Regulating Bodies

Regulating Bodies

What is the BBFC and who does it do?

The BBFC or British Board of Film Classification is the process a film must go through to receive its certificate. They’re an independent regulator of films. These are some points on their mission statement about what they do and what they expect to achieve:

-       protect  the public, and especially children, from content which might raise harm risks

-       empower the public, especially parents, to make informed viewing choices

-       recognise and respect adult freedom of choice within the law

-       respond to and reflect changing social attitudes towards media content through proactive public consultation and research

-       provide a cost-effective, efficient classification service within our statutory remit

-       work in partnership with the industry to develop innovative service models to provide content advice which support emerging media delivery systems

-       provide an effective service to enforcement agencies

What are the main issues, especially with reference to sex, drugs, language and violence?

- Sex: the portrayal of sexual activity can range from kissing and verbal references to “making love”, to detail of real sex. Any content discussing sex or show casing sexual content in a non pornographic way (not R18) are likely to be passed only in the adult category. In some cases, the content of sex can be “seen” or more so discussed in media products under the age classification of 18 if its not direct and discrete e.g. The Simpsons. The relationship between Marge and Homer includes a sexual nature and are seen discussing sexual activities through-out the episodes.

- Drugs: Films made and which are classified through the BBFC isn’t allowed to promote the misuse of drugs and detailed portrayal of drug misuse likely to promote or glamorise the activity; they will be cut. However films which show drug use while emphasising the dangers may receive a less restricted classification.

- Language: Different audiences are offended by the scale of language used in films; this can include language associated with sexual, religions or race. Because language can be categorised into different context levels, also including offensive language targeting towards age, gender, background is hard to set comprehensive lists of offensive language used into different classifications.

- Violence: Violence has always been a feature in films for both children and adults; be it funny violence of Tom and Jerry to the gruesomeness of Saw. This is why classification decisions will take account depending on the nature of the violence. Films which include the following will have a restricted classification: Portrayal of violence as a normal solution to problems, Heroes who inflict pain and injury, callousness towards victims, the encouragement of aggressive attitudes, Sexual violence. Sexual violence and rape have strict policies applied.

What are the different certifications?

U Universal- Suitable for all: a U film should be suitable for all audiences aged four years and above. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalance to any violence, horror or threat.

Some things which aren’t tolerated are: Discrimination, Drugs, Horror, language, nudity, sex, theme, violence. In some cases it depends on how these topics are portrayed, for example in Sponge Bob Square Pants; the character Squidward doesn’t wear trousers which could be classified as nudity.

PG Parental Guidance- General viewing, but some scenes might be unsuitable for young children. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset their children.

12/12A- suitable for 12 years and older. The 12A category exists only for cinema films. No one younger than 12 can view a film classified 12A unless accompanied by an adult. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

15- Suitable only for 15 years and over. No one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ rated film in the cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy ‘15’ certificate media.

These topics may be included by at a 15 age level: Drugs (not allowed to promote or encourage), horror, and language (may be frequent use of strong language e.g. Fuck. Stronger language such as Cu*t may be acceptable if justified by the context), Nudity (not allowed strong detail), Sex (without strong detail- verbal reference is allowed)

18- Suitable only for 18 years and over. No one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ rated film in the cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy ‘18’ certificate media. Loose guidelines apart from R rated sexual content (Pornographic)