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Mix & Match and get the certificate of your choice. After publishing a guide to distribution of films, we bring you a key to open the doors for your film's acceptance by the main British Censor authority, The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC).

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CENSORING THE CENSORS

Various countries apply varying yardsticks to censor a film for public viewing. In India, a mouth-to-mouth kiss on screen could lend you in trouble while in Britian this would be seen as quite harmless.

In the following report you will find material, valid only for getting a film certificate in the UK. The only comptetent authority to have a say on this matter is BBFC. Following material is produced from a document prepared by the BBFC.

British Board of Film Classification issues following certificates:
U, PG, 12 & 12A, 15, 18 & R18

1. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-governmental body funded through the fees it charges to those who submit films, videos, DVDs and digital games for classification.

2. The BBFC classifies films on behalf of the local authorities who license cinemas under the Licensing Act 2003.

3. The BBFC classifies videos, DVDs and some digital works under the Video Recordings Act 1984.

(The digital works covered by the VRA are those whose exemption is forfeited under section 2(2) because they depict human sexual activity, gross violence or other matters of concern.)

4. The BBFC will not classify material which it believes to be in breach of the criminal law.

5. Where possible the BBFC will carry out its responsibilities through appropriate use of the classification categories, particularly in order to protect children from actual or potential harm. If necessary, however, the Board may cut or even reject a film, video, DVD or digital work. The Board’s approach to rejects is set out at the end of these Guidelines.

6. In line with domestic administrative law principles and the requirements of the Human Rights Act 1998, there is a particular need to make the classification criteria clear. This is fulfilled by the publication of these Guidelines and their availability on the BBFC website (www.bbfc.co.uk) or directly from the Board.

The detail of the Guidelines is contained in the following pages. But it is right to set out here the general underlying grounds on which the Board exercises the broad discretion conferred on it. There are three main considerations:

Is the material in conflict with the law?

Is the material, at the age group concerned, likely to be harmful?

Is the material, at the age group concerned, clearly unacceptable to broad public opinion? (It is on this ground, for example, that the Board intervenes in respect of language. This ground also applies at ‘18’, although here it is balanced against the public expectation that adults should be free to chose their entertainment, within the law.)

7. The BBFC Classification Guidelines reflect all these considerations and others set out later. They are the product also of public consultation, research and the accumulated experience of the BBFC over many years.

8. The Guidelines, however, are not a legal document and should be interpreted in the spirit of what is intended as well as in the letter. They cannot be a comprehensive account of everything that may at any time be of concern. Should issues arise which are not specifically covered here, they will be dealt with by the BBFC on their merits and in line with the standards expressed and implied generally.

9. Responsibility for the Guidelines and for their interpretation rests with the BBFC and is subject to normal considerations of fairness and reasonableness.

10. The BBFC undertakes to provide guidance on the interpretation of these Guidelines at any time.

LEGAL CONSIDERATION

The Video Recordings Act 1984

The Act requires the BBFC to have special regard (among the other relevant factors) to the likelihood of works being viewed in the home, and to any harm to those likely to view a video any harm to society through the behaviour of those viewers afterwards.

In considering these issues the Board has in mind thepossible effect not only on children but also on other vulnerable people.

The Act further requires that special regard is paid to the manner in which the work deals with

criminal behaviour

use of illegal drugs

violent behaviour or incidents

horrific behaviour or incidents

human sexual activity

The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937

It is illegal to show any scene ‘organised or directed’ for the purposes of the film to involve actual cruelty to animals.

The Protection of Children Act 1978

It is illegal to show indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child (under the age of 18).

The Obscene Publications Act 1959

It is illegal to show a work which is obscene. A work may be found obscene if, taken as a whole, it has a tendency to deprave and corrupt (ie make morally bad) a significant proportion of those likely to see it.

The Human Rights Act 1999

Among the rights established under this Act are the right to respect for private and family life, and the right to freedom of expression. When classifying works, the BBFC will have regard to the impact of any decision on the rights of any relevant person.

The Act permits such restrictions on freedom of expression as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.

The Licensing Act 2003

Cinemas require a licence from the local authority in which they operate. The licence must include a condition requiring the admission of children (under 18) to any film to be restricted having regard to the recommendations of the BBFC. The licensing objectives are:

prevention of disorder or crime

for the protection of health or morals

for the protection of the reputation or rights of others

for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.

Theme

The acceptability of a theme depends significantly on its treatment, ie the context and sensitivity of its presentation. However, the most problematic themes (for example drug abuse, sexual violence, paedophilia, incitement to racial hatred or violence) are unlikely to be appropriate at the most junior levels of classification. Correspondingly, there is no reason in principle why most themes, however difficult, could not be satisfactorily handled at ‘18’ or even ‘15’.

Language

Many people are offended, some of them deeply, by bad language, including the use of expletives with a religious or racial association and language which offends other, sometimes vulnerable, minorities. The extent of that offence varies according to age, gender, race, background, beliefs and expectations brought by viewers to the genre on offer.

