The UK's current system of film classification

 What are the pros and cons of the UK's current system of film classification?

Pros

• Simple, set straightforward guidelines which allow people to be able to easily follow them when choosing a film
• The BBFC update their guidelines in order to keep up to date with our society and culture, therefore they take into account modern day issues
• The 13 issues that they use are current in this day and age
• Local coucil are responsible for the films screened and can over rule decision made by the BBFC
• Parents government-approved authority to rate films for their children

Cons

• It puts people under set catergorys however should it really be decided upon by age? Some people are more mature for there age, some people have differnt like and dislikes etc
• Althought the regulations are set out they are not actually really enforced, particularly in cinema- people use fake ID or they aren't actually asked for any form of ID
• The classification can become quite restrictive and when actually classifying a film it can be subjective as it could fall between 2 catergories therfore is actually a matter of opinion.
• Althougth there is a lot of information it is not neccesarily being used or people are not actually aware of the information on offer.

 Do you think the way films are regulated is sensible, useful to society and achieves its aim of protecting the vulnerable and upholding the law?

I think in some ways yes it is a useful and sensible the way films are regulated for society. I think particularly parents rely heavily on the classifications and use them as way to tell there children if they can or cannot watch a film and they can trust the classification ratings. However parents can become too reliant on the BBFC and are not actually aware what each rating actrually involves. Although there is plenty of advice  avaliable not many people are actually aware of this, therefore more needs to be done in order to raise awareness.

Although films are regulated sensibly and are useful I don't think it protects the vunerable. Children are able to see films at ratings which should not be accesible to them. The guidelines do not take into account different childrens feelings and upbringings and therefore children can see films which are not suitable for them. I also think new technologies e.g. the internet is making the way in which films are regulated much harder and films are now put online with no rating or protection

 Is there anything you think could be done to improve the system? 

I think mainly awareness needs to be raised and more done to promote the work of the BBFC and the ways in which films are classified. Unlike issues such as 'bullying' and ' car safety' I don't think the government see the issue of the UK's film classification as such an important issue. Although parents complain about films if they disagree with the classification many aren't aware of all the information that is actually already on the BBFC websites because of the fact it isnt promoted and perhaps ignored by the government.


I also think judging the rating of films on age perhaps isn't actually the best way, many children grown up with different unbringings e.g. siblings thereofore people have different fears, personalitites and can be more grown up for their age. Therefore restrictign films on age could be problamatic, however I think this is probably the simplest way but no the most effective

Differences between the ratings

Below I have looked at and summarised the key differences between each of the different ratings:

U > PG

• At PG the themes can be more grown up but both still must not condone the behaviour
• Sex and Relationships can be a little more advanced from U to PG aslong as its discreet and infrequent
• In PG's drug use is more acceptable but still must carry a suitable anti-drug message
• Discriminatory language can be used in PG's compared to U's however must have an educational or historical context
• Violence can be stronger in PG's must be justified by it's context
• In PG's horror can be more frightening but still cannot be prolonged and fantasy is treated less strictly.

There isn't a huge amount of difference mainly issues can become a little stronger from a U to a PG but they still mainly rely on the context they fall within and still fairly restricted.

PG > 12A

• Discriminatory language or behaviour can progress from a PG to 12A however must not be endorsed by the work as a whole
• Drug mis-use can be shown in a 12A which it cannot in a PG  but still must be infrequent and not glamorised
• Horror can be increased from PG to 12A moderate physical and psychological threat may be premitted but cannot be sustained
• Imitable behaviour can be shown in a 12 A but cannot be dwelled upon but like in a PG glamorisation of accesible weapons is not permitted
• Moderate language is allowed in a 12A compared to mild language in a PG but must be infrequent
• Nudity in a sexual content is allowed in a 12A but again must be brief and discreet
• Sexual activity is progressed in a 12A from a PG as it can be portrayed but can't be frequent
• Themes are the same in PG and 12A as they can have mature themes in both
• Violence is stronger in 12A but cant dwell on detail, sexual reference can also be included but only be implied

12A > 15

• Drugs can actually be shown in a 15 more frequently but still must no promote them
• Horror is stronger and can be more menacing in a 15 then a 12 A
• Imitable behaviour is pretty much the same for 12A and 15 still no glamorisation of weapons allowed
• Language can become more frequent in 15's and stronger langauge may be acceptable in 15's depending on context
• Nudity is increased in a 15 compared to a 12A it can be shown in a sexual context but not in strong detail
• Strong verbal references to sexual behaviour is allowed in 15
• Theme is the same aslong as its suitable for the age groups
• Violence again slightly increases but still cannot dwell on the pain in a 15
  

15 > 18 

15 to 18 shows the biggest jump I think as they stop looking at the criterai under different issues. Once a films work goes above the issues that have been described in a 15 then it would be be considered for a classification of an 18.

