BBFC
1. From where does the BBFC get its funding?
-The BBFC get there funding from fees from distributors.
2. What types of texts do the BBFC classify?
The BBFC classify films/videos/DVDs and video games.
3. What are the problems / issues that the BBFC must deal with when classifying material?
BBFC must deal with issues such as: violence, rape, sexual assault, horror and Racial Issues when classifying material.
4. Note the range of classification categories and what they mean e.g. U, PG, 12A etc.
U- Videos classified 'U' are particularly suitable for pre-school children and do not raise any unsuitable issues.
'PG' Parental Guidance - General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.
-Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.
12A- Suitable for 12 years and over. No-one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult.
'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and over
No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.
'18' – Suitable only for adults
No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video.
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC's public consultations, at '18' the BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to chose their own entertainment, within the law.
Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
-Where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity. The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, e.g. eroticise or endorse sexual assault.
-The more explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a 'sex work'
'R18' - To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18 years.
The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex between adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and videos may be
5.Why might a DVD featuring content of skateboarders and BMX bikers performing dangerous stunts be classified as 18 but a film containing a sex scene and use of the ‘f’ word only get a 15 rating?
A DVD featuring content of skateboarders and dangerous BMX stunts, may be portrayed s promoting dangerous sports, and that's why its only suitable for a 18+ whereas having a film which contains a 'f' word may not be deemed as such a bad thing, because it is not necessarily promoting bad language, so that's why it may be classified at an 15.
6 . Why might a film be given a rating of 15 upon release at the cinema but 10 years later be classified as a 12?
This is due to the fact that something that may be seen as unsuitable 10years ago is not necessarily years on. The times are moving on, and various different things are being shown in cinema and becoming more socailly acceptable, and not being seen as inapropriate or rude.
