Film industry 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?


Is an independent regulator and guide with over 100 years’ experience. it aims to help everyone in the UK choose age-appropriate films, videos and websites, wherever and however they watch or use them. The BBFC is completely independent and because it is not-for-profit, and their fees are designed only to cover their 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."- Sourced via BBFC's website

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


Compliance Officers watch a combination of films, DVDs, and online content during each working day. 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."- Sourced via BBFC's website and summarised by me.

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

Factors faced when classifying a film is whether the film is in conflict with the law, whether the film cause any harm at the age rating given, the amount of sex, bad language and violence used within the film, the overall tone of a work which may affect the audiences reaction is also taken into account.

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 reason as to why The Dark Knight generated a large amount of media coverage regarding its certificate i because the audience believed the film included way too much violence for the age category it was rated at.

5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

"Dangerous behaviour (for example, suicide, self-harming and asphyxiation) should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Whether the depiction of easily accessible weapons is acceptable will depend on factors such as realism, context and setting.The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language.Drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse (for example, through detailed instruction). The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable.There may be strong language. Very 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.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.Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour. Repeated very strong references, particularly those using pornographic language, are unlikely to be acceptable. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal are unacceptable.There may be strong verbal references to sexual violence but any depiction of the stronger forms of sexual violence, including rape, must not be detailed or prolonged. A strong and sustained focus on sexual threat is unacceptable.There may be strong threat and horror. A sustained focus on sadistic threat is unlikely to be acceptable.Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic violence is also unlikely to be acceptable."- Sourced via BBFC

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 reasons as to why the BBFC gave Chicken the age rating of 15 is because the film included very strong language, strong violence and sex references which isn't suitable for people under the age of 15.