Exploring Regulations

In the early 1900s, with film becoming increasingly popular, the British film industry decided that some degree of uniformity was required in order to regulate the exhibition of films nationally. As a result, in 1912, the British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) was established. This was an independent, non-governmental body that would classify and censor films in order to protect audiences. In 1984, when Parliament passed the Video Recordings Act, the BBFC changed the last word in its name to Classification instead of Censors, to reflect their focus on classification over censorship.

The basic idea on which the BBFC functions is the notion of protection in the film industry. At the same time as entertaining consumers, it is important that the industry as a whole feels responsible for the comfort and safety of its audiences. Because movies are usually produced with a certain audience in mind, and for specific purposes, it is important that these aims are able to be fulfilled without causing any harm or annoyance. For example, if a violent horror movie intended for adult viewing was watched by a group of three year olds, it may cause them to feel distressed and upset, when this was not its intention.

In order to prevent such occurances, the BBFC classifies films using 7 categories, although only the first 5 are regularly utilized. This is because the seventh category, R18, restricts films with the highest levels of explicit content to licensed adult stores and cinemas, and the 12 category is not used for cinema. Cuts can also be used to omit material, but only if it is absolutely necessary.

Below is a list of the main BBFC classifications, along with a brief explanation of the specifications and an example film.

Universal - Suitable for all
Films under this classification should contain a positive moral framework and deal sensitively with the theme. They should not reference drugs, discrimination, or any other similar issue without showing strong disapproval of endorsement. Any mild horror should have a reassuring outcome, sex can only be referenced mildly, and natural nudity is only allowed with no essence of sexual connotation. Only very mild bad language. An example U is Finding Nemo.


Parental Guidance - Some scenes may be unsuitable for young children
Such films should not disturb a child of eight or older. Whilst not as constricting as the universal classifications, PG still limits aspects of sex, violence, language, drugs, discrimination and horror in detail and intensity. As the title suggests, it is sensible for parents to accompany children. An example PG is Shrek.

Twelve A - Not recommended for children under twelve, but is allowed if accompanyed by a responsible adult.
The same as above, although stronger language is allowed as long as it is infrequent, and dangerous behavior or violence cannot dwell on detail and should show its harmful effects in context. Sexual content should be briefly and discreetly portrayed. The 12A rating is only used in cinema, and 12 only on published media. An example of a 12A is The Dark Knight.

Fifteen - Suitable only for those aged fifteen or above
Any theme is allowed as long as long as it is treated suitably. For example, references to sexual violence can be made, but strong sadistic or sexualised violence cannot be shown. Bad language is acceptable as long as it is justified by the context. Most other rules are the same as 12A. An example of a 15 is I Am Legend.



Eighteen - Suitable only for adults over the age of eighteen
Under this final classification, the BBFC guidelines usually do not override the principle of freedom of choice in entertainment for adults. Despite this, there are still conditions under which a film will not even be classified here. These include circumstances where the material is in brech of criminal law, where the film may cause damage to public health or morality, and where there are unjustified explicit images. An example of an 18 is Saw.

Although these classifications are not technically laws, the 2003 Licensing Act states that all cinemas require a license from their local authority, which must include an agreement to restrict the admission of children in accordance with the above classifications.

In the BBFC there are examiners from a wide range of professions who watch movies and make a judgement under which category the film should fall, and whether any cuts need to be made. These are led by Senior Examiners, who have more experience in the field. There is a management team which includes a Director, to make executive decisions, and a collection of others responsible for certain areas of the council, such as communications and technology. Above this, there is a President and two Vice-Presidents, who are responsible for the classification of Video. To keep the whole BBFC in check, there is the Council of Management, who overseer senior appointments and financial matters. As with any kind of modern organisation, the BBFC also have Informations, Personnel, and Accounts departments.

This information was summarised after research on the official BBFC website.