• In an 18 work must not breach any laws
• From 15 to 18 you are now an adult therefore it is completely your choice to choose you're entertainment.
• From 15 to 18 it still does not accept any risk of harm to society or any illegal drug use.
• Sexualised violence is allowed in an 18 but again cannot cause harm or potential harm to society
• Sex and Relationships is much more acceptable in an 18 then a 15. If the sex material seeks to inform and educate it may be premitted
• Clear images of real sex is still not alowed in and 18 only sex works containing material which may be simualted are generally passed
  

 18 > R18

• Again similar to 18 and R18 cannot breach any laws
• Sexually abusive behaviour cannot be accepted in and R18 similar to and 18

18 and R18 are more focused on the acts of Sex and Harm therefore they put most of there focus on this in R18 real sex is allowed unlike in an 18 but all other issues are pretty much allowed to a certain extent in both 18 and R18

R18 Classification

R18- To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to adults of not less than 18

• The R18 catergory is special and legally restricted classification
• Primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults
• Films only be shown in licensed cinemas
• Videos supplied only to adults only in licensed sex shops
• R18 video works may not be supplied by mail order

THE FOLLWING CONTENT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE:

1. Any material which is in breach of the criminal law (material judged obscene under the act)
2. Material including dialogue likely to encourage interest in sexually abusive activity (e.g. paedophilia/ rape) which may involve adults role- playing as non adults
3. The potrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent/ any form of physical restraint which they cannot indicate withdrawal of consent
4. The infliction of pain or acts which may cause lasting physical harm
5. Penetration by any object associated with violence or likely to cause physical harm
6. Any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing games

These guidelines will be applied to the same standard regardless of sexual orientation

18 Classification

18- Suitable only for adults

• No one younger than 18 may see or rent or buy and '18' rated film.

Issues that a '18' film would consider within the catergory are:


 In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations and The Human Rights Act 1998, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be free to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas:
 

Sex works at ‘18’

Sex works are works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’. Sex works containing clear images of real sex, strong fetish material, sexually explicit animated images, or other very strong sexual images will be confined to the ‘R18’ category. Material which is unacceptable in a sex work at ‘R18’ is also unacceptable in a sex work at ‘18’.

• where the material is in breach of the criminal law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence

• where material or treatment appears to the BBFC to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – for example, any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which may cause harm to public health or morals.This may include portrayals of sexual or sexualised violence which might, for example, eroticise or endorse sexual assault

• where there are more explicit images of sexual activity which cannot be justified by context. Such images may be appropriate in ‘R18’ works, and in ‘sex works’ (see below) would normally be confined to that category.

In the case of video works (including video games), which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent than for cinema films.

Sex education at ‘18’

Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safer sex and health, explicit images of sexual activity may be permitted.

15 Classification

15- Suitable only for 15 years and over

• No one younger than 15 may see a '15' film in a cinema
• No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a '15' rated video work

Issues that a '15' film would consider within the catergory are:


DISCRIMINATION- The work as a whole must not endorse discrimnator language/behaviour


DRUGS- Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse. The misuse of easily accessible and highly dangerous substances (for example, aerosols or solvents) is unlikely to be acceptable. Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.

HORROR-

IMITABLE BEHAVIOUR- Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

LANGUAGE- There may be frequent use of strong language (e.g ‘fuck’). The strongest terms (for example, ‘cunt’) may be acceptable if justified by the context. Aggressive or repeated use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

NUDITY- Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

SEX- Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, may be justified by context. Sexual arousal must not be primary

THEME- No theme is prohibited, must be suitable for 15 year olds.


VIOLENCE- Violence may be strong but not focus on pain. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable. Strong sadistic or sexualised violence is also unlikely to be acceptable. Can be detailed verbal sexual references but portrayal brief and in context.

12A Classification

12A/ 12- Suitable for 12 years and over

• Exactly the same criteria are used to classify works at '12A' and '12'
• Works are suitable in general for those aged 12 and over
• Works at this catergory may upset children under 12 or parents may not want their children seeing some of the material
• 12A- ONLY EXISTS FOR CINEMA FILMS
• No one younger than 12 may see a 12A film in a cinema unless accompanied by and adult
• 12A not reccomended for children under 12 but an adult can take their child under their own judgement and the responsibility is with them
• The '12' catergory exists only for video works- no one younger than 12 can rent or buy a '12' rated video work

Issues that a '12A/12' film would consider within the catergory are:

DISCRIMINATION- Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the work as a whole. Aggressive discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly condemned.