The depth of concern about any particular word or expression will also depend upon the context within which it is used. For these reasons, it is impossible to set out comprehensive lists of acceptable words or expressions which will satisfy all sections of the public. The advice at different classification levels, therefore, provides general guidance
taking account of the Board’s consultation with the public.

Nudity

Natural nudity, providing there is no sexual context, is acceptable at all classification levels except ‘Uc’.

Sex

The portrayal of human sexual activity can range from kissing and references to ‘making love’ to detail of real sex. This is reflected in the classification system, in which progressively stronger portrayal is allowed as the categories rise. The Guidelines apply the same standards to homosexual as to heterosexual activity.

The ‘R18’ category, required by Parliament under the Video Recordings Act, is primarily for ‘sex works’, whose primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. ‘R18’ videos and DVDs may be supplied only in licensed sex
shops which no-one under 18 may enter. ‘R18’ films may be shown only in specially licensed cinemas.

Violence

Violence has always been a feature of entertainment for children and adults. We address the degree and nature of violence through our classification system.

In making decisions our concerns, especially at the lower categories, include
portrayal of violence as a normal solution to problems heroes who inflict pain and injury callousness towards victims encouraging aggressive attitudes
taking pleasure in pain or humiliation Works which glorify, glamorise or sexualise violence will receive a more restrictive classification and may
even be cut.

The BBFC has a strict policy on rape and sexual violence. With portrayals of sexual violence which might eg eroticise or endorse sexual assault the
Board may require cuts at any classification level. This is more likely with DVD or video than film because DVD and video scenes can be replayed repeatedly. Any association of sex with non-consensual restraint, pain or humiliation may be cut.

Imitable techniques

The BBFC is concerned about detailed portrayal of criminal and violent techniques and the glamorisation of easily accessible weapons. Action which may promote illegal or anti-social behaviour, and portrayals of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy, are of particular concern. Examples of the Board’s concerns in this area include
combat techniques, hanging, suicide and self-harm.

Horror

The BBFC recognises that audiences pay to see horror films because they like being frightened. The Board does not cut films simply because they alarm or shock. Instead, it classifies them to ensure that the young and vulnerable are protected from too intense an experience.

Drugs

No work taken as a whole may promote or encourage the use of illegal drugs. Any detailed portrayal of drug use likely to promote or glamorise the activity may be cut. Works which promote or glamorise smoking, alcohol abuse or substance misuse may also be a concern, particularly at the junior categories.

U Certificate is Universal – Suitable for all

It is impossible to predict what might upset any particular child. But a ‘U’ film should be suitable for audiences aged four years and over. ‘U’ films should be set within a positive moral framework and should offer reassuring
counterbalances to any violence, threat or horror.

Videos classified ‘Uc’ are particularly suitable for pre-school children and normally raise none of the issues set out below.

Theme: Treatment of problematic themes must be sensitive and appropriate for a younger audience.

Language: Infrequent use only of very mild bad language.

Nudity: Occasional natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex: Mild sexual behaviour (eg kissing) and references only (eg to ‘making love’).

Violence:Mild violence only. Occasional mild threat or menace only.

Imitable techniques: No emphasis on realistic or easily accessible weapons. No potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.

Horror:Horror effects should be mild and brief and should take account of the presence of very young viewers. The outcome should be reassuring.

Drugs:No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless there is a clear educational purpose or clear anti-drug message suitable for the audience.

PG: Parental Guidance

Parental Guidance – General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for young children.

Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

Theme:Where more serious issues are featured (eg domestic violence, racist abuse) nothing in their treatment should condone the behaviour.

Language:Mild bad language only.

Nudity:Natural nudity, with no sexual context.

Sex:Sexual activity may be implied, but should be discreet and infrequent. Mild sex references and innuendo only.

Violence:Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed, if justified by its setting (eg historic, comedy or fantasy).

Imitable techniques:No glamorisation of realistic or easily accessible weapons. No detail of potentially dangerous behaviour which young children are likely to copy.

Horror:Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.

Drugs: Any references to illegal drugs or drug misuse must be innocuous or carry a suitable anti-drug message.

12 A: Suitable for 12 years and over.

No-one younger than 12 may see a ‘12A’ film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult. No-one younger than 12 may rent or buy a ‘12’
rated video or DVD. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying or supervising adult.

Theme:Mature themes are acceptable, but their treatment must be suitable for young teenagers.

Language:The use of strong language (eg ‘fuck’) must be infrequent. Racist abuse is also of particular concern.

Nudity:Nudity is allowed, but in a sexual context must be brief and discreet.

Sex: Sexual activity may be implied. Sex references mayreflect what is likely to be familiar to most adolescents but should not go beyond what is suitable for them.

Violence: Violence must not dwell on detail. There should be no emphasis on injuries or blood. Sexual violence may only be implied or briefly and discreetly indicated.

Imitable techniques:Dangerous techniques (eg combat techniques, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail or appear pain or harm free. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Horror: Sustained moderate threat and menace are permitted. Occasional gory moments only.

Drugs: Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or instructional.

