Research into the BBFC
The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non-governmental company that has classified cinema films since i's set up in 1912 as well as videos and DVDs since the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984.
Cinema
The British Board of Film Censors was set up in 1912 via the film industry as an independent company to allow a degree of uniformity to the classification of film nationally. Statutory powers on film remain with the local councils, meaning that they may overrule any of the BBFC’s decisions, passing films of which they have rejected, as well as banning films that they have passed, and even waiving cuts, instituting new ones, or altering categories for films exhibited under their own licensing jurisdiction.
Video
During 1984 Parliament passed the Video Recordings Act. Said act stated that, subject to certain exemptions, video recordings offered for sale or hire commercially within the UK has to be classified via an authority designated by the Secretary of State. Both the President and Vice Presidents of the BBFC were so designated, and charged with applying the new test of ‘suitability for viewing in the home’. At this point the Board’s title was changed to the British Board of Film Classification so to reflect the fact that classification plays a far larger part in the BBFC’s work than censorship.
Finances
The BBFC is a non profit organisation, and its fees are adjusted only to cover its costs. In order to preserve its independence, the BBFC never receives subsidies from either the film industry or the government. Its income is solely from the fees it charges for its services, which are calculated via measuring the running time of films or DVDs submitted for classification. The BBFC consults the Department of Culture, Media and Sport before making any changes to its fees.
different types of classifications
The U symbol stands for Universal. A U film needs to 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.
example of a U rated film:
The little mermaid is a 1989 disney animated film.
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.
example of a PG film:
Spy kids is a 2001 film, the first in its series.
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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.
