The document discusses film institutions and the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). It explains that larger film institutions can vertically and horizontally integrate to control various stages of film production, distribution, and exhibition. This level of control can create monopolies or oligopolies and is beneficial for the institutions but not necessarily for audiences or independent films. The document also outlines the BBFC classification ratings of Universal, PG, 12, 15, and 18 and describes the types of content that fall under each rating.

1. Film institution and film
classification.
By Lucy Norton

2. Vertical and horizontal
They own
institutions to Can control all stages of
produce production, distribution and
Vertical
subsidiary exhibition for a new film
integration
products release
Horizontal Game based Exhibition
on film Website for
integration
film
They can
Film produce and
Release market the
DVD, DVD release
Merchandising release and
merchandisin
g related to
Production the film
company
Diversification

3. Institution
Monopolies – one company that dominates
locally or nationally.
Oligopolies – A small group of companies that
dominates locally or nationally.
Conglomerates – A collection of companies by a
single institution
Multinational – a company operating in several
counties

4. Control and domination
Larger organizations are able to control the production,
distribution marketing and often even the out lets
sold/exhibited in. They don’t need outside originations
and can control the DVD releases.
This is great for the company but not for the audience or
independent films. It might cost more for the audience to
watch/buy the films they produces and the films might
have the same context. There is less space for
independent films and hegemony ( set ideologies
dominant)

5. Bbfc (British Board of Film
Classification)
The British Board of Film Classification is an
independent, non-governmental group, which
has classified cinema films since 1912. It was set
up by the film industry to create a level of
uniformity to the classification of film
nationwide.

6. Classification
Two Examiners usually classify films for theatrical
release. Then a Senior Examiner approves the
classification.
Examiners look at subjects such as drugs, horror,
imitable behavior, language, nudity, sex and
violence. They also study the impact of a film, how
it makes the audience feel. They look at DVDs as
well as the film because DVDs are watched at
home; there is a higher risk of underage viewing.

7. Universal – Suitable for all
Drugs
No references.
Horror
Scary sequences should be mild, and not cause anxiety to children.
Language
Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.
Nudity
Sometimes natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex
Mild sexual behavior, e.g kissing
Violence
Mild violence only e.g mild threats

8. Parental Guidance
Drugs
If there is a reference to illegal drugs they must be an anti-drug message.
Horror
Frightening sequences should not be intense.
Language
Mild bad language only.
Nudity
Natural nudity, with no sexual context.
Sex
Mild sex references and innuendo only.
Violence
Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its context
e.g history and comedy

9. 12 - Suitable for 12 years and over
Drugs
Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be detailed.
Horror
Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are
not frequent.
Language
Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language must be infrequent.
Nudity
Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.
Sex
Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Sex references should not go beyond what
is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.
Violence
Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on
injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context.
Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have a strong
contextual justification.

10. 15 - Suitable only for 15 years and over
Drugs
Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote
or encourage drug misuse.
Horror
Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualized.
Language
There may be frequent use of strong language .
Nudity
Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail.
Sex
Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail.
Violence
Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.

11. 18 - Suitable only for adults
Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has
been created through the commission of a criminal offence.
where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm
to individuals or, through their behavior, to society.
where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which
cannot be justified by context.
Sex education at ‘18’
Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in
matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit
images of sexual activity may be permitted.