15: Suitable only for 15 years and over

No-one younger than 15 may see a ‘15’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 15 may rent or buy a ‘15’ rated video or DVD.

Theme: No theme is prohibited, provided the treatment is appropriate to 15 year olds.

Language: There may be frequent use of strong language (eg‘fuck’). But the strongest terms (eg ‘cunt’) will be acceptable only where justified by the context. Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable.

Nudity: Nudity may be allowed in a sexual context but without strong detail. There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context.

Sex: Sexual activity may be portrayed but without strong detail. There may be strong verbal references to sexual behaviour.

Violence: Violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury. Scenes of sexual violence must be discreet and brief.

Imitable techniques: Dangerous techniques (eg combat techniques, hanging, suicide and self-harming) should not dwell on imitable detail. Easily accessible weapons should not be glamorised.

Horror: Strong threat and menace are permitted. The strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable.

Drugs: Drug taking may be shown but the film as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.

18: Suitable only for adults

No-one younger than 18 may see an ‘18’ film in a cinema. No-one younger than 18 may rent or buy an ‘18’ rated video. In line with the consistent findings of the BBFC’s public consultations, at ‘18’ the BBFC’s guideline concerns will not normally override the wish that adults should be free to
chose their own entertainment, within the law. Exceptions are most likely in the following areas where material or treatment appears to the Board to risk harm to individuals or, through their behaviour, to society – eg any detailed portrayal of violent or dangerous acts, or of illegal drug use, which is likely
to promote the activity.

The Board may also intervene with portrayals of sexual violence which might, eg eroticise or endorse sexual assault the more explicit images of sexual activity – unless they can be exceptionally justified by context and the work is not a ‘sex work’ as defined below.

In the case of videos and DVDs, which may be more accessible to younger viewers, intervention may be more frequent. For the same reason, and because of the different way in which they are experienced, the Board may take a more precautionary approach in the case of those digital games which are covered by the Video Recordings Act.

Sex education at ‘18’: Where sex material genuinely seeks to inform and educate in matters such as human sexuality, safe sex and health, exceptions to the normal constraints on explicit images may be made in the public interest. Such explicit detail must be kept to the minimum necessary to illustrate the educational or instructional points being made.

Sex works at ‘18’: Sex works are works, normally on video or DVD, whose
primary purpose is sexual arousal or stimulation. Sex works containing only material which may be simulated are generally passed ‘18’, while sex works containing clear images of real sex are confined to the ‘R18’ category.

R18: Restricted 18

To be shown only in specially licensed cinemas, or supplied only in licensed sex shops, and to persons of not less than 18 years.

The ‘R18’ category is a special and legally restricted classification primarily for explicit works of consenting sex between adults. Films may only be shown to adults in specially licensed cinemas, and videos may be supplied to adults only in licensed sex shops.

‘R18’ videos may not be supplied by mail order. The following content is not acceptable any material which is in breach of the criminal law, including material judged to be obscene under the current interpretation of the Obscene Publications Act 1959 material (including dialogue) likely to encourage an interest in sexually abusive activity (eg paedophilia, incest, rape) which may include adults role-playing as non-adults the portrayal of any sexual activity which involves lack of consent (whether real or simulated).

Any form of physical restraint which prevents participants from indicating a withdrawal of consent the infliction of pain or physical harm, real or (in a sexual context) simulated. Some allowance may be made for mild consensual activity. Penetration by any object likely to cause actual harm or associated with violence any sexual threats, humiliation or abuse which does not form part of a clearly consenting role-playing game.

Strong abuse, even if consensual, is unlikely to be acceptable.

These guidelines will be applied to the same standard whether the activity is heterosexual or homosexual.

Rejects

The Board will attempt to deal with films, videos or DVDs which are unacceptable at any category through intervention such as making cuts or requiring the addition of warning captions. If this is not possible or not acceptable to the distributor, works may be refused classification altogether. ‘Taboo’ themes are acceptable, but not if their treatment is likely to encourage harm to viewers or, through their behaviour, to society.

The following are of particular concern graphic rape or torture sadistic violence or terrorisation illegal and glamorised drug use material likely to incite racial hatred or violence portrayals of children in a sexualised or abusive context sex accompanied by non-consensual pain, injury or humiliation material likely to be found obscene by the courts.

Appeals

A distributor who disagrees with a classification decision for their work may appeal against it directly to the Board. Additionally, in the case of films, the company (or any member of the public) may address itself to the local authority which licenses cinemas in a particular area. In the case of videos, DVDs and games a company may appeal to the Video Appeals Committee which is independent of the Board.

The public can make its views known to the Board at any stage of the classification process.

British Board of Film Classification
3 Soho Square
London
W1D 3HD

Main website: www.bbfc.co.uk
Website for children (ages 9-12): www.cbbfc.co.uk
Website for students (age 12+): www.sbbfc.co.uk
t: 020 7440 1570
f: 020 7287 0141

e: contact_the_bbfc@bbfc.co.uk

Courtesy: BBFC, UK.

READ A COMPLETE GUIDE TO FILM DISTRIBUTION