The BBFC task

1) Research the BBFC: what is the institution responsible for? How is it funded? What link does it have to government?
The BBFC is an independent company that gives out age ratings and classifications to films before they are distributed to the mainstream. Its a non-profitable as well as non-governmental funded business which only fees for its services solely for what they charge for. Its key goal is to reward certificates for age ratings to restrict and to target a certain type of person.

2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.
The main idea is to protect children from unsuitable content that adults might be into such as violence. They look at issues as they say to try and restrict the children from witnessing graphical content. guidlines such as nudity, brutality, sex and deaths are traced in every film they tackle.

3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words.
The debate starts off by stating that some content may harm the viewer, reinforce they violent character by scaring their moral believes on whats right and wrong. This is potentially caused by the tone of the film, meaning it depends on the actions and events that may occur through out the narrative.

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?
Some age ratings produced by the BBFC may cause a debate due to some people may think that some content shouldn't be shown for this age group. A prime example is Batman's film, The Dark Knight. The issue seen with this movie is that people thought it didn't follow the 12A certificate as there was death, crime as well as violence. I think that the certificate it was given was decent enough due to the fact it requires an adults supervision when watching this extract.


5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

There are many things that need to be taken into account when classing a film as a 15 age rating:

Discrimination: There shouldn't be any discriminating content including language however there could be slight racist, homophobic references. 

Drugs: The consumption of drugs is allowed to be there for viewing although not allowed to encouraged through instructional detail.

Imitable behaviour: Behaviour which may contain self harming or committing suicide many not be shown, but the use of weapons such as guns is allowed.

Language: Strong unacceptable language can be used although in extreme cases may be prohibited.

Nudity: Nudity can be shown for educational purposes but must not contain strong detail and shouldn't be shown for sexual voyeuristic pleasures.

Sex: Sexual references and sexual acts may be portrayed but to a minimal level where it isn't out the to be spotted.

Threat: There can be strong horror acts although not sexual threats such as rape.

Violence: violence is allowed to be previewed except for the strong violent acts where it provides threat and sexual acts.


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.