1) Research the BBFC in more detail. This BBFC Wikipedia page may help.
What is the institution responsible for?
The regulation of British films.
How is it funded?
It's funded through fees charged to those who submit films and video works for classification.
What link does it have to government?
It is a non-government organisation.
Write a paragraph about each of the different ratings:
U- Children’s content should be set within a positive framework and should offer reassuring counterbalances to any violence, threat or scary scenes. Generally, a U is unlikely to unsettle a four-year-old, although it is impossible to predict what might affect any particular child.
PG- A PG should generally not unsettle a child aged around eight, although parents and caregivers should be aware that some scenes may be unsuitable for more sensitive children.
12A/12- No one younger than 12 may be permitted to attend a 12A cinema screening unless they are accompanied by an adult. Adults planning to take a child under 12 to a 12A film should consider whether the main feature is suitable for that child. To help them decide, it's recommended that they check the BBFC’s content advice for the film in advance. No one younger than 12 may rent or buy a 12-rated video.
15- No one younger than 15 may see content with a 15 age rating in a cinema. No one younger than 15 may rent or buy a 15-rated video.
18- No one younger than 18 may see content with an 18 age rating in a cinema. No one younger than 18 may rent or buy an 18-rated video.
3) Select ONE of the A Level BBFC case studies. Explain why it received its certificate in relation to each of the considerations:
Guardians Of The Galaxy:
Language- Uses of moderate bad language, such as ‘bitch’, ‘dick’, ‘prick’ and ‘whore’, are used elsewhere in the film to comic effect. A middle finger gesture from Quill in his holographic mugshot provides another memorable moment, and one that showcases his character’s irreverent attitude. While these terms and gestures are a little stronger than what had previously come before in films of the MCU, they contribute to the film’s unique humour; and as such do not challenge a 12A age rating.
Threat and horror- The Guardians often find themselves in life threatening situations, meaning that threat was also a key consideration when deciding on the age rating. Ronan, for example, remains an ominous presence throughout the film. He’s cold, ruthless and wields a Kree war-hammer, making him a formidable opponent. We first see him being dressed in his armour and warpaint, before he performs a ritualistic killing of a man held captive on his ship, the Dark Aster. Even in the face of Ronan’s most powerful moments, however, Guardians of the Galaxy provides both light and shade. In the film’s climactic battle, after harnessing the power of the Infinity Stone, Ronan prepares to destroy the planet of Xandar. But Quill’s expertly timed dance moves are able to distract Ronan, ultimately enabling the Guardians to vaporise him. The use of music in this scene, like elsewhere in the film, helps to lift the tone in perilous moments and inject some comedic relief, which mitigates the sense of threat.
Violence- As a key age rating consideration, the film’s scenes of action violence are high octane, with colourful space battles featuring various aircrafts, futuristic weapons and explosives, as well as crunchy hand-to-hand fights. Characters are often hit with gun blasts, hacked at with blades and sometimes explode. These elements all contributed to the film’s 12A age rating. While impactful, the violence in Guardians of the Galaxy takes place within fantastical settings and a wider universe familiar to Marvel fans. Though high stakes, there are more possibilities open to the heroes to escape than if the action were set somewhere on Earth, or in our own reality.
4) Go to the rate a trailer section - choose THREE trailers and rate them.
Write the name of the film, what your rating was, and how it compared to the BBFC.
Superman: I guessed 12A and it was 12A due to threat and violence but I also added weapons which wasn't there.
Magic Mike's Last Dance: I guessed 12A due to sex and nudity but it was a 15.
The House With A Clock In The Walls: I guessed PG due to threat and it was PG but because of both threat and violence.
5) What are the guidelines for a 12A certificate - Blinded By The Light's cinema certificate (it was rated 12 for its home video release)?
Dangerous behaviour- Potentially dangerous behaviour that children are likely to copy should not be encouraged. Realistic or easily accessible weapons such as knives should not be glamorised. Antisocial behaviour should not be endorsed.
Discrimination- Discriminatory language or behaviour must not be endorsed by the content as a whole. Such behaviour is unlikely to be acceptable if accompanied by violence, unless clearly condemned.
Drugs- Misuse of drugs or other substances will generally be infrequent. There should be no glamorisation or instructional detail.
Language- There may be moderate bad language. Strong language may be permitted, depending on context and frequency within the content as a whole.
Nudity- There may be nudity, but in a sexual context it should be brief and discreet.
Sex- Sexual activity may be portrayed briefly and discreetly. Moderate sex references are permitted, but frequent crude references are unlikely to be acceptable.
Sexual violence- There may be verbal references to sexual violence provided they are not graphic. The stronger forms of sexual violence, including rape, may only be implied and any sexual threat or abusive behaviour should be brief and negatively presented.
Suicide and self-harm- There may be references to suicide and self-harm, although stronger details are unlikely to be permitted unless justified by context. Portrayals of suicide and self-harm should only be brief and discreet.
Threat and horror- There may be scenes of moderate physical and psychological threat. Although some scenes may be disturbing, the overall tone should not be. Horror sequences should not be frequent or sustained.
Violence- There may be moderate violence, but it should not dwell on detail. Occasional blood and injuries may be shown, but gory images should be infrequent and justified by context (for example, medical detail, fantasy).
6) 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.
Language- There is infrequent moderate bad language ('wanker') as well as milder terms ('bloody hell', 'shit', 'crap', 'frickin', 'sod', 'Jesus').
Discrimination- 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.
Comments
Post a Comment