They get their funding from charging film distributors.
2. What types of texts do the BBFC classify?
They classify classify video games dvds and 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, rape, language, sex, use of drugs, gore, horror etc these are extreme cases in which the BBFC must deal with when classifying material, as they can not give a PG certificate when the movie shows sexual or explicit language; thus a more suitable certificate has to be shown e.g. 15 or 18.
4. Note the range of classification categories and what they mean e.g. U, PG, 12A etc.
U-It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. U films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.Videos classified 'U' are particularly suitable for pre-school children and normally raise none of the issues set out below.
PG- Mild bad language only, natural nudity, with no sexual context and moderate violence justified by its setting (eg historic, comedy or fantasy).
12 A- Suitable for 12 years and over. No-one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult12- No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’ rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult.
18- No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video. Where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – e.g. any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely to promote the activity.
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?
The BBFC's current guidelines identify a number of specific areas of concern which are considered when awarding certificates. These are themed, language i.e. sex, violence, sexual violence, harmful actions. The BBFC also continues to demand cuts of any material which it considers may breach the provisions of the obscene publications act or any other legislation. Some of these materials in films that are in 15 rated one like sexual activity might not breach the publications act and that's why its rated at 15 compared to possibly lighter ones like bike moves that are rated at 18.
Because of time as things back then may have been deemed less acceptable then it is now, for instance kissing back 10 years ago films that show this was given a certificate of 15 but nowadays this is seen as much more innocent and acceptable so it is shown in 12 certificate as well as PG's.
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).
MPPA (The Motion Picture Association of America) is the instituion that is resposonsible for classifying films in America. Before in the 60's young "directors" made films that were heavily to do with sex, drugs and violence (snuff movies), nowadays it is illegal for this type of genre film to be shown.
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)
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