DRUGS- Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.

HORROR- Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, but not frequently

IMITABLE BEHAVIOUR- Dangerous behaviour (e.g self-harming) should not be able to be copied. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised

LANGUAGE- Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (e.g. ‘fuck’) must be infrequent.

NUDITY- Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

SEX -Sexual activity may be brief. Sex references should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers.

THEME- Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

VIOLENCE- Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by the context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefl, and must have a strong contextual justification

PG Classification

PG = Parental Guidance- General Viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

• Unaccompanied children of any age may watch
• A PG film should not disturb a child aged 8 OR OLDER, however parents are advised to consider whether content may upset younger or more sensitive children

Issues that a 'PG' film would consider within the catergory are:

DISCRIMINATION- Discriminatory language/ behaviour unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disaproved of or in educational/historical context. Discrimination by character which children can indentify is unlikely to be acceptable

DRUGS- Reference to illegal drugs/ drug misuse must be innocuous or carry anti-drug message

HORROR- Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense, fantasy may be acceptable

IMITABLE BEHAVIOUR- No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which kids can copy, no glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons

LANGUAGE- Mild bad language only

NUDITY- Natural nudity, with no sexual context

SEX- Sexual activity may be implied but should be discreet and infrequent, mild sex reference only

THEME- When more serious issues feature nothing should condone the unacceptable behaviour

VIOLENCE- Moderate violence without detail may be allowed if justified by its context (History/ comedy)

U Classification

U = UNIVERSAL- therefore suitable for all.

• It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child but a U film should be suitable for audiences aged 4 YEARS AND OVER
• 'U' films should:

 - set within a postive moral framework
 - should offer reassuring counterbalances to nay violence/ horror

Issues that a 'U' film would consider within the catergory are:

DISCRIMINATION- No discrimatory langauage/ behaviour unless clearly disapproved of

DRUGS- No reference to illegal drugs/ drug misuse unless infrequent or has clear educational purpose or anti- drug message for young children

HORROR- Scary sequences must be mild, brief and unlikely to scare children and oucome should be reassuring

IMITABLE BEHAVIOUR- No potentially dangerous behaviour kids can copy no emphasis on accesible weapons

LANGUAGE- Infrequent use of very mild language

NUDITY- Occasional natural nudity, no sexual content

SEX- Mild sexual behaviour (kissing) and only references to 'making love'

THEME-Problematic themes must be treated sensitively

VIOLENCE- Mild violence only, occasional mild threat                     

Video Games

• Video games are classified under the same Guidelines and using the same catergories as 'linear' works such as film or DVD.
• The BBFC acknowledges the difference betweeen watching a film or DVD and the more interactive experience of playing a game.
• The interactivity inherent in video games may, in certain contexts, lead to a greater potential for some content to be considered unsuitable for certain age groups
• The ability of a game to make a young player complicit in behaviour involving e.g. sex, drugs or realistic violence may be as important as the level of detail shown - especially if its a major factor
• Difficult to know the frequency of which an issie occurs- depends on player- and how many times they play
• The BBFC bases its judgement on an assessment of the frequency with which a player is likely to encounter the issue during normal gameplay
• BBFC may take a more cautious approach when a video game lies on the boarderline between 2 catergories, or contains material which raises issues of acceptability at the adult categories

Public Information

• Information on advertisements/ charity advertisements
• Where an advertisement is part of a public information campaign or has a charitable purpose, the more restricitve approach set out above will not normally apply
• Potentially shocking or offensive content in such advertisements must not go beyond what is likely to be acceptable to the particualar audience.

Trailers/advertisements

• Audiences actively choose to see a full length feature based on expectations of the particular genre at the given classification provided by the BBFC.
• HOWEVER, the audience have no choice about the accompanying trailers or advertisements which may not be similar to the film the audience have chosen to view
• Because trailers and advertisements are short and self contained- the BBFC - look at the trailers which are more likely to cause offence.
• Therefore for these reasons classification decisions for trailers and advertisements may be more restrictive then material in a main feature. For Example:

Strong language is not permitted in trailers or advertisements at any catergory below '15'

Only one use of strong language is permitted in a trailer or advertisement at '15' and must be neither threatning nor agressive

• Advertisements for alcohol at ay type can be passed at any catergory.
• Advertisements for tobacco are prohibited by law.
• The BBFC is not responsible for the exhibition of cinema trailers and advertisements (including alcohol advertising)
• It has no involvement in deciding which films they appear before- THAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CINEMA

