Film Industry: BBFC 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?

The BBFC commission fees for their service, but they are independent and non profit.
2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.

The classification threshold for a movie is determined by the president and the vice presidents of the BBFC. Once those classifications are determined, different individuals are then sent movies to watch in different set ups designed to imitate both a cinema and home viewing experience, The rating of the movie is then determined 
3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words.

 One issue that compliance officers face when classifying a film is that quite often they will be sent a movie in a foreign language, if no subtitles are present, they will be have an interpreter come in. Some of the the issues they look for in the film include violence, sex, drug use, sexual violence etc.
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?

Viewers thought that there was far too much violence in the movie for it to be rated a 12A, In my opinion while the there was violence, given the context of the film being a superhero in a made up city while fighting made up super villains; the 12A was an adequate rating of the film.

5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

Dangerous behaviour

Dangerous behaviour (for example, suicide, self-harming and asphyxiation) 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.

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 detailed instruction). The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.

 

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. Sexual nudity may be permitted but strong detail is likely to be brief or presented in a comic context.
 

Sex

Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour. Repeated very strong references, particularly those using pornographic language, are unlikely to be acceptable. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal are unacceptable.

Sexual violence and sexual threat

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. A strong and sustained focus on sexual threat is unacceptable.

Threat and horror

There may be strong threat and horror. A sustained focus on sadistic 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.

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.

LANGUAGE

Three uses of very strong language (‘c**t’), one of which is directed by a male character to another in a moment of tension, while the other two refer to a woman who is not present at the time. There is also frequent use of strong language (‘f**k’).

VIOLENCE

There is a scene of strong violence, in which a man is beaten up, resulting in bloody injury to his face.

The film contains strong, but not graphic, references to child abuse