Research on the BBFC

1. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

2. WHO ARE THEY?
• The BBFC is an independent body which was established in
1912. It is funded by the film industry and is responsible for
the classification of films within the United Kingdom.
• They’re required to classify videos, DVD’s, movies and some
video games
• Originally, local authorities decided what was shown in
cinemas and which age groups couldn’t see movies. The
BBFC now make the decisions of which age groups are
restricted to seeing a film. However, local authorities can still
overrule the decisions of the BBFC under the Licensing Act
of 2003. This doesn’t happen very often.

3. THEIR CRITERIA
• Films are usually classified by at least 2 Examiners who
use the published guidelines to reach a decision.
However, it most cases the decision is ratified by a
Senior Examiner.
• If they Examiners are not sure how to rate a film they
address the members of the Board.
• DVD’s are usually seen by one Examiner, especially
when the movie had already been classified when it was
realised in the cinema.

4. THE BBFC’S METHOD

5. RATING OUR FILM
We would like to rate our film, Reasons Beyond Insanity at a 15. We used the BBFC guidelines to
help us decided what we can and cannot show in our trailer. Below are the guidelines for a film with a
rating age of 15:
• In a 15 rated film you can have violence, strong language and portray sexual activity to a certain
extent.
• Violence is allowed, however the film cannot dwell on the pain or injury caused by the violence,
and not gory scenes are allowed.
• Language can be strong and used as frequently as wanted. However, strong swear words such as
c**** can be used depending on the manner in which they are used.
• Full nudity is allowed as long as it isn’t too detailed, there can be strong references to sex and
sexual behaviour, but especially strong or crude references are likely to be unacceptable for this
rating.
• Drug taking may be shown, but cannot promote or encourage drug misuse.
• Dangerous behaviour, such as suicide and self-harming, should not be dwelled on in detail.