Project Reflections 1

Before this project started, I didn't know much about media regulation. But since then, I have learnt some rather interesting facts, specifically about the BBFC:

• The BBFC is independent from the government and were set up by the film industry itself.
• An issue's context can have a large effect on the certificiate that a film receives.
• The BBFC review their own guidelines approximately every 5 years to match public opinion.

BBFC Overriding Factors

Occasionally, the BBFC is presented with borderline cases for films. In these situations, they must consider the following three factors:

1. The context of an issue. This includes many other factors such as the audience's expectations, genre, presentation manner, filmmaker's intention, production date, special merits of the film.
2. The tone and impact. For example, if a film has an unsettling tone throughout, it is likely to receive a more restrictive classification. This also includes how close it resembles the real world and what the moral perspective is. How a film makes the audience feel may also be taken into account.
3. The release format. A DVD may occasionally receive a higher classification than in the cinema because of the increased possibility of under-age viewing. 

BBFC Legal Consideration

The BBFC must consider all of the following acts:

• Human Rights Act 1998, for the right to a private life and freedom of expression.
• The Licensing Act 2003, that cinemas require a license with the aims to prevent crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, protecting children from harm.
• The Video Recordings Act 1984, that films must be classified based on how the film deals with criminal behavior, violent or horrific behaviour / incidents and sexual activity.
• The Obscene Publications Act 1959 & 1964, which makes it illegal to publish any work considered obscene.
• Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, which makes it illegal to be in possession of an extreme pornographic image.
• The Protection of Children Act 1978, making it illegal to make, distribute, show or possess indecent photographs of one who is under the age of 18.
• The Sexual Offences Act 2003, making it illegal to expose oneself with the intent to cause distress.
• The Public Order Act 1986, which makes it illegal to distribute, show or play publicly, a recording that is threatening, abusive or insulting with the intention to stir up hatred from race or sexuality.
• The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937, making it illegal to show any scene that involved actual cruelty to animals.
• The Animal Welfare Act 2006, making it illegal to supply, publish, show or possess a video recording of an 'animal fight' that has taken place in Great Britain.
• The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002, which makes it illegal to publish a tobacco advertisement.

BBFC General Principles

The BBFC has two main guiding principles:

1. Works should be allowed to reach the widest audiences appropriate for the film's treatment.
2. Adults should be free to choose what they see (as long as it's legal and not harmful)

Whilst applying these principles, they also consider three main qualifications:

1. The film must not be in conflict with the law.
2. The film must not cause harm.*
3. The film must be publicly considered acceptable for the age group concerned.

*Harm may include: desensitising violence, degrading empathy, encouraging dehumanisation and anti-social behaviour, reinforcing unhealthy fantasies and more. These especially apply to young children.

Who are the BBFC?

The British Board of Film Classification is a non - governmental body that classify films.

They charge a fee to those who submit films and video (such as distribution companies) to them, as a result they can remain independent.

Besides films, they also classify video games, anything released on DVD or Blu-Ray and anything distributed via the internet.

One of the main reasons for the BBFC's classification categories is to protect children from any harm which may be caused.

If the BBFC deems a film unacceptable, they may reject it (if it breaches criminal law) or cut it.

About every five years, the BBFC updates their guidelines through public consulation.