Titles

• If the title of the work incites hatred on grounds of:

Race
Religion
Sexual Orientation
Criminal Behaviour
Encourages interest in abusive or illegal sexual activies

Changes will be required as a condition of classification

• If the title of the film will cause offence to a significant number of people if displayed in a public place, the distributor will be advised to consider carefully te places in which it is appropriate- (not on R18 films)
• Extreme cases- it cant be displayed or changes to the title may have to be made which is a condition of the classfication.
• Must take into acount pattern sensitivity, motion sickness and reaction to low frequency sound ( viewers sensitive to flashing and flickering light etc)
• Responsibility of film makers and distributors to identify works in which such issues may arise and warnings are put in place
• Normally therefore BBFC don't have to take it into account when making a classification decision- only in extreme cases when during the viewing it is likely to affect a significant number of viewers

The 13 Main Issues

The 13 issues are as follows:

1. Discrimination
2. Drugs
3. Horror
4. Imitable behaviour
5. Criminal behaviour
6. Weapons
7. Language
8. Nudity
9. Sexual references
10. Sex
11. Theme
12. Violence
13 Sexualised violence

In the posts below:

•  issues 5 and 6 are under Imitable Behaviour (4)
• issue 9 is under Sex (10)
• issue 13 is under Violence (12)

Main Issues- Violence and Sexualised Violence

• Violence- entertainment for children and adults
• Classifications take into account the degree and nature of the violence within the work
• More violence e.g. portrayal of violence as a normal solution to problems will get a more restrictive classification
• Sexualised violence or works which glorify or glamorise violence will recieve a more restrrictive classification and may even be cut
• Strict policy on sexual violence and rape is applied
• Content which might eroticise or endorse sexual violence may require cuts at any classification level

Main Issues- Theme

• Classification take into account theme of work but look at significantly on the treatment of the theme
• And the sensitivity of it's presentation
• Most problamatic themes= drug abuse, sexual violence,paedophilia,incitement to racial hatred/violence= higher classification
• Most will be classified at 15 or 18

Main Issues- Sex and Sexual References

• Sexual Portrayal ranges from:  kissing and verbal references ---to 'making love'----to detail of real sex
• This reflects classification system- higher with higher portrayals
• Sex Works= Adult catergories, material which may be simulated are generally passed '18'
• Sex works containing

Clear Images of real sex
Strong fetish material
Sexually explicit animated images
Very strong sexual images

= R18 catergory- R18 video works may be supplied in licensed sex shops which no under 18 may enter

• R18 films- shown only in specially licensed cinemas

Main Issues- Nudity

• Natural nudity, with no sexual context = acceptable at all classification levels
• BUT will not occur more than occasionally in the lowest catergory
• Nudity with sexual context =restrictive classification and strong detail in such a context will only be passed in the ADULT catergories

Main Issues- Language

• People are offended by bad language
• May include the use of expletives with a sexual, religious or racial association
• Impossible to set out comprehensive lists of words, expressions or gestures which are acceptable at each category
• Different classifcation levels = general guidance taking account of the views expressed in public consulatation exercises.

Main Issues- Imitable Behaviour , Criminal Behaviour, Weapons

• Classification decisions will take into account any detailed portrayal of criminal and violent techinique
• No glamorisation of easily accesible weapons e.g knives
• Any actively works promoting illegal behaviour will be cut or rejected
• Anti social behaviour which is displayed uncritically are likely to receieve a more restrictive classification
• Any harmful activity e.g suicide which children can copy will be cut if a more restrictive classification is not appropriate

Main Issues- Horror

• Frightening elements of a film which might scare the audience are key components of story telling and film making
• Many children enjoy the thrill of scary sequences
• However where young children are the target audience the classification will have to take into account

Frequency length
Detail of Scary scenes
Horror effects (music and sound)
If there is a swift and reassuring outcome

• Older audience- see horror films- like being frightened- works are classified at appropriate catergory to ensure young and vunerable are protected from too intense an experience

Main Issues- Drugs

• No work taken as a whole may promote the misuse of drugs
• Any detailed portrayal of drug misuse likely to promote or glamorise the activity may be cut
• You may be able to show drug misuse if it emphasises the dangers = may receive less restrictive classifications
• Smoking alcohol abuse or substance misuse which feature in works which appeal to children will be taken into account
• Classification decisions will also take into account any promotion or glamorisation of such activities

Main Issues- Discrimination

• Involves potentially offensive content, relating to such matters as:

Race
Gender
Religion
Disability
Sexuality

• the classification takes into account the strength or impact of the above factors
• The context which the factors appear in has influence on the classification
• If the work challenges such attitudes or discriminatory language and behaviour is implicitly or explicitly criticised it may recieve a less restrictive catergory.

