BBFC Institution Research

1) Research the BBFC: what is the institution responsible for? How is it funded? What link does it have to government?
The BBFC is a company who provide information on films and distinguish ratings, in order to target a particular age group. They provide ratings such as 12A, 15, PG to show what kind of audiences can watch films as some are restricted for certain age groups. They get their income from the services they provide e.g running times of films. They are appointed by the council of management, whose members consist of people from the film industry as well as banking. 

2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.
The decision on the rating is made collectively by the Chief Executive, the President and two other vice presidents. The examiners watch a combination of Dvds, films and also video games. Some examiners also carry out solo viewings - in which they watch the film on their own and  work out which texts are suitable for viewing for various age groups. Then the examiners watch the films on the BBFC's cinema in order to see the text from the audiences perspective. Dvds are also viewed on plasma screens to recreate the home viewing experience. Films which are submitted in foreign language are also examined by examiners with linguistic skills. The text is then sent for a further viewing to see if there are any inappropriate themes etc. It is the given a BBFC certificate. 

3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words.
When determining the age rating of a film the BBFC have to see whether the material obstructs the law, or has been created through the commission of a crime. They also have to see whether the film includes content that will harm the audience watching. For example some acts of violence may lead to the audience developing a ''dehumanised view of others''. They also have to consider the films effect on public opinion. The impact the film will have on the audience is also taken into account e.g a generally dark or unsettling tone in a horror film may disturb an audience. 

4) Read this BBFC section on controversial 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?
Yes as it follows the guidelines for a 12A film. In the movie there isn't any discriminatory language or behavior. There is not any references to drugs or how they are created. There is ''moderate physical and psychological threat sequences''. There is also violence between the protagonist and villains. However you could argue that it shouldn't be allowed to have a 12A rating as there is ''imitable behavior''. In some scene the Joker uses knives and guns which goes against the guidelines as it states there should be '' no glamorization of realistic or easily accessible weapons''.  

5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

• There may be racist, homophobic and other discriminatory themes/languages. 
• drug taking may be shown but the process of making these substances cannot be shown. Also cannot show the misuse of substances e.g aerosols, solvents 
• Dangerous behaviour should not be detailed enough to be copied by particular audiences. 
• Strong language is allowed; very strong language is only permitted if the context suits the tone.
• Nudity is allowed but it should not be explicit. 
• Sexual activity is also allowed however this should not be detailed.
• Threat and horror are acceptable. 
• Violence is also allowed but without detail to the infliction of pain or injury. 

6) The BBFC website offers an explanation of every classification it makes and detailed case studies on selected titles. Choose one 15-rated film from the BBFC case studies section and summarise the classification the film was given and why. 

Apocalypse Now (1979)

This film was given rated a ''15 uncut'' as it includes depictions of violence as the narrative revolves around the Vietnam war and the adventures of Captain Willard who is sent on a mission to Cambodia to ''assassinate a renegade colonel''. It contained themes of dark humor which is acceptable to this particular audience. There were also some scenes with animal slaughter e.g when Kurtz's assassin uses a machete to kill a bullock (which was a ritual in a local tribe). This actually raised question on the use of animal cruelty however it was named one of the ''many serendipitous events in the film''.