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 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.

Their Compliance Officers are the people who watch the DVD's and perform a 'solo view', this can be something like a childrens DVD. Distributors can ask for a set age certificate but is is ultimately up to the CO to decide what rating should be given. If a Compliance Officer is unsure about anything or if the content seems to fall between two age ratings, it will be referred to the Compliance Manager or Head of Compliance. 


3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words.

They make sure that viewers are not accepting the idea and having a 'moral harm' which dehumanises ajy actions they see after that film.Violence in childrens films is taken seriously as it could effect social and moral development which distorts the viewers moral compass.

CO's need to make sure that the context in an issue sucessfuly sends a meaningful message for it's targeted audience demographic.

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 violence was too detailed ans strong to be classified as a 12A and questioned whether it should have been 15. However,  it is almost entirely lacking in any blood or injury details. As per the BBFC report.

5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

Dangerous and explicit behaviour, such as self harm and suicide, should not be shown in detail like it is in an 18 certificate. They state that "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 use may be shown but it should not endorse taking them.

There may be some strong language and very strong depending on context. Nudity can be shown and including 'brief detail'. Sex can also be portrayed but not in 'strong detail'. 

There can also be a strong threat and horror but not sadistic threats. Violence can occur but should not focus on the infliction or the injury. Strong sadistic violence is unlikely to show up.

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.

Some of the scenes are understandably able to move it to an 18 certificate but since this is a microbudget, art house film, the BBFC didn't want the 15-17 year olds (the audience more likely to enjoy Chicken) to be denied access to the unique experiences of a multi layered art house film. 

The film does include violence and does focus on injuries which opposes the 15 guidelines however, the message of Joe Stephenson would be missed by many young adults simply because of a violent scene. 

When Fiona is shown as killed by a fox, the guts are all over the screen. This also is  borderline 18 but then again the context in which an issue (such as sex, language or violence) is presented is central to the question of its acceptability. The work's target audience - who is likely to want to watch this film, and to whom does it 'speak' – is also taken into account. This is vital to the 15 certificate decision.