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. The BBFC helps everyone in the UK choose age-appropriate films, videos and websites, wherever and however they watch or use them.
• 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.
• Although it is an NGO, it was set up by the government to classify films for the government to put out to the public without government interference. 

2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.

The BBFC's classifying decisions are made by consensus, with the Chief Executive, President, and two Vice-Presidents taking final responsibility. Compliance Officers watch films, DVDs, and online content, often viewing DVDs for 'solo viewing'. Films for cinema release are classified by teams of two, including controversial or extreme content. They view DVDs in the BBFC's own cinema to experience the effect of imagery, editing, sound levels, and special effects on a cinema audience.
Many films and DVDs are submitted in foreign languages, often in Hindi and other South Asian languages. Compliance Officers work with an interpreter when the content is in a language not spoken by any team. They note details of the general theme or context, such as bad language, drug references, sex, and violence.
Compliance Officers' reports include a brief synopsis of the work, and an argument in support of the recommended age rating. Distributions can ask for a specific age rating, but the Compliance Officer or team makes a final judgement. If content falls between two age ratings, it will be referred to the Compliance Manager or Head of Compliance. If content is found to be illegal or unacceptable under the published BBFC Guidelines, Compliance Officers will draw up a list of cuts, which will be sent to the distributor.

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 from the public, who thought the violence was too strong to be contained at that category. I think it was suitable enough to give this a 12A certificate, because it follows the guidelines: the violence has no blood/injury detail and the threat is moderate. Some of these scenes may be a little unsettling, but that is permitted in a 12A. Also it is important to consider the role of the parent/carer who themselves can decide if their child is mature enough to view it.

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.

This film was given a 12A rating because of all the criteria stated in the BBFC guidelines for a 12A movie, the only prominent features are the language and discrimination. As for the language, the language is not explicit enough to be a 15 because we see mild examples of bad language, which are not constantly repeated throughout. There is discrimination present within the film, evident through the use of 'Pakis' to verbally abuse a character when being spat on. Although, there is use of derogatory language, it is condemned and not condoned throughout the film and not accompanied with any violence. There is brief bloody detail when two characters are attacked, but this is extremely infrequent and brief. This film was classified as 12A because it simply dips into each criteria not going into any detail. This also gives space to parents/guardians to conclude if this film is suitable for their child, if they can handle slightly mature themes.