BBFC

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The Britishboardof filmclassification(BBFC)
The BBFC are the responsible body for giving and refusing, certificate for films within the
UK. They regulate and label both cinema release and video/DVD releases, their roles can
either give the certificate the filmwants o even refuse a certificate at all.
The role that BBFC have within cinema film is completely voluntary. Film companies pay a
fee to have their films considered for a certificate and these fees then help to fund the
BBFC. This is due to them not being funded by the government, therefore there are no laws
in place demanding that cinema films within the UK have a certificate. However without a
certificate it is extremely unlikely that any cinemas would agree to show a film.
The BBFC is staffed by full time employees; as well as the administrative staff there is a
president and a range of examiners, who spend their time watching these productions in
order to issue a recommended certificates, by carefully discussing and confirming by
carrying out researched linked to the production itself.
It is actually local councils who decide what certificate a film, must have when shown in
their area. However they are entitled to ignore the decision given by the BBFC if they when
choose too, while this rarely happens. A key example of this occurring includes David
Cronenbergs filmcrash, which was given an 18 certificate by the BBFC but was banned itself
by Westminster council in London. While the filmitself was given a 18 certificate by the
BBFC but a 15 certificate by a number of councils around the country.
The BBFC itself carry out research in order to keep in touch with public attitudes to
censorship. They can distribute questionnaires, hold focus groups and conduct one to one
interview with those compliant. They can bring up varies of issues and update the
censorship rules at least once every ten years.
There is a law about regulations of films on video within the UK – the video recordings act
1984, which demands that any films available for release on video within the UK must have
a certificate given to them by the BBFC. While some material which is stated as a particular
certificate for cinema realise may be issued a higher certificate, or just banned all together.
The rules for each certificate are published on the BBFC website and can be checked and
downloaded for free. While in addition to this the BBFC now provide an ‘extended
certification information’ for each new film on the BBFC website, where it explains in more
detail why the film have been given the certificate it has.
While the films themselves are assessed on many different things, based on 8 different
categories that play the main role in process of making the right decision, which are
discrimination, drugs, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, threat and violence. These
factors help the BBFC to decide the correct certificate for the filmin place.
U = in terms of age within this category, it mean any person of any age is able to access the
movie when broadcasted on any platform. However is generally aimed towards pre-
schooled children and sets a positive tone throughout. When considering the terms of
discrimination, the discriminatory language or behaviour it is clearly disapproved of and not
allowed within this certificate. When looking into drugs and drug misuse, it is standard that
with the film it is infrequent and innocuous, unless the film promotes awareness towards
anti-drug use and their harms. Any sort of dangerous or anti-social behaviour, (which may
involve weapons) should not be used within filmunder this bracket due to the
impressionable mind of the age these films are targeted towards. Any cause of threat, bad

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language and violence is not used at all or mildly within this certificate due to it causing
stress, and anxiety to younger people viewing these scenes. While nudity and sex scenes,
are occasional without any sexual content. A great example to follow is ‘How to train your
pet dragon’ as it is suitable for all audience due to its innocent nature and positive content.
PG = In terms of the rules and regulations based around a PG certificate, of parental
guidance within the category, it is acceptable for general viewing, while scenes put out may
disturb younger children, therefore parental super vison is needed. Discrimination, bad
language and bad behaviour is unlikely to be allowed unless it is mildly used though out, as
young children may question repeating behaviour seen on screens, while the reference to
illegal drugs and drug misuse is only used for educational purposes within the PG category.
However within this certificate there might be a brief moment of nudity but no sexual
content involved. In terms of threat and violence when character are angered moment are
short and not intense as well as very mild violence, being shown. A great example of PG film
is ‘Frozen’ due to the light hearted nature of the film and positive outcome throughout.
12A= this certificate means, content shown may not be suitable for children under 12,
however if a guardian accept the content as acceptable for their child them the film can be
viewed by a younger audience, under supervisor. Discrimination within films under this
category should not be used. If drugs are shown in the piece of content there will be no
detail or information on how or when they use them, as it may cause an impact on the child
and question their views. While imitable behaviour, will not be shown, as well as no
glamorising weapons such as knifes as this may impression the younger audience. While
strong language may be used it has to be very short and not frequent at all, as well as
depending on the manor to which it is used or portrayed. Some nudity is accepted as long as
long as it’s in sexual context and brief with no detail. Threat and violence itself is now
accepted as long as scenes are not descriptive and short. An example of a 12A film is ‘ANT-
MAN’ due to the fact violence scene happen without detail and language used in mild.
15= this means no one under the age of 15 can watch content therefore 15 year olds won’t
be able to rent, view or rate it. While discriminatory language or behaviour is not endorsed
it can include racist , homophobic or other discriminatory types like these. While terms of
drugs and drug misuse, this is able to be shown however the encouragement to take drug
must not be portrayed in a glamorise light. Inimitable behaviour like suicide and self-harm
must also not be portrayed in a positive light, or shown in much detail as is may cause
distress. In addition the use of weapons will depend on setting, context and the realismof
the film itself. When considering language which is used there is a platform for strong
language to be used depending on the manor which it is used and how frequently is
shown.in terms of nudity and sexual content there are no restrictions on the amount of
nudity or sexual activity within a educational context, while still not showing much detail.
Lastly in term of threat and violence, is able to be shown but not be shown in a sexual or
sadistic way as it may influence certain behaviours. The film‘insidious’ is a good horror
movie under this category, due to the moment of super natural and threat along with strong
language.
18/R18= the last part of the certificate ratings is 18 and 18r. The 18 states no one under 18,
can view content rent or rate the movie. While in terms of restrictions that are set for the

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adult audiences, there are almost no restrictions on content as adults are able to chosen
what they want to watch. However if material encourages self-harm or person dangerous or
illegal act the film might not be screened in cinemas unless the cinema owns a particular
licence. There for the category R18 are only shown in sex shops or licensed cinemas for
adult audiences only.