BLK comments for wk 1 hwk

excellent notes dominic, and some interesting reflections. a great start. miss b :-)

Discrimination

As of 2009, the BBFC have also had to consider how a film features discrimination.

Discrimination relates to the 5 matters of:

1. Race
2. Gender
3. Religion
4. Disability
5. Sexuality

Classifiers must also take into account the impact of including discrimination.

Less restrictive categories may be given to films which explicitly criticise discriminatory behaviour or seek to challenge such attitudes.

Legal Issues

More information concerning the legal issues involved in BBFC film classification can be found here.

The acts that must be considered are:

• Human Rights Act 1998
• The Licensing Act 2003
• The Video Recordings Act 1984
• The Obscene Publications Act 1959 & 1964
• Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008
• The Protection of Children Act 1978
• The Sexual Offences Act 2003
• The Public Order Act 1986
• The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937
• The Animal Welfare Act 2006
• The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002

Theme

The sensitivity of a theme's presentation will be the main factor affecting classification.

Most themes are allowed to be classified at '15' or '18'.

The most problematic themes are inappropriate for junior levels of classification; these themes include:

• Drug abuse
• Sexual violence
• Paedophilia
• Incitement to racial hatred

Horror

For films targeted at a younger audience, classifiers must consider several factors concerning horror:

• The frequency of scary scenes
• The length of scary scenes
• The detail of scary scenes
• Horror effects (music and sound)
• The outcome (and whether or not it is swift and reassuring)

As older audiences often see horror films to be frightened, the films are classified to protect the young from receiving too intense an experience.

Imitable Techniques

'U' and 'PG' films must not feature potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.

'12' and '15' films should not dwell on detail about dangerous behaviour (especially towards oneself) which could e copied, or appear harm free.

Weapons

'U' films may not have emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons.

'PG' films must not glamorise realistic or easily accessible weapons.

'12' and '15' films should not glamorise easily accessible weapons.

Criminal Activity

No film may be classified whether the material is in conflict with the law, or has been created through the commission of a criminal offence.

Furthermore, any films actively promoting illegal behaviour will be cut or rejected.

Drugs

For all classifications, no film is allowed to:

1. Promote the misuse of drugs.
2. Portray drug misuse in detail.

Films emphasising the dangers of drug misuse may be less restrictive than those who present it neutrally.

Where drug use is significant in works appealing to children, it will be indicated in Consumer Advice Information.

Sexual Violence

Detailed verbal references to sexual violence may be allowed in '15' films but any portrayal must be discreet and well justified.

For all films, portrayals of sexual violence which might, for example, eroticise sexual assault are not allowed.

Sexual References

'U' films may contain references only (to 'making love' etc.)

'PG' films may only contain mild sex references and innuendo.

'12' films should not go beyond what is suitable for young teenagers. Frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.

'15' films may have strong verbal references but the strongest references are unlikely to be acceptable unless the context justifies it.

'18' films are allowed to make most references to sex but nothing encouraging an interest in sexually abusive activity.

Sex

Sex applies to everything from kissing to details of real sex. The classification levels rise in accordance to this from 'U' to '18'.

Sex works (whose main purpose is sexual stimulation) are likely to only receive a '18' or 'R18' rating. If the material is simulated, it is likely to be passed '18'.

'R18' films may contain clear images of: real sex, fetishism, explicit animations and images. These films may only be supplied in licensed sex shops or shown in licensed cinemas.

Language

The extent that offensive language or expletives can offend someone is dependent on the individual.

Consequently, there is no compressive list of what language is not acceptable. Classification levels are given based on general views expressed in public consultation exercises.

Violence

Although violence is frequently shown in films aimed at all ages, the degree and nature of violence.

There are more restrictive fiction classifications reserved for any of the following:

• Regularly using violence to solve violence.
• Good people inflicting pain.
• Being callous towards villains.
• Encouraging aggressive attitudes.
• Characters taking pleasure in pain.