BBFC Research

I am researching the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) as it will be helpful when it comes to making my own teaser trailer. It will mean that myself and the rest of the group will know what can be included and what it is not alright to include for our target audience, as all films are classified under a certain age, and we will have to choose the one that applies to our film trailer.




The BBFC are a non-govenmental organisation who are funded by the film industry. They are responsible for the national classification of films all over the UK, and they must classify all DVDs and videos, as well as some video games (under the Video Recordings Act 2010.) Even though it is up to the BBFC to rate and classify theatrical films local authorities do have the power to decide under what circumstances the film should be shown in the cinema, but they do usually follow the advice of the BBFC.

The Video Recordings Act means that any film that has not been certified cannot be supplied. It also restricts whether or not the film is sold to under 18's, only 18's or is specially limited to be sold in licensed sex-shops.

As the certification which each film has been given must be displayed on the packaging and the proudct it means that only UK releases can be sold or hired in the UK, even if there were a foreign copy with identical content.

Some video games such as The Grand Theft Auto Series are also rated by the BBFC, but if they contain extreme violence or encourage criminal activity then they would be rated by the Video Standards Council instead. Other video games may be submitted at the publisher's discretion.

Each film/ video game comes with a certificate where it tells the consumer how much sex, viloence and coarse language there is in it. If the product specifies that it can only be bought by someone of a certain age then only those above that age can purchase it.

The BBFC can advise the producers of the film to make cuts in order for the film to be given a lower rating than it would be otherwise. It is compulsary for scenes to be cut if they violate the Protection of Children Act or Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act, but if they do not then it is up to the distributor to make the final decision about whether cuts are necessary. If the cuts are not made then the film or video game may be rejected.

The examiners and directors who work for the BBFC are required to watch 5 hours 20 mins of media, to a maximum of 35 hours a week. All of those who work for the BBFC are hired on a permanent basis.