Assessment - starter:
Was the BBFC correct in banning this film? Why? (Refer to an audience theories to apply to your answer)
Debates: BBFC Arguments For & Against
Q1: Which of the following
is an argument for or against the effectiveness of the BBFC?
1.
BBFC are a pro-active body which inspects all film
content before classification and release. This protects the general public
from any harmful or offensive material, and reduces any chance of influencing
the vulnerable.
2.
BBFC struggles with the free nature of the internet as
it undermines their code of conduct as a regulatory body (The majority of
banned/cut films can be easily found online – which has loose age restriction
guidelines in place or none at all).
3.
BBFC (although pro-active) can also be re-active if
they receive complaints about a classified film upon its release.
4.
BBFC have been heavily influenced by desensitisation,
having to re-classify past films and being made to be more flexible with
extreme content (Ratings creep). BBFC helps parents and guardians by specifying
the content of each film with each age classification certificate.
5.
BBFC place as an organisation is at threat, due to the
struggles of regulating online film viewing. This is mainly due to illegal
downloading and sharing content. BBFC are able to adapt with societies demands
by adjusting film classifications if required over a period of time (Ratings
creep).
6.
They are versatile body. BBFC’s regulation of films
prevent parents from making their own decisions based on their own knowledge of
their children.
7.
BBFC have the power to cut or ban film releases. This
ensures that they protect the film makers as well as the public.
8.
BBFC make generalised decisions for everyone, without
considering the public as individuals (e.g. suggesting all 15 year olds have
the same maturity levels).
9.
BBFC protects children from seeing film content that
is inappropriate for their age, such as swearing, adult themes, violence or
drug taking- through age certificates.
10. BBFC have not
banned a film for almost three years (Hate Crime). This could demonstrate a
changing in society where they become redundant as a body.
11. BBFC
currently only regulate film, having also regulated gaming until 2008. The UK
film industry is extremely large and powerful, so it requires one specific
body.
12. BBFC as a
self-regulated body could prevent people from taking individual responsibility
for their actions.
13. BBFC aims to
support film makers through respecting and considering any appeals process. The
BBFC also always aim to get a film released through classification.
14. BBFC
regulation can restrict freedom of expression for film makers.
15. BBFC introduced
the 12A demonstrating that they are not power hungry, but in fact want to help
and support parents in ensuring their children are protected.
16. BBFC can do
nothing if a parent or older friend purchases and allows a younger audience
member to watch a film that is not age suitable.
17. BBFC
introduced ‘Parent Port’ as an online website used to educate parents about the
film content that their children maybe consuming.
18. BBFC are
self-regulated and financed by the film studios/industry. This ensures they are
not biased in their practice as a regulatory organisation.
Q2: Which of
the arguments above would be relevant to
the following Case Studies?
Hate
Crime
|
Deadpool
|
50
Shades of Grey
|
Blue
is the Warmest Colour
|
|
For
|
||||
Against
|
Q3. Which of the theories would
be relevant to the following debates and
Case Studies?
Hate
Crime
|
Deadpool
|
50
Shades of Grey
|
Blue
is the Warmest Colour
|
|
Theory
|
