Film regulation 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? This history of the BBFC page may help.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is independent, non-governmental and not-for-profit, and has had the responsibility of classifying films since 1912, video tapes and discs since 1985, and more recently, online content.

Charged fees - you must pay to have a film rated

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

The BBFC's Compliance Officers watch a wide range of films, DVDs and online content each working day. They assess films for cinema release in their own cinema so they can experience the effect that imagery, editing, sound levels and special effects will have on a cinema audience. Distributors can ask for a specific age rating and while this won't determine the final decision, the Compliance Officer will consider it and make a judgement. If appropriate, cuts may be suggested to meet the age rating asked for, then it's up to the distributor to choose – a higher age rating or cuts.

3) Read this BBFC section on landmark 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 movie has lots of violence in it. I cannot give an answer to the second question as I have not watched the movie

4) What are the guidelines for a 12A certificate - Blinded By The Light's cinema certificate (it was rated 12 for its home video release)?

Dangerous behaviour

No promotion of potentially dangerous behaviour which children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons such as knives. No endorsement of anti-social behaviour.

Discrimination

Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

Drugs

Misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or given detailed instruction.

Language

There may be moderate bad language. 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.

Nudity

There may be nudity, but in a sexual context, it must be brief and discrete.

Sex

Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed. Moderate sex references are permitted, but frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

Threat and horror

There may be moderate physical and psychological threats and horror sequences. Although some scenes may be disturbing, the overall tone should not be. Horror sequences should not be frequent or sustained.

Violence

There may be moderate violence but it 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.

5) The BBFC website offers an explanation of every classification it makes and detailed case studies on selected titles. Look at the rating for Blinded By The Light and explain why it was given a 12A certificate for cinema release.

Discrimination

There is a scene in which two men are attacked by members of the National Front, resulting in brief bloody injury detail. There are racist references made to 'Pakis' as one character is spat on and made to move from his seat in a restaurant at the request of some racists. Racism is not condoned within the film.

Language

There is infrequent moderate bad language ('wanker') as well as milder terms ('bloody hell', 'shit', 'crap', 'frickin', 'sod', 'Jesus').