Censorship
Who are the BBFC and what is their role?
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an
independent, non-governmental body. They've classified cinema films since 1912, videos/DVDs and some video games since 1984. Accountable to Parliament, their primary aims are to protect children and other vulnerable groups of people from harm.
independent, non-governmental body. They've classified cinema films since 1912, videos/DVDs and some video games since 1984. Accountable to Parliament, their primary aims are to protect children and other vulnerable groups of people from harm.
Why BBFC is important in the film industry
The BBFC provides a wide variety of services to the Film and Home Entertainment industry
They are committed to:
issuing trusted age ratings and content advice in accordance with their published Guidelines, drawn from large-scale public consultations and specialist research;
being fair and transparent in how they conduct our business;
ensuring information relating to their products and services is clear and understandable;
providing cost-effective statutory and non-statutory content labelling services for business of all sizes, reinvesting income to deliver further value;
promoting and protecting the creative industries through our support to law enforcement agencies and their extensive education programme.
issuing trusted age ratings and content advice in accordance with their published Guidelines, drawn from large-scale public consultations and specialist research;
being fair and transparent in how they conduct our business;
ensuring information relating to their products and services is clear and understandable;
providing cost-effective statutory and non-statutory content labelling services for business of all sizes, reinvesting income to deliver further value;
promoting and protecting the creative industries through our support to law enforcement agencies and their extensive education programme.
What things get censored
Nudity
BBFC guidelines allow for "little or no nudity" in U rated films; "occasional nudity in a non-sexual context" in films rated "PG", occasional "brief and discreet" nudity in a sexual context in films rated "12", full-frontal nudity, "sometimes in a sexual context" (but avoiding “close-up detail”) in those rated "15", And "extensive full-frontal nudity" in a sexual context in those rated 18.
Violence
BBFC guidelines are quite detailed about the treatment of violence in films, reflecting high levels of public concern about the impact of screen or video violence on behaviour. "U" rated films require that “threat or menace” be kept to a minimum; that there should be “no focus on violence (physical or verbal) as a solution to problems”; that there should be “no focus on weapons unless in comic, historic or fantastic settings”; and that while there may be “brief moments of fighting” these must be “balanced by reassuring sequences or storylines”.
BBFC guidelines are quite detailed about the treatment of violence in films, reflecting high levels of public concern about the impact of screen or video violence on behaviour. "U" rated films require that “threat or menace” be kept to a minimum; that there should be “no focus on violence (physical or verbal) as a solution to problems”; that there should be “no focus on weapons unless in comic, historic or fantastic settings”; and that while there may be “brief moments of fighting” these must be “balanced by reassuring sequences or storylines”.
Drugs
No drug references are permitted in films rated "U" “Mild verbal or visual references” are allowed in those rated “PG” and brief images are allowed in those rated “12”, as long as they don’t condone or encourage drug use. Drug use may be shown without detail in films classified as “15” and in detail but with “no clear instruction” on use in those classified "18". "15" rated films cannot include images that "glamorise, promote or encourage illegal drug use", while in the case of "18" rated films the film as a whole is not permitted to directly "promote or advocate the use of hard drugs".
No drug references are permitted in films rated "U" “Mild verbal or visual references” are allowed in those rated “PG” and brief images are allowed in those rated “12”, as long as they don’t condone or encourage drug use. Drug use may be shown without detail in films classified as “15” and in detail but with “no clear instruction” on use in those classified "18". "15" rated films cannot include images that "glamorise, promote or encourage illegal drug use", while in the case of "18" rated films the film as a whole is not permitted to directly "promote or advocate the use of hard drugs".
Conclusion
I have learned a lot about film regulation such as the fact that there is a lot of criticism that comes with it and directors have to think about what they put into their films. When making my own thriller I need to consider that I need to keep violence at a minimal and not use strong language.
Sandro, a good discussion into who the BBFC are and what thier aims are in the film industry. You draw upon some good discussion for nudity, violence and drugs.
ReplyDeleteTo improve;
-think about what else would get censored, for example swearing, animal cruelty etc.
-What is the difference between films being cut and banned? Provide some examples
-what are your opinions on film censorship?