Censorship vs Classification

1. From where does the BBFC get its funding?
*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.
*They deal with problems such as voilence, rape, sexual assualt aswell as extremes of human experience that are uncomfotable and serious issues in sosicety right now like medical operations, attacks on animals and real life executions.

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 'Uc' 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).

*12A- Suitable for 12 years and over. No-one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. 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.

*'15' – Suitable only for 15 years and overNo-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.

*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.

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.

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)