Regulatory Bodies - BBFC

what is BBFC and what is its role?
The BBFC is the British board of film classification, original board of British board of film censors, it is a no government organisation, it is funded by the film industry and responsible for the national classification and censorship of films in the UK.

Age Ratings:

U - Suitable for all.
PG - Parental guidance.
12A - Cinema release suitable for 12 years and over.
12 - Video release suitable for 12 years and older.
15 - Suitable for only 15 years and older.
18 - Suitable only for adults.
R18 - Adult works for licensed premises only.

legal Backing:
Human rights act 1988 - This act permits such restrictions of freedom of expression as are prescribed by the law, also protection of health and morals.
The licensing act 2003 - This act is for cinemas, and includes the condition requiring the admission if children (under 18) to any film to be restricted in accordance.
The video recordings act 1984 - This act is about the films with illegal drugs, and violent behaviours, protecting children and vulnerable people being influenced.
The sexual offences act 2003 - This to show that it is illegal to expose oneself with intent to cause alarm or distress, consent on filming sexual gratification.
The animal welfare act 2006

Coraline Case Study:

BBFC chose the age rating PG for the film Coraline, The reason that PG was chosen (surprisingly) is because children's films are actually aloud to show some content of horror as long as they meet the criteria an the frightening sequences are not prolonged or intense.

"Many children enjoy the excitement of scary sequences, but, where films are targeted at a younger audience, classification decisions will take into account such factors as the frequency, length and detail of scary scenes as well as horror effects, including music and sound, and whether there is swift and reassuring outcome"

The film is considered to contain a lot of 'mitigating factors' which lesson the intensity of frightening scenes, these included moments of, comedy, fun and silly music. Also the reassurance of a happy ending in this film encourages the film to be a PG.