BBFC (British board of film classification)
About the bbfc
About the bbfc
The BBFC are an independant company who have been classifying cinema films since 1912. They have nothing to do with the government.
They have an annual report, reviewing their decisions and and activities that had gone on that year.
BBFC classify films, so that viewers are age appropriate for the rating of the film. This supposedly stops young kids from watching movies that they shouldnt be watching, however in this day in age, netflix is one of the most popular sites for watching movies, therefore young kids can get access to movies that are illegal for them to view.
Classification
Classification
The BBFC analyses films and gives them an age appropriate rating. There is a criteria that they have to follow in able to rate the movies. They look for things such as drugs, inappropriate language, and violence and sex. This ensures children are protected against seeing content that they shouldnt be viewing. Before the rating is sent off, the chief executive team have to confirm that they have chosen the correct rating for the particular movie. Sometimes, they will need specialist opinions and help to decide ratings, as the movie doesnt fit the specific criteia that has to be followed.
Finances
Finances
The BBFC is not a profitable organisation, however does not work with the government in any way either, as it does not receive any subsndies from them ever. Its fees are made to just cover costs, meaning they make no money. Its only income is from the services they provide to classify movies or any type of programme. They do this by charging a specific amount according to the running time of the movie or DVD. However, the BBFC have to consult their viewings with many other departments such as culture and media before it gets officially publicised.
RAtings
Ratings are there so only people who should be viewing movies are seeing them, mainly so underage kids are protected.
U
U rating: This stands for universal. These types of films should be suitable for ages four years and over however, it may upset a particular child. There may be bad language such as ‘Damn’ and ‘Hell’ and there may be characters kissing or cuddling but no explicit sexual scenes. Violence will generally be very mild. Characters may be in dangerous situations but the dangerous and emotional stress will be quickly resolved, which puts the viewer back into comfort.
PG
PG rating: this stands for parental guidance. This means the movie will be suitable for general viewing but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children, which means parents have to be watching too. Violence will be mild and rude language such as ‘shit’ and ‘son of a bitch.’
12/12A
12/A rating: 12A means an adult has to be with the child who is 12. 12 rating films should only be seen by 12 year olds and above, because some scenes may be too graphic or sexual.
15
15 rating: no one under 15 can watch the movie at the cinema or rent/buy the movie itself. What comes up in a 15 rated film is strong violence, frequently used explicit language, portrayal of sexual activity, nudity, and drug taking.
18
18 rating: films rated 18 are for adults only. No one under 18 is allowed to watch, buy or rent the movie. There is drug taking, strong language throughout, sexual scenes with nudity, strong horror, blood and gore.