BBFC Institution research

BBFC

1) Research the BBFC: what is the institution responsible for? How is it funded? What link does it have to government?

This institution is responsible for classifying the age rating for a film, video, DVD's and even video games. The BBFC is not a profit based business as they are funded solely by their services. They are linked to the government by their financial affairs which is run by the Council of Management.

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

The Board’s age ratings decisions are reached by consensus Examiners watch films in the BBFC’s cinema for the full experience and watch DVD’s in viewing rooms on a plasma TV to get the home viewing feel. Films in different languages are viewed the same way with an interpreter sitting beside the Examiner as there are no subtitles. Examiners log details of the film in relation to the guidelines. Brief synopsis’ are written based on the work. Decisions that are difficult to come to a conclusion to are referred to the senior examiner or often brought up in the weekly examiners meeting to get other opinions. Illegal material or unacceptable content, the BBFC write up a list of cuts. Rarely do they reject content.

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

The issues the BBFC face when classifying a film is that they have to take into consideration hat they are not causing the potential viewers any moral harm as well as harm that may result from their behaviour.  They have to make sure it remains within the laws. They have to take into account of the target audience who its more likely to appeal to when giving the work an age raging. Also the tone of the work can affect the decision as if it contains dark themes it may receive more strict ratings compared to films that don’t for example rom coms. 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 received so much criticism because viewers said their was too much violence for it to be a 12A. Personally I believe that the age rating is fine for the film as the violence isn't that detailed. They don't focus too much on the little things like blood as much also when there is a scene of gun violence it is concealed by making it look darker so the audience cant see the bullet hit the person. 




5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?


In order for a film to be ate 15 IT must stay within the guidelines in terms of violence.

There can be violence but the details of the inflicted pain shouldn’t be of focus. Gory and implication of sadistic violence will usually be unaccepted unless strongly justified. There may be some sexual violence indicated. Depending on the manner in which is it used Very strong language may be permitted. As for sex and nudity it can be portrayed but however in a somewhat discreet way where there are no details that are being focussed on. The work should not encourage drug abuse/use and discriminatory behaviours however some discriminatory themes and language in the film is accepted. Imitable behaviour should not be focussed on regardless of whether it is needed for realism.

6) The BBFC website offers an explanation of every classification it makes and detailed case studies on selected titles. Choose one 15-rated film from the BBFC case studies section and summarise the classification the film was given and why. 

Attack the block

This film is rated a 15 and this is because firstly it appealed to the older teenage audience from the tone of the work and setting. What made It a 15 was the continuous use of strong language which isn’t permitted for it to e a 12A rating. Also the violence shown in the film is also quite strong as there are characters that get hurt by the aliens or even killed in bloody ways. However it doesn’t endorse the use of weapons as the film makes it clear that the use is solely for the purpose of self protection from the alien characters.  Drugs were also made to seem normal which brought up conflict in the decision however, it didn’t glamorise the use of drugs between young people.