BBFC Seminar

Caitlin, a lady who works on the BBFC board of comissioners who came to speak to us about her job, was extremely friendly and I learnt alot from her about the way film classification works. I was not aware that the BBFC are also responsible for the classification of games (although this responsibility is being transfered to Pegi next year, which Caitlin said she was disappointed about), and that they receive cheats and "god-modes" to help them unlock all of the levels when they test them out. It was a lot of fun debating our own opinions on age-ratings for recent films, and voicing our own views about the system. It was interesting to learn that the cheif comissioners' decision can overrule that of all of the other comissioners, and to find that they do not always get it right - for example with Juno, which they rated too low. A lot of the clips we had already been through in class so the seminar was also useful for revision and securing the basis our knowledge of the BBFC, and it was helpful and informative to receive an inside opinion.

The UK's Current Classification System

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

I think film regulation is completley necessary, most importantly because it is the easiest way for parents to decide for themselves what they will and won't allow their children to see, both in the cinema and on DVD. The certificates are sensible in that they provide a rough guideline based on what most children would be comfortable with at given ages, gaging the distress that is likely to be caused to children at each age group. I believe that the law is upheld effectively, as breiching of criminal law is strictly forbidden at all age ratings, and further to this any complaints that an audience or viewer may have may be taken up with their local council who, with enough complaints, can decide to prevent a cinema from screening a film Ultimately, however, film regulation can only be viable as regulation for parents to a certain extent: parents cannot expect to follow these guidelines religiously, as it is down to them to decide what they think will affect their child. The BBFC cannot regulate what parents allow their children to watch in the home.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros:

• Gives parents information so they can decide what to let their children watch.
• The vulnerable are protected.
• Local authorities can overthrow decisions made by the BBFC and prevent a film from being screened.
• The guidelines are updated and maintained in keeping with society's constantly changing beliefs.

Cons:

• Regulation is not enforced strictly (often shops and cinemas do not demand ID)
• What children will be affected by is subjective. You cannot generalize about the mental state of a child at a given age and what will/won't distress or upset them.
• It could be argued that regulation is in place to protect governments and companies rather than the people.
• Books, newspapers and other media are not censored.. why film?
• "Nanny state" - people relying on film companies to tell them what is suitable for their child.

 How do you think the system could be improved?


There are obvious flaws in the system but I find it hard to point out exactly where it is that these flaws should be improved - having a set certification system is obviously an extremely difficult and subjective task, and given the complexity of the issue, I think that BBFC have done a reasonable job. I think it is unfair to assume that age determines maturity, and for this reason perhaps there should be more information provided on actual content (perhaps a "H" for horror, an "S" for Sexual Behaviour, and so on). I also think that the parents website is not at all well advertised, and if parents were more aware of it this would be helpful. Aside from this though, I think that it is not down to the BBFC to act as parents - they merely provide a rough guideline. I do not think that they can be held accountable for the minute percent of the population who would, for example, watch an 18 film and imitate dangerous or violent behaviour they saw, or for a young child who watches an 18 film behind their parents back.

Differences Between Ratings

U > PG
- Discrimination may be allowed in an educational/historical context
- Infrequent drug references are allowed where an anti-drugs message is clear
- Unprolonged horror scenes are acceptable. Fantasy settings are mitigating.
- Where treated appropriately, or when clearly condoning behaviour, more adult themes are acceptable
- Violence is permitted but must lack detail and be justified by context.
- No imitable behaviour
- Mild bad language and very occasional natural nudity is acceptable


PG > 12A
- Where condemned, discriminatory behaviour or language can be more aggressive
- Infrequent and unglamorized drug misuse can be portrayed
- Prolonged horror is acceptable, as long as it is infrequent
- Mature themes are acceptable
- Violence can be stronger, but not dwelled upon. Sexual violence (with strong contextual justification) may be referred to.
- No imitable behaviour
- Discreetly portrayed sexual activity is acceptable, as well as brief and discreet nudity (including nudity in a sexual context)
- Moderate bad language is acceptable (eg. infrequent use of the "f" word)

12A > 15
- Discrimination is allowed, as long as it is not endorsed
- Drug use can be more frequent (although it still must not be glamorized, encouraged, or shown in detail - imitable behaviour)
- Stronger threat/horror is acceptable (as long as it is not sexualized/sadistic)
- No theme is prohibited, as long as it is treated in a way that is suitable for 15 year olds
- Frequent violence is acceptable where it does not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury (sexual violence can be strongly referred to, but any portrayal must be discreet and justified strongly by context)
- Nudity in a sexual context is permitted although it cannot be dwelled upon
- Strong language is acceptable, (for example the "c" word) but must be justified by context

15 > 18
- Viewers are now adult and so are at liberty to choose what they watch
- Illegal drug use is not acceptable
- Clear images of real sex are still not permitted
- No criminal laws may be breached, and there must be no footage that causes risk of harm to society (particularly in relation to Sexualized Violence)

18 > R18
- No criminal laws may be breached
R18s are only for sale in licensed sex shops and may only be viewed in licensed cinemas.They normally involve explicit works of consenting sex, and sexual fetish material.

