- The Industry gets it's funding from the Film Industry
- The types of texts that the BBFC classify are Videos/Films
- The issues and problems that the BBFC deal with, when classifying material are the following:
- Violence
- Language
- Sex
- Sexual Violence
- Drugs
- Horror
- Imitable Technique
- Racial Issues
4. The following classification categories mean:
- U- Universal Children- this means that it is suitable for everyone, but it is especially suitable for children under the age of 7.
- PG- Parental Guidance- This does mean that it is suitable for all ages, however a parent or guardian should be present as some scenes aren't suitable for children
- 12A- 12 Accompanied- This means that it is suitable for those aged 12 and above. However, those under the age are admitted but only if an adult is present at all times.
- 15- Suitable for those aged 15 and above. Those under 15 are not admitted to watch the film, purchase it, rent it or rent a game.
- 18- Suitable for those aged 18 and above. And again those under 18 are not admitted to watch the film, rent it or buy it, let alone rent or buy a game rated 18.
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?
A film might be given a rating of 15 and then a decade later given a 12 rating due to the reason that as the years go by classified issues such as kissing become more and more acceptable in society therefore they will change the ratings.
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)
