BBFC Ratings Analysis

BBFC Ratings Analysis

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is the UK’s regulator of film and video, they provide age ratings such as U, PG and 12A. They are a designated company so they have legal powers to rate and even on some occasions cut or reject films and videos. All decisions are based on public consultation and their guidelines which put together a contract with the public and the film industry. The main aim for the BBFC is to make sure that children and other audience members are protected from any harmful or illegal material and so that they can make informed decisions about what they can view. 

The organisation was formed in 1912 by a selection of members from the film industry who wanted responsibility in their own censorship instead of the government doing it for them.  Action began to take place on the first on January 1913 and focused on cinematography act in 1909. This act required cinemas to have legal licenses from local authorities.

The BBFC doesn’t collect profits as it is a ‘not for profit’ organisation. Its fees are adjusted to only cover its costs. To maintain independence the BBFC never receives subsidies from either the film industry or government. Their only income is purely from the fees it charges for its services which are calculated by measuring the length of running time of films and DVD’s that have been submitted for classification. The BBFC consults the Department of Culture. Media and Sport before making any differences to their fees. 

The U symbol stands for UNIVERSAL. A U film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. However, it is impossible to predict what might upset a particular child, especially at this lower end of the category range. There is only allowed the infrequence use of mildly bad language such as "damn" or "hell". Characters are allowed to be kissing or cuddling but there is no overt focus on sexual behaviors or innuendos. Violence will generally be very mild, and will contain a reassuring element. U films will normally contain positive messages of loyalty, honesty and friendship.

PG stands for PARENTAL GUIDANCE. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. A PG film should not unsettle a child aged around eight or older. Parents should consider whether the content may upset younger, or more sensitive, children. Sex references are unlikely unless they are infrequent. In addition, if a child is unlikely to understand a reference, we may allow it at PG. Comedy can also often lessen the impact of sex references and innuendo.

Films classified 12A means that anyone under the age of 12 is not allowed in the cinema to view the film unless they are with someone above the age of 18. 

A 12 rating means that no one below the age of 12 can view the film as it involves some inappropriate scenes that could be upsetting for younger ages.