BBFC Daniel Howard

History The BBFC was established in 1912 as the British Board of Film Censors by the film industry; who would rather manage their own censorship than have national or local government do it for them. Its legal basis was the Cinematograph Act 1909, which required cinemas to have licenses from local authorities. The Act was introduced for safety reasons after a number of nitrate film fires in unsuitable venues, however, the following year a court ruling determined that the criteria for granting or refusing a license did not have to be restricted to issues of health and safety. Given that the law now allowed councils to grant or refuse licenses to cinemas according to the content of the films they showed, the 1909 Act therefore enabled the introduction of censorship. The film industry, fearing the economic consequences of a largely unregulated censorship infrastructure, therefore formed the BBFC in order to take the process 'in house' and establish its own system of self-regulation. Some decisions from the early years are now subjected to derision. In 1928, the Board's examiners report famously claimed that Germaine Dulac's surrealist film The Seashell and the Clergyman was "Apparently meaningless" but "If there is a meaning, it is doubtless objectionable". In 1984 the organization changed its name to "reflect the fact that classification plays a far larger part in the Board's work than censorship". At that time it was given responsibility for classifying videos for hire or purchase to view in the home as well as films shown in cinemas. Home video and cinema versions of a film usually receive the same certificate, although occasionally a film may receive a more restrictive certificate for the home video market (sometimes due to the bonus features), as it is easier for children to watch a home video than to be admitted into a cinema. Classifications and how they work The BBFC has 7 age classifications, they are: Universal o Admits all audiences, there is nothing unsuitable for children over 4. Parental Guidance o Also admits all audiences, however certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 8. 12A o A cinema only classification, films in this category are considered to be unsuitable for very young people, those aged under 12 are only admitted when accompanied by an adult aged at least 18. 12 o Has been a home media only classification since 2002, nobody younger than 12 can rent or buy 12-rated media. 15 o Only those aged over 15 are admitted, nobody younger than 15 can rent or buy 15-rated media. 18 o Only adults aged above 18 are admitted, nobody younger than 18 can rent or buy 18-rated media. R18 o Can only be shown at licensed cinemas or sold at licensed retailers or sex shops. Only available to those aged 18 or older, the BBFC doesnt allow these films its 18 rating, therefore the violence and sexual activity in R18 rated media will be stronger than 18 rated media.

Controversial Decisions Historically the Board has faced strong criticism for an over-zealous attitude in censoring film. Prior to the liberalising decade of the 1960s, films were routinely and extensively censored as a means of social control. For example, Rebel Without a Cause was cut to reduce the "possibility of teenage rebellion". Ingmar Bergman's Smiles of a Summer Night was cut to remove "overtly sexual or provocative" language. The BBFC's attitude became more liberal during the 1960s, and they concentrated on censoring films that featured graphic sex and violence. However, some Board decisions caused controversy in the 1970s when it banned a series of films that were released uncut and were popular in other countries (such as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Last House on the Left), or released other controversial films, such as Straw Dogs and A Clockwork Orange. However, under recent President Andreas Whittam Smith and current incumbent Sir Quentin Thomas, guidelines have been relaxed again, allowing the release, usually uncut, of these previously banned films on video and in cinemas. Some films from the 1970s remain unreleased, but many of these titles remain banned primarily because their distributors have not chosen to re-submit the films to the BBFC, almost certainly for commercial reasons. If they were, they would be likely to receive a more sympathetic hearing than 30 years ago only two films from the 1970s, Love Camp 7 (rejected in 2002) and Women in Cellblock 9 (rejected in 2004), both of which contain substantial scenes of sexual violence, have remained completely banned following a re-submission since 2000. Recent Decisions Since 1999 there has been considerable relaxation within the BBFC, the relaxation of guidelines has made it that films which in previous years would have been rejected and banned are now passed, recent examples including Irreversible, Romance, Antichrist and numerous other films uncut for cinema and video viewing. However, the boards more relaxed guidelines have also brought with them much criticism. It has attracted criticism from conservative press, in particular the Daily Mail, on the grounds that the release of sexually explicit and violent films was corrupting the nation. The newspaper's most famous clash with the BBFC came in 1997 when the Board released the David Cronenberg film Crash without cuts. The following day (19 March 1997) the Mail led with the banner headline "CENSOR'S YES TO DEPRAVED SEX FILM", Westminster City Council imposed its own ban on the film after the decision. Why does the BBFC exist? The BBFC exists to monitor and apply certifications to theatrically released films, rated videos and video games that have forfeited exemption from the Video Recordings Act. Legally, local authorities have the power to decide what films are shown under what certifications however they nearly always choose to follow the advice of the BBFC. They exist to protect those of young ages from content that they deem inappropriate for members of that age group. Who is in charge of the BBFC? The current president of the BBFC is Sir Quentin Thomas, who has been president since the 1st August 2002 and the current director is David Cooke, who has been the director since 20th September 2004. What does the BBFC Stand for? The BBFC stands for The British Board of Film Classification. Where is the BBFC located? The BBFC is situated in London.