Regulation: The BBFC

The BBFC is an independent, non-governmental body which classifies cinema films since 1912 and home video since 1984.

What is the ethos and aims of the BBFC?

"Our aim is to ensure that children, and all filmgoers, are protected from harmful and illegal material, and that they can make informed decisions about their viewing choices."

How do they make decisions on films?

"Films for cinema release are normally rated by at least two Examiners using the BBFC’s published guidelines. In most cases the decision is ratified by a Senior Examiner, but if the Examiners are in any doubt or a film sits right on the border between two categories, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the BBFC up to, and including, the Director and Presidential team.

Occasionally we need specialist advice about the legal acceptability of film content or its potential for harm.

DVDs are normally seen by one Examiner, particularly when they are viewing the DVD version of a cinema film which has already been age rated. However, opinions from other Examiners may be required for more difficult works."

What are the issues that the BBFC take into consideration when classifying a film? 

"Examiners look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, sexual violence, theme and violence when making decisions. They also consider context, the tone and impact of a work (how it makes the audience feel) and even the release format (for example, as DVDs, Blu-rays and videos for download are watched in the home, there is a higher risk of under-age viewing)."

What happens once they have made their decision?

"Local Authorities remain legally responsible for what is shown in cinemas under the Licensing Act 2003 and can still overrule the decisions of the BBFC. This does not happen very often. Local Authorities add an important element of local democracy into the classification process."

The BBFC cannot cut or censor. They give the film a certificate along with advice as to what cuts would be necessary if a different certificate is wanted.  The final say is with local councils. 

What is the criteria for a 15 certificate film?

Any of the follow may appear: 

•   strong violence
•  frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***').
•   portrayals of sexual activity
•   strong verbal references to sex
•   sexual nudity
•   brief scenes of sexual violence or verbal references to sexual violence
•   discriminatory language or behaviour
•   drug taking

What is the criteria for an 18 certificate?

18 works are for adults and may contain strong issues such as:

• very strong violence
•   frequent strong language (e.g. 'f***') and / or very strong language (e.g. ‘c***’)
•   strong portrayals of sexual activity
•   scenes of sexual violence
•   strong horror
•   strong blood and gore
•   real sex (in some circumstances)
•   discriminatory language and behaviour

What is the impact of regulation on films and film-making? 

The classification body gives advice to filmmakers on how their films could possibly be edited to receive the desired classification. There is the suggestion that studios will purposely tailor their films to meet the guidelines of the classification boards and censors, making sure that they do not go too far in the contentious areas of each institution. 

Higher certificates mean that less people can see the film, affecting the box-office revenue. These higher certificates, especially an 18 certificate, carry many implications and may put off a mainstream audience. 

Why did Slumdog Millionaire get a 15 certificate? 

• Strong language
• Strong, explicit violence beyond that expected in a 12a certificate (such as the opening torture scene, an early scene of religious violence and various images of child slavery) 

How could changes have been made to make it a 12a?

• Toned-down language
• Less explicit, more implied violence 
• Removal of image of man burning

Why weren't these changes made?

• Changes character development of Jamal and Salim
• Danny Boyle is known for making gritty and challenging films
• The film's point may change if you remove anything

Why did This is England get an 18 certificate?

• Violent final scene
• Discriminatory language and behaviour

Why was this controversial?

• Shane Meadows could not reach his target audience