LO3 Understanding the regulation of the media sector

Film Classification and Censorship

Who are the BBFC and what do they do?
BBFC stands for British Board of Film Classification. It is a non-government, independent
body which has classified cinema films since 1912, and videos/ DVDs since the Video
Recordings Act was passed in 1984. Their work includes protecting children from
inappropriate and harmful content in film and videos, and give information about the films
or videos to consumers, before they decide whether they want to watch it or not. Typically
2 examiners watch the film to be released, and a senior examiner will review their
recommendation. If the Examiners do not agree, the work may be seen by other members
of the Board up to, and including, the Director and Presidential team. The same process
takes place for DVD and Blu-ray releases, though usually by just one examiner. When
examining the film or video, they look for; issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror,
dangerous and easily imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence, context, the
tone and likely impact of a work on the potential audience. (Taken from the BBFC Website).
The age restrictions can be stricter on a DVD and Blu-ray, because there is a higher chance
of underage people being able to view age restricted works at home.
What are the 6 UK classification certificates?
U Universal. The guidelines for this certificate are ages 4 and over, though what may
upset a child differs between each child.
PG- Parental Guidance. This means it is suitable for general viewing, but with some scenes
that are unsuitable for young viewers. The general guideline for PGs say that it should not
be unsettling for viewers aged 8 or older, but that it is for the parents to decide whether it is
appropriate for their children.
12/12A. 12A means that the content may not be suitable for people under the age of
twelve, and when seeing the film in cinemas, any persons under 12 have to be accompanied
by an adult (over 18). Again, it is up to the responsible adult to decide if they want their
child to see it. 12 is a rating given to DVD and Blu-Ray. Seeing as the 12A rules cannot be
enforced in homes, these films are not allowed to be sold to children under the age of 12.
15. No one under the age of 15 is allowed to buy, rent, or see in the cinemas a film with this
classification.
18. 18 rated films are for adults only. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to buy, rent, or
see in the cinema a film with this classification.
LO3 Understanding the regulation of the media sector

R18. This is a legally restricted classification. R18 rated films include explicit sexual content
and may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and may be supplied to
adults only in licensed shops.
Why does the BBFC classify films?
The BBFC classifies films to protect younger viewers from seeing things that are
inappropriate and unsuitable, and even harmful. The BBFC also provides information about
the contents a film to the viewer, before deciding whether they want to view it or not.
What is censorship?
Censorship is the supressing of speech or other content, which may be considered as
harmful, sensitive, offensive or incorrect, to the public. Organisations, individuals, and the
government all take part in censorship.
Give an example of censorship. (Include film title, complaint/reason for censoring and
outcome)
One of the most common censorships is the removal of blood from American film trailers.
For example, in Happy Potter and the Half Blood Prince, there is a clip of actress Emma
Watson holding her hand up, covered in blood. The blood was however edited out in the
trailer. They did this, because a trailer for a film like Harry Potter would be broadcast over
many channels and at all times of the day, so younger viewers are likely to see it and could
find it upsetting.


LO3 Understanding the regulation of the media sector

How do you make a complaint about a film?
If someone wanted to file a complaint about a film or video, they would have to contact the
WAAAAA via email, phone, or send a letter to the company that created the film, or to the
BBFC (or the equivalent, if outside of the UK). This complaint would be processed, and
judged whether it is a just complaint, before being processed further.