BBFC Seminar

In the afternoon, we returned to school to attend a seminar given by a BBFC spokesperson. She was one of the people who classified films. She said that on average, she'd watch 5 hours and 41 minutes of footage every day, and that the genres and type of films she came across were completely random. She later went through the guidelines that she had to always follow, which we had already learnt. She showed us various clips from films, and one was 'The Expendables' where one of the guys is seen to cut off someone else's arm. This was a clear example of the producers dwelling on the violence, and the BBFC had asked them to re-edit the the clip. The edited clip worked just as fine, and was more appropriate for the viewing audience, as it was given a classification rating of 15.

R18 Restricted

Can only be shown in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops and to adults of not less than 18 years.
R18 category is specially and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong  fetish material involving adults. R18 words may not be supplied by mail order.

Following content is unacceptable: 

• any material which is in breach of the criminal law. 
• material likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (e.g. rape, paedophilia)
• portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent. 
• infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm.
• penetration by any object associate with violence or likely to cause physical harm. 
• any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game.  

15 Classification

No one younger than 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a '15' rated video work.

Discrimination: The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language/behaviour.
Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable. Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised. 

Horror: Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised. 

Imitable Behaviour: Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Language: There may be frequent use of strong language (e.g. fuck). The strongest terms (e.g. cunt) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity: Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex: Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, may be justified by context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal is not acceptable. 

Theme: No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is suitable for 15 year olds. 
Violence: Violence may be strong but not dwell on pain/injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contextual justification.

18 Classification

No one younger than 18 may see or rent or buy and '18' rated film. Issues that a '18' film would consider within the catergory are:
In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. 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 behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals.This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault.

• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

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.

Sex works at ‘18’: Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.

12A & 12 Classification

12A/12: Suitable for 12 years and over.

Same criteria used to classify works at 12A and 12.
12A only exists for cinema films. No one may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. Films classified 12A are not recommended for children below 12. An adult can take their child if they feel that their child can watch it, therefore it is in their judgement. Therefore, it is the adult's responsibility.
12 category exists only for video works. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated video.

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

Drugs: Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail. 

Horror: Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained. 

Imitable Behaviour: Dangerous behaviour (e.g. hanging, suicide, self-harming) should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain/harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised. 

Language: Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (e.g. fuck) 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. 

Theme: Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers. 

Violence: Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injured or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and must have a strong contextual justification.  

PG Classification

General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. 
Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. 
Should not disturb a child of eight or older. However, parents are asked to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children. 

Discrimination: Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved in an educational/historical context. Discrimination by a character with which children can readily identify is unlikely to be acceptable. 

Drugs: References to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message. 

Horror: Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor. 

Imitable Behaviour: No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons.  

Language: Mild bad language only. 

Nudity: Natural nudity, with no sexual content. 

Sex: Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex reference and innuendo only. 

Theme: Where more serious issues are features (e.g. domestic violence) nothing in their treatment should condone unacceptable behaviour. 

Violence: Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed if justified by its context (e.g. history, comedy, fantasy) 

U Classification

Universal: Suitable for all. 

• Impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a 'U' film should be suitable for audience aged four years and over. Be set within a positive moral setting, and offer counterbalances to any violence, threat and horror. 

Discrimination: No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of.

Drugs: No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse, unless they are infrequent and innocuous, or it is educational and there is a clear anti-drug message. 

Horror: Scary sequences should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause anxiety to young children. Outcome should be reassuring. 

Imitable Behaviour: No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy. No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons. 

Language: Infrequent use only of very mild bad language. 

Nudity: Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual content. 

Sex: Mild sexual behaviour and references only. 

Theme: While problematic themes may be present, their treatment must be sensitive and appropriate for young children.

Violence: Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat/menace only. 

Overriding Factors

• certain factors that can influence the classification of a film.
• these factors are important when film material lies on the borderline between to categories. 

The Catergories:

1. Context -

• general publics expectations, especially the particular audience
• genre
• manner in which it is presented 
• intention of the film maker 
• original production date of the work

2. Tone and impact

3. Release format

Legal Considerations

• Humans Right Act 1998: right to freedom of expression however there are certain restrictions as stated by other laws (no hate crimes, blasphemy)
• The Licensing Act 2003: All cinemas need to have an official license approved by the local authority.

Objectives of this act are -

1.     the prevention of crime and disorder

2.     public safety

3.     prevention of public nuisance

4.     protection of children from harm

• The Video Recordings Act 1984: Films which are distributed onto discs, tapes, etc. must be classified by the BBFC.BBFC need to take into consideration the chance of these materials being viewed at home and also to the fact that the audience's behaviour due to the fact that the works might reference to criminal behaviour, illegal drugs, violent/horrific behaviour and human sexual activity. 
• The Obscene Publication Act 1959+1964: illegal to publish material that is obscene i.e. has a tendency to corrupt the viewing audience.
• Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008: illegal to have possession of an extreme pornographic image i.e. features a "real" person and shows them in an explicit and realistic manner. 
• The Protection of Children Act 1978: illegal to make, distribute show or possess indecent images of children.
• The Sexual Offences Act 2003: illegal to expose them self in order to cause alarm or distress.
• The Public Order Act 1986: illegal to display threatening, abusive, insulting or the intention to cause racial hatred, sexual orientation hate, religious hatred etc. 
• The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937: Illegal to show any scene involving cruelty to animals. 
• The Animal Welfare Act 2006: illegal to display with intent to supply material displaying an "animal fight". 
• The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002

General Principles

Two guiding principles: 

1. That works should be allowed to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment.

2. That adults should, as far as possible, be free to chose what they see, provided that is remains within the law and is not potentially harmful.

• Three main qualifications:

1. Material should not be in breach of any criminal offences, and not be in conflict with the law. 

2. Cannot potentially any harm to the viewers; individually or to a society. Must pass the "Harm Test".

3. Should be acceptable to wide public opinion. 

BBFC (British Board of Film Classification)

• independent.
• autonomous body.
• films, DVD's and video games.
• classify on behalf of local authorities (under Licensing Act 2003) however, they have the power to decide what films can be shown in their local cinemas.
• can cut scenes from films/videos if they appear to break any laws or acts. 
• guidelines are reviewed periodically.
• guidelines can change according to changes in law; changes in public taste, attitudes and concerns; new-found evidence; recent events. 
• charge companies in order to get their product classified.
• accountable to OFCOM (government).