Research : The British Board Of Film Classification

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) is a self-governing body which classifies cinema films. It was first set up by the film industry in 1912 and since then have managed to also classify DVDs when the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984. This means that video recordings for sale or hire in the UK must be classified by an authority.

The term 'Classification' means an act/process of grouping things based on how they are alike e.g. categories/criteria. Most of the time films for theatrical release are classified by two examiners using the correct guidelines. DVDs only need to be seen by one examiner. This is specifically for viewing the DVD version of a film that is released in the cinemas but has already been classified. Furthermore, some films need further examination therefore being passed onto a Senior Examiner if any other Examiner is in doubt of the content.

When films are examined the following things looked out for are:

• Discrimination
• Drugs
• Horror
• Language
• Imitable behaviour
• Nudity/Sex/Sexual Violence
• Theme
• Violence

How the audience would feel watching the content is also considered as DVDs could be viewed by an underage audience member.

Specific guidelines for a film rated a '15'

Nobody younger than age 15 is allowed to view a
 '15' rated film in a cinema or rent/buy a '15' DVD.

The guidelines below are what an Examiner follows when classifying a film:

1. Discrimination - No discriminatory language or behaviour should not uphold throughout the whole of the film. Racist, homophobic or other themes and language could be viewed slightly.
2. Drugs - Taking of drugs may be shown however, it must not be promoted or encouraged to be used/shown in detail. Easily accessible/dangerous drug use shown is not acceptable.
3. Imitable Behaviour - Suicidal behaviour (hanging, self-harming) should not show great detail. Showings of accessible weapons is allowed depending on the content given.
4. Language - Strong language may be included however, some words may not be allowed depending on the setting it is used in/said too.
5. Nudity - Nudity and sexual content is allowed as long as the detail/content shown is a small amount.
6. Sex - May be shown with small detail, along with verbal references depending if the content used is acceptable.
7. Threat - Strong threat and horror is allowed as long as the focus is sustained (no sexual threat).
8. Violence - Strong violence is allowed but should not include focused detail on the pain or injury produced. Powerful gory images are not acceptable along with sexual references.