About
The British board of film classification, BBFC is an independent company that has classified cinema films since 1912 and videos/DVDs since 1984. As well as cinema films and video/DVDs they also classify some video games under the 2010 Video recordings act. It is funded by the film industry and chooses the national classification and censorship of films in the UK. BBFC was created in 1912 by members of the film industry who wanted to manage the censorship of their films instead of the government.
Funding
The BBFC is an independent, non-profit organisation. This means that it is funded by the fees they charge for their services. The BBFC never receives subsidies from the film industry nor the government. The price depends on the length of the film. They also consult the department of culture, media and sport before making any charges to its fees.
Legislation
Before putting a classification on a film or DVD the BBFC must decided whether it is suitable for viewing and is in conflict with the law or was created by committing a criminal offence. However the BBFC has no legal rights. They use the licensing legislation which can ignore or accept the BBFCs decision. The BBFC uses the video recordings act (VRA) 1984 to decided whether it is suitable for viewing. Also all films that are submitted are checked for potential have to the viewer and society, depiction of criminal behaviour, illegal drugs, violent or horrific human behaviour. As well as these there are other legal considerations such as indecent images of children, animal cruelty, obscenity, racial hatred and human rights. To decide these the BBFC examiners analyse and make recommendations on the legality of the films. If there is any concern about a scene or the whole thing they might seek external expert advice and if the scene or film does breach the law it will be asked to remove the scene or if the whole thing is against the law then it may be denied a certificate and rejected.
Rating process
To decide the rating certification the BBFC examiners will watch the film. Whilst watching they will make notes on:
- General context - plot, characters, outline of individual
- Timing of key moments, including camera angles, type of shots, on and off screen moments
- Bad language, sex and drug references. The rating is decided on these factors. However if the film falls between ages the film will be watched by another examiner team, which includes the senior examiner and the head of policy. If the film still causes difficulty it would be talked about in the weekly examiners meeting to get more opinions. Also it may be referred to senior management.
Coraline
Coraline was certified as a PG however many people have disagreed with this because it is creepy and slightly a horror. Coraline was certified as a PG because:
- PG guidlines allow some elements of horror
- The film feature mitigating factors which lessen the intensity of the more frightening scenes
- Coraline was certified as a PG instead of a U because of her characteristics and some scares come from the people or places that should feel safe to children such as their home and parents
- Coraline fits into the kids fantasy film category
- Coraline also had mild language - her mother says "rat crap" in a scene that had an overweight actress, Miss Spink's that appears as a character from a painting wearing just a mermaid tail and some glittery stickers on her breasts. However this was okay because the PG classification is described as offering "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 around eight or older. However parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children"
- The film was also watched in 3D to see of the 3D version should have a different age rating as some films feel scarier in 3D. However the examiners thought both 2D and 3D was suitable for the PG rating.
