Film regulation and the BBFC - blog tasks:

 1) Research the BBFC in more detail: what is the institution responsible for? How is it funded? What link does it have to government? This history of the BBFC page may help.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is independent, non-governmental and not-for-profit, and has had the responsibility of classifying films since 1912, video tapes and discs since 1985, and more recently, online content. Here to help everyone in the UK choose age-appropriate films, videos and websites, wherever and however they watch or use them.

2) Read this BBFC guide to how films are rated. Summarise the process in 50 words.

Our Compliance Officers watch a combination of films, DVDs, and online content during each working day.  They usually view DVDs on their own, which we call ‘solo viewing’. Content suitable for solo viewing includes episodes from TV series or programmes aimed at young children that have already been broadcast on TV. Films for cinema release are classified by teams of two. Controversial or extreme content is also seen by teams - and often by more than one team - to get a range of opinions.

3) Read this BBFC section on landmark decisions. Why did The Dark Knight generate a large amount of media coverage regarding its certificate? Do you agree with the 12A certificate The Dark Knight was awarded?

The BBFC's decision to award The Dark Knight the 12A rating resulted in much press coverage and complaints from members of the public, who thought the violence was too strong to be contained at that category. 

I don't agree that The Dark Knight should have been awarded a 12A certificate from the BBFC and I feel like the BBFC are to blame because of that as they control all the age ratings for films or television dramas. Reasons to why I say this is because I agree with the parents viewpoint that even though it is a 12A rating that is suitable for a 12 year old to watch with a trusted adult that the violence and bloodshed is too explicit and too realistic. In my opinion the age rating that The Dark Knight should have been awarded is around a 15A or even a 16. 

4) What are the guidelines for a 12A certificate - Blinded By The Light's cinema certificate (it was rated 12 for its home video release)?

The 12A rating is only used for films shown in cinemas. Films rated 12A are suitable for children aged 12 and over. However, people younger than 12 may see a 12A so long as they are accompanied by an adult. In such circumstances, responsibility for allowing a child under 12 to view lies with the accompanying adult.

5) The BBFC website offers an explanation of every classification it makes and detailed case studies on selected titles.
 Look at the rating for Blinded By The Light and explain why it was given a 12A certificate for cinema release.

There is infrequent moderate bad language ('wanker') as well as milder terms ('bloody hell', 'shit', 'crap', 'frickin', 'sod', 'Jesus'). There is a scene in which two men are attacked by members of the National Front, resulting in brief bloody injury detail. There are racist references made to "Pakis" as one character is spat on and made to move from his seat in a restaurant at the request of some racists. Racism is not condoned within the film.

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