Film regulation and the BBFC

 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) has had the responsibility of classifying films since 1912, video tapes and discs since 1985, and more recently, online content. The BBFC is here to help everyone in the UK choose age-appropriate films, videos and websites, wherever and however they watch or use them.

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.

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 and complaints from members of the public, who thought the violence was too strong to be contained at that category. 

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)?

• Films classified 12A and video works classified 12 contain material that is not generally suitable for children aged under 12.
• Dangerous behaviour: No promotion of potentially dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons such as knives. No endorsement of anti-social behaviour.
• Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.
• Drugs: Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give detailed instruction.
• Language: There may be moderate bad language. Strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency within the work as a whole and any special contextual justification.
• Nudity: There may be nudity, but in a sexual context it must be brief and discreet.
• Sex: Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Moderate sex references are permitted, but frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.
• Sexual Violence and Sexual Threat: There may be verbal references to sexual violence provided they are not graphic. The stronger forms of sexual violence, including rape, may only be implied and any sexual threat or abusive behaviour must be brief and negatively presented.
• Threat and horror: There may be moderate physical and psychological threat and horror sequences. Although some scenes may be disturbing, the overall tone should not be. Horror sequences should not be frequent or sustained.
• Violence: There may be moderate violence but it should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context.

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.

• Language: There is infrequent moderate bad language ('wanker') as well as milder terms ('bloody hell', 'shit', 'crap', 'frickin', 'sod', 'Jesus').
• Discrimination: There is a scene in which two men are attacked by members of the National Front, resulting in brief bloody injury detail. There are racist references made to "Pakis" as one character is spat on and made to move from his seat in a restaurant at the request of some racists. Racism is not condoned within the film.