The BBFC- British board of film classification

Who are the BBFC?

The BBFC is UK’s regulator of film and video, providing age, they have legal powers to rate, and in rare cases even cut or reject work- meaning that the BBFC is a designated body. They also are responsible for age rates for online materials. This is all done to protect children from unsuitable and even harmful content in films. This body gives consumers information they might need about a certain film or video before deciding whether or not to watch it by examines and analysing films before they release-ensuring the highest possible level of protection and empowerment.

How does the classification of ratings work?

They watch the films and videos all the way through and then decide and award an age rating and insight to each one. BBFC reach their decision of age rating by applying the standards and criteria contained in their classification guidelines. Two examiners view the film for theatrical release, (in most cases a Senior Examiner will confirm the examiners’ recommendation-however if the examiners are in any doubt or fail to agree). If important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the board, including the Director and Presidential team. This is the same process for DVD’s and Blu-rays.

What are they looking for when deciding the age rate?

The BBFC look at issues such as;• discrimination• drugs• horror• dangerous and easily imitable behaviour• Language • Nudity

• Sex and violence when making a decision.

What impact does the release formant of the work have on the age rating of the BBFC ?

The release formant has a huge impact on classification, their decisions on the age ratings of DVD’s and Blu-rays occasionally can be stricter than they would be at the cinema because of the higher risk of underage viewing in the home and a great potential for watching scenes out of context.

Rating my own production.

If I were to rate my own production, I would give it a BBFC age rating of 15. I’ll personally say 15 because younger children can be effected by the content, leading to parental complaints. However the next age rating up is an 18, which I believe is too high as my production is made to relate to teenagers of today’s society and even act like a moralised film- creating awareness of people whom may be there to harm you exposing the signs to look for.