture, Media and Sport before it can make any changes to its fees.
2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.
A group of compliance officers watch films and take down notes on what they watch. This includes- 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, etc. They then agree on an age rating collectively.
3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words.
When classifying a film, the BBFC must take into account the context of the film and whether it is suitable for the target audience. While the presentation of specific issues such as sex and violence may not be problematic at a particular rating, if the work has a generally dark or unsettling tone that may disturb the audience at that level, then it may receive a more restrictive rating.
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?
Audiences thought that there was too much violence in the film for it to be rated a 12A. Personally I agree with the 12A rating because the violence in the film is quickly edited, and whilst sometimes crunchy, it is almost entirely lacking in any blood or injury details.
5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?
- The work as a whole must not contain discriminatory language or behaviour
- The film must not encourage drug use
- Dangerous behaviour (such as suicide) must not be shown in too much detail
- There can be strong language
- There may be nudity in a sexual context but usually without strong detail.
- Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail.
- There may be strong threat and horror but not in a sexual context.
- Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.
It was given a 15 due to the strong language used by the older brother. There is also a strong violent scene where Richard ends up bloody and injured. Furthermore, there is reference to incense and child abuse.
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