BBFC

1. From where does the BBFC get its funding?
Film industry

2. What types of texts do the BBFC classify?
Video/ FILMS

3. What are the problems / issues that the BBFC must deal with when classifying material? Look at the types of things they classify, ability to account for all types of content, changing context etc.
Violence
Language
Sex
Sexual Violence
Drugs
Horror
Imitable Technique
Racial Issues

4. Note the range of classification categories and what they mean e.g. U, PG, 12A etc.
Universal Children- Suitable for all, but especially made for children under 7 years of age.
Universal- All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children.

Parental Guidance- All ages admitted, but parents are advised that certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 13
12 Accompanied- Suitable for those aged 12 and over. Those aged under 12 are only admitted if accompanied by an adult at all times during the performance (replaced the standard 12 certificate for cinema releases only in 2002)
12- Suitable for those aged 12 and over.
No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12 rated VHS, DVD or game (home media only since 2002)
15- Suitable for those aged 15 and over.
Nobody younger than 15 may see a 15 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15 rated VHS, DVD or game.
18 -Suitable for those aged 18 and over.
Nobody younger than 18 may see an 18 film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18 rated VHS, DVD or game.
Restricted 18 -Suitable for those aged 18 and over. May only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at sex shops, and only to people aged 18 or over.

5. Look at how different themes /content within texts are classified. Make notes. Why might a DVD featuring content of skateboarders and BMX bikers performing dangerous stunts be classified as 18 but a film containing a sex scene and use of the ‘f’ word only get a 15 rating?
6. Why might a film be given a rating of 15 upon release at the cinema but 10 years later be classified as a 12?
7. Who is responsible for classifying films in the USA? How has this changed over time? (Look back to the studio system of the 1940’s).8. Research the following case studies exploring why they were brought to the attention of the BBFC:a. Canis Canem Edit (2006, Rockstar)b. Crash (1996, David Cronenberg)c. A Clockwork Orange (1971, Stanley Kubrick)d. Fight Club (1999, David Fincher)e. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001, Simon West)f. Sweet Sixteen (2002, Ken Loach)g. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988, Martin Scorcese)h. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974, Tobe Hooper)