Film Classifcation: R18

R18 films are to be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied in licensed sex shops, and to adults of no less than 18. It is primarily for explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults, and 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 Obscene Publications Act)
2. Material including dialogue likely to encourage interest in sexually abusive activity (for example paedophelia or 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

Film Classification: 18

18 films are suitable only for adults, and no-one younger may rent or buy an 18 or see on in the cinema. BBFC's guideline concerns will not normally override the principle that adults should be fee to choose their own entertainment. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas;

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

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

Film Classification: 15

Suitable only for 15 years or older, and noone younger may be entered to see a 15 film in a cinema, or buy/rent a 15 rated video work.

• The work as a whole must not endorse discrminatory language or behaviour
• Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not encourage or promote drug misuse. The misuse of easily accesibly and highly dangerous substances is unlikely to be acceptable.
• Strong threat and menace are permitted unless sadistic or sexualised.
• Dangerous behaviour eg.suicide and self-harm should not dwell on detail which could be copied. Easily accesible weapons should not be glamorized.
• There may be frequent use of strong language (for example, 'fuck'). The strongest terms (for example, 'cunt') may be acceptable if justified by context. Aggresive or repeated use of strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.
• 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.
• Sexual activity may be portrayed without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour, but the strongest references are likely to be acceptable outside of context. Works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation are unlikely to be acceptable.
• No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate for 15 year olds.
• Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images or strong sadistic/sexualised violence are unlikely to be acceptable. There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but any portrayal of sexual violence must be discreet and have a strong contexual justification.

Film Classification: 12(A)

12A/12 is suitable for children aged 12 years and over. The 12A category exists only for cinema films, and no one younger than 12 may see a 12A film unless accompanied by an adult, and are not recommended for a child below 12. An adult may take a child if, in their judgement, the film is suitable for that particular child.

• 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.
• Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or give instructional detail.
• Moderate physical and psychological threat may be permitted, provided distrubing sequences are infrequent or sustained.
• Dangerous behaviour eg. suicide and self-harm should not dwell on detail which could be copied, or appear pain or harm free. Easily accesible weapons should not be glamorized.
• Moderate language is allowed. The use of strong language (for example, 'fuck') must be infrequent.
• Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context and must be brief and discreet.
• Sexual activity may be briefly and discreetly portrayed, and suitable for young teenagers.
• Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.
• Moderate violence is allowed but should not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood, but occasional gory moments may be permitted if justified by context. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated, and must have strong contextual justification.

Film Classification: PG

"PG" stands for Parental Guidance. General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A "PG" film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. Parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

• Discriminatory language or behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable unless clearly disapproved of or in an educational or historical context.
• Referneces to illegal drugs or drug-misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.
• Frightening scenes should not be prolonged/intense, although fantasy settings are a mitigating factor.
• No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy, and no glamorisation of realistic or easily accesible weapons.
• Mild bad language only.
• Natural nudity, with no sexual content.
• Sexual activity may be implied but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.
• Where more serious issues are featured unacceptable behaviour should not be condoned.
• Moderate violence without detail and in context may be allowed.

Film Classification: U

U stands for "Universable", suitable for all. A 'U' film should be suitable for audiences aged 4 qand over. They should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

• No discriminatory language or behaviour unless clearly disapproved of, and only infrequent use of very mild bad language.
• No drug references, unless infrequent and innocuous, or there for clear educational purposes or to give an anti-drug message that can be interpreted by young children.
• Horror should be mild, brief and unlikely to cause a child anxiety, with a reassuring outcome.
• No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy or emphasis on realistic/easily accsesible weapons.
• Mild sexual behaviour and references only
• Treatment of problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate for children.
• Mild violence only.

There is also a "Uc" rating which is only available for DVDs which means that the film will be suitable for a child under 4 to watch unaccompanied.

The 13 Issues

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

Video Games

Video Games are classified udner the same Guidelines and uing the same categories as 'linear' works such as film or DVD. The BBFC acknowledge the difference between watching a film or DVD and the more interactive experience of playing a game, but recognises that, to date, limited research has been done into whether 'interactivity' has any significant effect on the potential for harm.

In addition, 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, for example, sex drugs or realistic violence, may be as important to as the level of detail shown, especially where such behaviour forms a major component of the game, and where the level of interactivity is high.

Frequency is difficult to quantify as it often depends on levels.

Given the lack of research, especially in relation to harm, the BBFC may take a more cautious approach when a video game lies on a borderline between two categories.

