Film regulation and the BBFC - blog tasks:

1) Research the BBFC in more detail: what is the institution responsible for? How is it funded? What link does it have to government?

The BBFC regulates film into age ratings. They are not government funded and  earn money through charging the movies they rate.

2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.

Depending on the controversial nature of the film or TV episode, the number of people rating a film will increase by teams (two people) to ensure enough opinions are given. Children shows can be rated by just one person. 

3) Read this BBFC outline of the issues faced when classifying a film. Summarise the debate in 50 words.

Issues they face include: material in conflict with the law, material with the potential to harm the age rating, availability of the material, The context in which an issue (such as sex, language or violence) is presented, The overall tone of a work 

4) Read this BBFC section on controversial decisions. Why did The Dark Knight generate a large amount of media coverage regarding its certificate? Do you agree with the 12A certificate The Dark Knight was awarded?

The 12A certificate caused outrage because many people believed the violence was too much for it. I agree with the certificate because any younger wouldn't be appropriate and most 12 year olds have seen lots of graphic content.

5) What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?

Dangerous behaviour - suicide, self-harming and asphyxiation should not dwell on detail which could be copied.

Discrimination - Must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language.

Drugs - Drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse (for example, through detailed instruction).

Language - There may be strong language. Very strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used.

Nudity - Sexual nudity may be permitted but strong detail is likely to be brief or presented in a comic context.

Sex- Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail.

Sexual violence and sexual threat - There may be strong verbal references to sexual violence but strong and sustained focus on sexual threat is unacceptable.

Threat and horror - There may be strong threat and horror. A sustained focus on sadistic threat is unlikely to be acceptable.

Violence - Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

6) The BBFC website offers an explanation of every classification it makes and detailed case studies on selected titles. Look at the rating for Chicken and explain why it was given a 15 certificate.

The scenes of extreme violence and references to sex make it a 15.