Film Regulation

 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? This history of the BBFC page may help.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is independent, non-governmental and not-for-profit, and has had the responsibility of classifying films since 1912, video tapes and discs since 1985, and more recently, online content.



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. Compliance Officers watch a combination of films, DVDs, and online content during each working day. They usually view DVDs on their own, which is called ‘solo viewing’. Content suitable for solo viewing includes episodes from TV series or programmes aimed at young children that have already been broadcast on TV. Films for cinema release are classified by teams of two. Controversial or extreme content is also seen by teams - and often by more than one team - to get a range of opinion.

3) Read this BBFC section on landmark 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.

4) What are the guidelines for a 12A certificate - Blinded By The Light's cinema certificate (it was rated 12 for its home video release)?

Dangerous behaviour: weapons/anti-social behaviour cannot be endorsed.

Discrimination: discriminatory language cannot be endorsed. Not acceptable when accompanied with violence, unless condemned. 

Drugs: drug/substance use infrequent. Use of drugs not glamorised.

Language: moderate bad language. Strong language can be permitted depending on context and frequency.  

Nudity: may be nudity. Under sexual context should be brief/discreet.

Sexual activity: Sexual activity briefly/discreetly portrayed. Moderate references permitted, not crude references. 

Sexual violence: verbal, non-graphic references to sexual violence permitted. Stronger forms e.g rape only implied. Sexual threat/abuse kept brief and negatively presented. 

Suicide & self-harm: references to suicide/self-harm permitted. Stronger details likely prohibited, unless justified by context. Portrayals brief/discreet. 

Threat & horror: moderate physical/psychological threat permitted. Scenes can be disturbing, but not overall tone. Horror scenes not frequent/sustained. 

Violence: moderate violence permitted, but no detail. Occasional blood/injury shown but gory images stay infrequent and justified by context (e.g medical detail, fantasy).

5) The BBFC website offers an explanation of every classification it makes and detailed case studies on selected titles. Look at the rating for Blinded By The Light and explain why it was given a 12A certificate for cinema release.

it contains racist language and behaviour, moderate bad language