2. • To regulate the films which were becoming more and more
popular at time went on, the BBFC (British Board of Film
Censorship) was set up in 1912.
• They were based around the law set up earlier in 1909, that every
cinema needed a licence. They were aloud a licence depending on
the sort of films they showed which allowed censorship to be
created.
• Just before World War II, unofficial system of political censorship
was implied by the BBFC for the Home Office. As the cinema
became a place where a lot of people went and took information
in the government feared that it would be used to show
propaganda , so any expression of political views in British films
was banned to a some what extent.
History
3. • In 1984 the BBFC was given responsibility for classifying
videos for hire or to view at home, as well as films shown in
cinemas. Home video and cinema versions of a film usually
receive the same certificate, although occasionally a film may
receive a more restrictive certificate for the video as it is
easier for children to access at home.
• Several films rated 'PG-13' in the US by the MPAA (Motion
Picture Association of America) generally equivalent to the
'12' and '12A' classifications, have received '15' classification
in the UK.
4. Cinema
• Local authorities have the final legal authorisation over who
can view a particular film.
• In 2002 a few local authorities ignored the BBFC's
specification that the movie “Spider-Man” should receive a
’12’, and allowed children younger to see the film. However,
the BBFC was already in the process of replacing the 12 rating
with a new ‘12A’, which allowed under-12s to see the film if
accompanied by an adult, so as a result “Spider-Man” was
reclassified as ‘12A’.
5. Film
• All films rated by the BBFC receive a certificate
with "consumer advice" which contains
references to any sex, violence and coarse
language if the films. If a certificate specifies
that a film is only suitable for someone over a
certain age, then only those over that age may
buy it.
6. Universal - All ages
admitted, there is
almost nothing
unsuitable for children.
Parental Guidance -All
ages admitted, but
certain scenes may be
unsuitable for young
children
12A- Cinemas are only
permitted to supply tickets to
see a 12A-rated film to children
under the age of 12 years if they
are accompanied by an adult,
aged at least 18 years.
Over 12 - It is suitable only
for persons aged 12 years
and over, not to be supplied
to anyone below that age.
Over 15 - Suitable
only for persons
aged 15 years and
over
Over 18 - Suitable
only for persons
aged 18 years and
over