BBFC Film Regulation

 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.

What is the institution responsible for?

It classifies films, video tapes, discs and online content

How is it funded?

They charge fees to people when the submit films and video works for classification

What link does it have to government?

They classify films of behalf of the local authorities who license cinemas 

The institution is responsible for the regulation of the film industry, this includes content guidance and age ratings. It classifies films(since1992), video tapes and discs(since 1985) and recently online content. 

 They are an independent NGO  

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

 The BBFC's decisions are reached by consensus.  The chief executive, two Vice Presidents and the President take final responsibility of the ratings. Compliance officers watch a combination of films, DVDs and online content each day. They usually view DVDs on their own(solo viewing). Content suitable for "solo viewing" includes - TV series and programmes aimed at young people that have already been aired on TV. Films for cinema release are classified by teams of two and controversial or extreme content are also seen by teams( mostly consisting of more than two people). 

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?

Dark Knight got a lot of media coverage because of the uproar about the age rating which was perceived to be lower than expected by the public. 

Since Dark Knight has theme of violence, profanity and the main character has a case of mental illness, I don't think that an audience of 12 or below would understand the underlying message of the movie an so I wouldn't have rated it a 12A

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)?

12A - 

• racist language and behaviour,  moderate bad language 

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.

• Infrequent moderate bad language - "wanker" , "bloody hell", "Jesus", "shit","crap", "frickin", "sod"
• Discrimination - Scene where two men are attacked by the national front, resulting in brief bloody injury detail. 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 a group of racists. Racism is not condoned within the film.