Film Censorship

When was the BBFC established and for what reasons?The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) was formed in 1912 by the film industry, in order to bring a degree of uniformity to standards, so that films were made acceptable for the age group and nationality of the audience. 

What media forms do they regulate?
They regulate media such as films, DVD's, video games, advertisements and trailers. 

How are they funded?
They are funded by fees to the films and video works that are submitted to them, as they are a non-government organisation.

What legalisation do they have to abide by?

• The Video Recording Act (1984)
• The Human Rights Act (1998)
• The Obscene Publications Acts (1959)
• The Protection of Children Act (1978)
• The Criminal Justice and Immigration Act (2008)
• The Public Order Act (1986)
• The Cinematograph Films Animals Act (1937)
• The Animal Welfare Act (2006)
• Coroners and Justice Act (2009)

What is the process of classification?
Films are first submitted to the BBFC which are then put through a system at the reception by the facilities department. Research is then done and the technical department time the DVD and check the quality of the disc. The information system department measures video games and are responsible for the internal information, including the website. Two people watch the film and make notes.
Then the distributor gets the bill and they have to pay for the accounts department. Information services also have to handle all customer queries and ensure that they are fully informed of the classification decisions.

Films or computer games which are regulated (over 20 years ago).
Goodfellas (1980) was rated an 18 due to strong violence and swearing, but 8 scenes had to be cut anyway due to their strong graphical nature, just to get it into the cinema.
A Clockwork Orange wasn't even passed through the BBFC or given a rating until 20 years after its release, but scenes were cut in order to be put into the cinema. The film was linked to deaths that occurred after its release, and it was withdrawn by Kubrick for about 27 years.

Films or computer games which have been subject to regulation recently.
The Human Centipede 2 was rated an 18 due to strong violence, gore and sexual violence, and had to have scenes cut in order for it to be released. Also A Serbian Film was rated an 18 due to strong sexual violence, and some versions of it had to have scenes cut in order to be released. 

What is the American equivalent to the BBFC?
Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)