Trailers/Advertisements

Trailers
Audiences actively choose to see a full length feature based on expectations of the particular genre at the given classification and on the Consumer Advice and Extended Classification Information provided by the BBFC. In contrast, audiences have no choice about the accompanying trailer/advertisements which may be very diffrerent in tone/context to the film that the audience has chosen to view.

Because trailers and advertisements are often short and self-contained, boreerline material is less likely to be justified by context and more likely to cause offence.

For this reason, classification is more restrictive for trailers and advertisements than in the main feature.
For example:

• Strong language is not permitted in trailers or advertisements at any category below '15'.
• Only one use of strong language is permitted in a trailer or advertisement at '15' and must be neither threatening nor aggressive.

Advertisements

• Advertisements for alcohol of any type can be passed at any category. However these may receive a more restrictive classification if there are overt attempts to associate alcohol with sexual prowess and/or a glamourous and sexual lifestyle.
• Advertisements for tobacco are prohibited by law.
• The BBFC is not reponsible for the exhibition of cinema trailers and advertisements, including alchol advertising, and has no involvement in deciding which films they apear before. This process is the resposnsibility of the cinema.
• Public information advertisements/charity advertisements: where an advertisement is part of a public information campaign or has a charitable purpose, the more restrictive approach set out above will normally not apply. However potentially shocking or offensive content in such advertisements must not go beyond what is likely to be acceptable to the particular audience.

Photo or Pattern Sensitivty, Motion Sickness, and Reactions to Low Frequency Sound

• A small number of viewers are sensitive to flashing and flickering light, or some shapes and patterns, and may experience seizures or other serious physical effects. I
• In addition, some viewers experience feelings of motion sickness or other symptoms when viewing works which feature hand held or otherwise moving camerawork, or which feature very low frequency sounds.
• Such effects are not normally taken into account during classification as it is the responsibility of film makers and distributors to identify works in which this occurs.

Titles

• If the title of a work incites hatred on grounds of race, religion or sexual orientation, or incites other criminal behaviour, or encourages an interest in abusive or illegal sexual activity changes will be required as a condition of classification.
• If the tital of the work is likely to cause significant offence to a signifcant number of people if displayed in a public place, the distributor will be advised to consider carefully the places in which is likely to be seen and take appropriate action, for example by obscuring certain works on packaging and marketting material.
• This advice is not given in relation works classified 'R18'.
• In extreme cases, assurnaces on public display of the full title or changes to the title, may be required as a condition of classification.

Violence

Classification decisions will take into account the degree/nature of any violence in a work, as it has always been a feature of entertainment for children and adults.

Works which feature the following are likely to receive more restrictive classifications:

• Portrayal of violence as a normal solution to problems
• Heroes who inflict pain and injury
• Callousness towards victims
• Encouragement of aggressive attitudes and content which depicts characters taking pleasure in pain or humiliation.

Sexualised violence or works which glorify or glamorize violence and rape is applied. Content which might eroticise or endorse sexual violence may require cuts at any classification level. Any association of sex with non-consensual restraint, pain, or humiliation may be cut.

Theme

• Classification decisions will take into account the theme of a work, but will depend significantly on the treatment of that theme, and especially the sensitivty of its presentation.
• Most problematic themes include:

Drug abuse
Sexual Violence
Paedophilia
Inticement to racial hatred or violence

And these are unlikely to be appropriate at the most junior levels of classification.

• There is no reason in principle why most themes, however difficult, could not be presented in a manner which allowed classification at '18' or '15'.

Sex

Sexual activity can range from kissing and verbal references to 'making love' or details or reail of sex. The classification system allows progressively stronger portrayals in each category.

• Sex works whose primary purpose is sexual arousal are likely to be passed only in the adult categories. Sex works containing only masterial 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, which may be supplied only in licensed sex shops and shown in specially licensed cinemas.
• These guidelines apply regardless of sexual orientation.

Nudity

• Natural nudity with no sexual context is acceptable at all classifcation levels, but will not occur more than occasionally at the lowest level.
• Nudity with asexual context will receive a more restrictive classification, and strong detail will only be passed in the adult categories.

Language

Many people are offended, some of them deeply, by bad language, specifically the use of expletives with a sexual, religious, or racial association, offensive language about minority groups and commonly understood rude gestures.

The extent of that offence varies according to:

• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Background
• Beliefs and expectations
• Context

For this reason it is impossible to define a specific list of words, expressions or gestures which are acceptable at each category. The advice at different classification levels, terefore, provides general guidance taking account of the views expressed in public consultation excersise.

Imitable Behaviour

• Any detailed portrayal of criminal and violent techniques, and any glamorization of easili accesible weapons such as knives will be taken into account.
• Anti-social behaviour such as bullying portrayed in an uncritical way are likely to receive a more restrictive classification.
• Works which as a whole actively promote illegal behaviour will be cut or rejected.
• Portrayals of potentially dangerous behaviour eg. suicide and self harm which are likely to be copied will be cut if a more restrictive classification is not appropriate.