P2- Regulatory Bodies BBFC

The BBFC (British Board of Film Censors was first founded in 1912. The establishment of the BBFC came about because of the un reliable and non standardised censorships imposed  by local authorities. One of the main focuses of the BBFC in its early years was to start a nation wide standard for film censoring and regulation. The local councils still retained statutory power on films and can over rule the BBFC's decision through appeal. This power remained because the BBFC as a new organisation, started from within the film industry, needed to gain the trust of the public and local authorities because of the possible pressures that could come from within the industry would not alter decisions made by the BBFC. In 1984 the board became the authority on the classification on Videos and later DVD's, as instructed by the government. The BBFC later changes their name to the 'British Board of Film Classification', because at the time classification was a much larger part of what they were doing.

An old certificate from the early year of the BBFC shown before the screening of a films

The BBFC is classified as an 'Independent Governmental Organisation' This means that all business affairs are controlled by a management council which is comprised of leading figures in the service and manufacturing sectors of the film industry. This council appoint a president who has statutory responsibility for the classification of Films, DVDs and video games. Also a Director is chosen who has executive responsibility and formulates policies for the BBFC. Their main office is based in Soho Square in London and this is where most of the classification and polices are worked on. The board aim to be a 'non profit organisation',  The BBFC get a fee from each film they classify. This comes from the film production company. They also receive donations from the public and organisations to keep the board sufficiently financed. Recently the board has introduced a reduced tariff for short student film makers and first time film producers with films less than 40 minuets long. This is £50 + VAT for films up to 20 minutes long and £100+VAT for 20-40 minutes

The BBFC's Soho Offices

The Board has a number of different classification certificates. They are lsited below

Universal- (suitable for all)
This is the 'lowest' age rating that the BBFC have. It means that there is almost nothing unsuitable for children aged 4 years and over. This is applied to films with none or very little un appropriate content for very young children

Parental Guidance- All ages aloud but parental digression is advised. Should not disturb children love the age of 8 but may contain some moderate language, violent, sex/drug references, These are permitted as long as they have been deemed justified by the context

12A- (cinema releases since 2002) children under the age of 12 are allowed if accomanied by an adult. These films may contain more mature themes and are unlikely to be suitable for children under 12

12 (home media) Identical criteria to the 12A certificate but it is illegal to knowingly sell a 12 rated film to someone under the age of 12. 12A rated films are usually 12 rated when released on DVD

15- It's illegal to knowingly supplie cinema tickets, DVDs/VHS or video games to children under age of 15 with this certificate. These films may contain adult themes, hard drugs, regular use of foul language and limited use of very strong language, strong violence and strong sex references. Sexual violence must be discrete and justified by context

18- Only suitable for adults, (18+) no limitation on foul language detailed sexual activity as well as hard drugs and strong violence. Strong sexual violence is permitted unless eroticised or excessively graphic

Restricted 18- can only be shown at licensed adult cinemas and sex shops. Illegal to sell a R18 film to anyone through mail order, online or over the telephone. Films under this category always contain hardcore pornography. This like reference to underage sex, sexual violence and aggressive behaviour can still be cut in this category

The Cinematograph Act of  1909 which was based on allowing licenses to cinemas that reached the health and safety standards for cinemas. Locally councils could also grant or refuse licences to cinemas depending on the content of the films they showed. The film industry then took it upon themselves to self regulate the industry. In cinemas the local authorities have the final legal say as to who can view certain films in the cinema. Although the BBFC's decisions are widely accepted by the authorities. The government have appointed the BBFC as the authority on video or recorded releases and require an age certificate clearly visible on every film or DVD's packaging. in practice only UK releases can be legally sold or hired in the UK, even if a foreign release had identical content.

Coraline

Rated- PG

'An air of general creepiness' -The film was deemed to have unsettling and sinister content, such the 'other' parents having big black button eyes and a scene where a doll is taken apart. As well as a 'scary and dark' garden which could be distressing to young children


‘frightening sequences’ are not ‘prolonged or intense’- this justifies the PG rating because distressing content is kept to a moderate level

'Other Mother'

‘mitigating factors’- The film, aswell as containing mildly scary, dark and creepy scenes it also includes redeeming content such as happy songs, comedy and an emphasis on the happy ending. This is what contributes to the films PG rating which may have been a 12 if these were not factors.

'personality of Coraline'- the main character showed positive characteristics such as bravery, resourcefulness, and who eventually saves her parents. These are characteristics that the board deemed suitable for young children and this was a consideration in the classification

Coraline

home and parental consideration- Some of the scary scenes in the film come from situations involving  parents or in a home setting. The board deemed these as places that should be seen as safe by a child. Therefor deciding that a 'U' rating was not sufficient 

Family with 'button eyes'

'mild language' One use of mild language was considered as Coralines mother said 'rat crap'  which isn't strongly offensive wording the BBFC found it appropriate to consider whilst rating Coraline as a PG

BBFCinsight summarised the potential issues in the film as 'Contains mild threat and scary scenes and one use of mild language’