The BBFC get it's funding by charging film distributors.
2. What types of texts do the BBFC classify?
They classify Video;s, games films and DVD's
3. What are the problems / issues that the BBFC must deal with when classifying material? Look at the types of things they classify, ability to account for all types of content, changing context etc.
Violence
Language
Sex
Sexual Violence
Drugs
Horror
Imitable Technique
Racial Issues
4. Note the range of classification categories and what they mean e.g. U, PG, 12A etc.
Universal = suitable for children
PG = Parental Guidance, these films may vary between different parents. A child may watch this film if thought to be acceptable by theire parents or carers.
12A = Suitable for people who are 12 years old an over
15 = only ages 15 and over, as there may be use of strong language
18= no one under the age of 18 permitted to watch the film, as it contains sexual scenes and strong violence
5. Look at how different themes /content within texts are classified. Make notes. Why might a DVD featuring content of skateboarders and BMX bikers performing dangerous stunts be classified as 18 but a film containing a sex scene and use of the ‘f’ word only get a 15 rating?
The BBFC's current guidelines identify a number of specific areas of concern which are considered when awarding certificates. These are themed, language i.e. sex, violence, sexual violence, harmful actions. The BBFC also continues to demand cuts of any material which it considers may breach the provisions of the obscene publications act or any other legislation. Some of these materials in films that are in 15 rated one like sexual activity might not breach the publications act and that's why its rated at 15 compared to possibly lighter ones like bike moves that are rated at 18.
6. Why might a film be given a rating of 15 upon release at the cinema but 10 years later be classified as a 12?
As time goes on, the way people behave begin to change and things become more acceptable within society. Norms and values within a societ also develop and change, issues such as teenage pregnancy and sex now has less stigma attached to it and has become more acceptable.
7. Who is responsible for classifying films in the USA? How has this changed over time? (Look back to the studio system of the 1940’s).
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPPA) is the instituion that is resposonsible for classifying films in America. Thier was a period of time during the 1960s that young films makers getting into the industry and producing films of gross nature which was before the creation of the MPPA but after the studio systems of the 1940s so in between both. They included sex, voilence and drug use which made other classfication industires become stricter towards these types of films.
8. Research the following case studies exploring why they were brought to the attention of the BBFC:a. Canis Canem Edit (2006, Rockstar)b. Crash (1996, David Cronenberg)