BBFC Introductory Lesson

After working through a powerpoint which introduced us to the BBFC I found out a lot of new information. I did not know very much at all about the classification process of films and found it all very interesting. Three things that I found particualrly interesting about the classification process were:

• Although the BBFC classify the films for the Local Councils this is only a guideline and the local council can actually ignore BBFC certificates, grant there own certificates or even ban films from the local area.
• 12 a ratings have always made the most money, therefore some producers actually ask the BBFC to make there film a certain rating by telling them what is neccessary to cut out, therefore they can get potential reach to the largest possible audience
• Very few films actually get rejected by the BBFC however in 2009 2 works were rejected and these were a Japanese Horror Film and Porn Film involving incest and rape

Week 1 Homework

Using the bbfc guidelines booklet:

a)  Who are the BBFC, what is their role and how are they funded?

• BBFC= British Board of Film Classification
• They are INDEPENDANT, NON GOVERNMENTAL BODY
• The make money by charging people who submit films and video works for classification
• BBFC classifies films on behalf of the local authorities who license cinemas under the Licensing Act of 2003
• The BBFC can cut or even reject a film or video work and will not classify material which breaches the criminal law
• The BBFC guidelines have particualr regard to any changes in public tasts, attitudes etc and therefore are reviewed periodically
• The classification is only a guideline they can be overruled by local councils.

b) General principles followed

• The BBFC works on the general underlying grounds. There are 2 guiding principles :

1. That works should be allowed to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment
2. That adults should, as far as possible, be free to choose what they see, provided that it remains within the law and is not potentially harmful.

• They also have to then consider three main qualifications, which are in brief to do with conflicts with the law, wether the material causes any harm ( including moral harm, potential viewers harm) and whether the material is unacceptable for the age group to broad public opinion ( eg. Swearing)

c) Legal considerations

• Human Rights Act 1998, among the rights established under this Act are the right of respect for private and family life and the right to freedom of expression.
• The Licensing Act 2003- cinema require a license from the local authority in which they operate
• The objectives of the licensing act are:

The prevention of crime and disorder
Public Safety
The prevention of public nuisance
The protection of children from harm

• The Video Recordings Act 1984- films tv programmes video games must be classified by the BBFC, must take into consideration

Criminal Behaviour
Illegal Drugs
Violent behaviour or incidents
horrific behaviour or incidents
human sexual activity

• The Obsene Publications Act 1959 & 1964- it is illegal to publish a work which is obscene.
• Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008- it is illegal to be in posession of an extreme pornographic image
• The Protection of Children Act 1978- it is illegal to make, distribute, show or possess indecent photographs of a child.
• The Sexual Defence Act 2003- it is illegal to expose oneself with intent to cause distress or alarm.
• The Public Order Act 1986- it is illegal to distribute, show or play to the public a recoring of visual images or sound which are threatning, abusive or insulting
• The Cinematorgraph Films (animals) Act 1937- it is illgal to show nay scene 'organised or directed' for the purposes of the film that involves actual cruelty to animals.
• The Animal Welfare Act 2006- no animal fights
• The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002- it is illegal in the course of a business to publish a tobacco advertisement.

d) Overriding factors

• Certain overiding factors that may influence a classification decision in any level and in connection with any issue.
• These factors are of particualr importance when work lies on  the boarderline between 2 catergories
• ContextThe expectations of the general public and especially the films intended audience
  The film's genre, for example a fantasy setting may lighten the content and therefore be judged more leniently
  The manner of presentation, for example language used aggressively may be jusdged more harshly than the same terms used in a comic way
  The intention of the film maker, for example if the work is intended to be educational
  The original production date of the film, for example outdated attitudes might be judged more leniently in an older and clearly dated work
  Any special merits of the work
• Tone and ImpactIf a film has a generally dark of unsettling tone that may disturb the audience at that catergory it may receive a more restrictive classification
  This is especially relevant to borderline junior characters, taking into consideration the level of reality, the presentation of a despairing view of the world or a lack of clear moral perspective
  The impact of the film is also taken into account, for example in a horror film, threat may be considered more significant than violence
• Release Format
  Classification may be stricter on video works than on film
  This is due to the increased possibility of underaged viewing and of films being viewed out of context  A film will occassionally require different cuts or classification on video