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 is responsible for regulating the film industry.  The BBFC is completely independent and because we’re not-for-profit, our fees are designed only to cover our costs. They are calculated against the running time of content submitted for classifying or compliance work, and we consult the Department of Digital Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) before making any fee changes.

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

The BBFC’s classifying decisions are reached by consensus, with the Chief Executive, the President and the two Vice-Presidents taking final responsibility.Our Compliance Officers watch a combination of films, DVDs, and online content during each working day. They usually view DVDs on their own, which we call ‘solo viewing’. Content suitable for solo viewing includes episodes from TV series or programmes aimed at young children that have already been broadcast on TV. Films for cinema release are classified by teams of two. Controversial or extreme content is also seen by teams - and often by more than one team - to get a range of opinion.

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


if the work has a generally dark or unsettling tone that may disturb the audience at that level, then it may receive a more restrictive rating. The impact of a work (ie, how it makes the audience feel) is also taken into account, for example in relation to horror films where threat may be more significant than violence. Alongside considering the relevant legislation, the main age rating issues that need to be taken into account include:
• Violence
• Sex
• Sexual Violence
• Drugs
• Horror
• Imitable Behaviour
• Discrimination
• Language


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 Dark Knight generated a large amount of media coverage because the violence in the film was extremely strong and people started questioning whether the age certificate met the actual film.

5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on on detail which should be copied.
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language.
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.



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.

The reason Chicken was given a 15 certificate is because it contained strong language such as (C**t) and (F**k) which is frequently used. There is also strong violence by a male character towards another male character resulting in blood all around the face.