Film regulation and 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 BBFC has to regulate the British film industry and is responsible for the certification of films. It is an independent, non-governmental body funded through charged fees. This means film distributors have always paid a fee to have their works rated. The BBFC is a not for profit organisation. It does however, have to apply certain age certifications depending on what the government and the general public think.
2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.
Whether the material, either on its own, or in combination with other content of a similar nature, may cause any harm at the age rating concerned.
Any ‘moral harm’ that may be caused by, for example, desensitising a potential viewer to the effects of violence, degrading a potential viewer’s sense of empathy, encouraging a dehumanised view of others, suppressing pro-social attitudes, encouraging anti-social attitudes, reinforcing unhealthy fantasies, or eroding a sense of moral responsibility
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 BBFC's decision to award The Dark Knight the 12A rating resulted in much press coverage and complaints from members of the public, who thought the violence was too strong to be contained at that category.
5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?
Dangerous behaviour (for example, suicide, self-harming and asphyxiation) should not dwell on detail which could be copied.
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language.
Drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse
There may be strong language. Very strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency within the work as a whole and any special contextual justification.
There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail.
There may be strong verbal references to sexual violence but any depiction of the stronger forms of sexual violence, including rape, must not be detailed or prolonged.
There may be strong threat and horror.
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.
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 15 certificate so it could reach a wider audience and reach younger adults since the movie faces controversial conflicts and issue that people may face in this generation. Although there is unsettling violent graphic scenes, references to incest rape, frequency swearing
The BBFC has to regulate the British film industry and is responsible for the certification of films. It is an independent, non-governmental body funded through charged fees. This means film distributors have always paid a fee to have their works rated. The BBFC is a not for profit organisation. It does however, have to apply certain age certifications depending on what the government and the general public think.
2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.
The BBFC’s classifying decisions are reached by consensus, with the Chief Executive, the President and the two Vice-Presidents taking final responsibility.Our Compliance Officers watch a combination of films, DVDs, and online content during each working day. They usually view DVDs on their own, which we call ‘solo viewing’.
3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words.Whether the material, either on its own, or in combination with other content of a similar nature, may cause any harm at the age rating concerned.
Any ‘moral harm’ that may be caused by, for example, desensitising a potential viewer to the effects of violence, degrading a potential viewer’s sense of empathy, encouraging a dehumanised view of others, suppressing pro-social attitudes, encouraging anti-social attitudes, reinforcing unhealthy fantasies, or eroding a sense of moral responsibility
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 BBFC's decision to award The Dark Knight the 12A rating resulted in much press coverage and complaints from members of the public, who thought the violence was too strong to be contained at that category.
5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?
Dangerous behaviour (for example, suicide, self-harming and asphyxiation) should not dwell on detail which could be copied.
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language.
Drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse
There may be strong language. Very strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency within the work as a whole and any special contextual justification.
There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.
Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail.
There may be strong verbal references to sexual violence but any depiction of the stronger forms of sexual violence, including rape, must not be detailed or prolonged.
There may be strong threat and horror.
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.
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 15 certificate so it could reach a wider audience and reach younger adults since the movie faces controversial conflicts and issue that people may face in this generation. Although there is unsettling violent graphic scenes, references to incest rape, frequency swearing
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