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 is an organisation appointed by the Council of Management, who regulate and provide age ratings such as U, PG and 12A to films, or even cut and reject work. Their aim is to ensure that children are protected from harm and illegal material, and that they can make informed decisions about their viewing choices. In terms of funding, they are privately funded, not-for-profit, part-voluntary, part-statutory and regulatory body.

 2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.The Compliance officers watch the productions in the BBFC's cinema and then make notes on the general use of bad language, sexual scenes and general content. They also suggest edits to the distributor that may help with the classification process. 

3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words.Classifying a film is difficult because it has to take various factors into account. The media text has to be carefully viewed and critiqued in order to identify if the material is in conflict with the law, and if it will cause any harm to the viewer within this age certification. The BBFC need to ensure that films do not strongly encourage anti-social views that may affect the social development of viewers (especially young children). They also need to take into account of the general language, violence and message of the media text. 

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?There was a lot of media coverage regarding the dark knight because it contains many violent scenes, that maybe parents wouldn't be comfortable letting their children view it. However, the main genre of the movie is a superhero film, which are generally targeted towards the younger generation.

5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

Discrimination
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language.

Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse (for example, through instructional detail). The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

Imitable behaviour
Dangerous behaviour (for example, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Whether the depiction of easily accessible weapons is acceptable will depend on factors such as realism, context and setting.

Language
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.

Nudity
There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. There may be nudity in a sexual context but usually without strong detail.

Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.

Threat
There may be strong threat and horror. A sustained focus on sadistic or sexual threat is unlikely to be acceptable.

Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but the depiction of sexual violence must be discreet and justified by context.

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 has a 15 certification. I think that this is an accurate certification because there is quite strong language used throughout the film. Also, the sexual references may be unsuitable and unsettling for younger viewers. If the age certification was 12A or below, then younger viewers would not necessarily be mature enough to understand the narrative/ different aspects of the film. There is also strong violence throughout meaning that it wouldn't be appropriate for children.


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