Film Industry: BBFC film regulation

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 institution is responsible for classifying films and giving them age ratings as well as researching what the British Public's attitudes and opinions are so that they can classify films according to that. The BBFC is an independent, non-governmental body funded through charged fees. It is also a not-for-profit business, all of the fees are only designed to cover their costs. 2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.

If Compliance Officers are in any doubt, if a film is on the borderline between two categories, or if important policy issues are involved, it may be seen by other members of the BBFC, up to and including the Chief Executive, the President and Vice Presidents. Occasionally, we may also call for expert advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for harm. Films are  

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

Some issues include: whether the material is in conflict with the law, or has been created in through the commission of a criminal offence, whether the availability of the material, at the age group concerned, is clearly unacceptable to broad public opinion and whether sex, language and nudity is more accepted in the British Public.

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 BBFC awarded The Dark Knight a 12A rating which 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. In my opinion, I disagree with this decision to classify 'The Dark Knight' as 12A because the high level of violence categorically proves so. The use of bombs, guns and heavy artillery in this film promoted young children to also behave violently in this manner and should only be for a 15+ audience. The Joker played by Heath Ledger can also almost be quite frightening for a younger audience and also raises questions about whether a moral panic occurs. Issues are also raised in relation to taste and decency as well as content. As there are many scenes which consist of a prison interview setting, the film can be seen as not suitable for a younger audience as this may encourage them to indulge in crime as well.5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

A film that contains the f word more than once is classified as a 15 certificate movie. Drugs being taken can be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. Sexual nudity may be permitted but strong detail is likely to be brief or presented in a comic context. Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail and pornographic language is likely to be unacceptable. A sustained focus on sadistic threat is 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.

Given a 15 certificate so that the film could reach a wider audience. Although, it was given a 15 certificate, to an extent i disagree. This is a film that contains very dramatic and sensitive scenes. Thus is not suitable for a younger age. For example, there is suicide mention and also rape mention towards the end of the film. Another example are the graphic shots of the dead chicken (Fiona).  These shots can be seen as very gory and quite petrifying to watch.