The British Board of Film Cassification (BBFC) is a non-governmental organisation responsible for film age classifications in the UK. Film classification is needed to protect children from unsuitable content within films and also gives viewers the opportunity to decide whether or not to watch a film based on its content.
The BBFC work by having two examiners watching a film for its theatrical release (one for DVD) and giving it both an age rating and short description of issues found within the film such as swearing or drugs so the viewer knows what they or their children are watching. Each age rating has its own standards of what is or is not allowed, BBFC give a film an age rating depending on whether it matches the criteria or not. A senior examiner will then confirm the two examiners' reccomendation and if they disagree with the rating, the film will be seen by other members of the board, include the chief executive and presidential team. Sometimes the BBFC will also take specialist advice on the legal acceptability of the film and whether it has any potential for harm.
The themes looked at include discrimination, drugs, horror, imitable behaviour, language, nudity, sex, and violence. Tone is also taken into consideration as often a horrific scene can be very different depending on whether its tone is also horrific. DVD and Blu-ray rating tends to be more strict than cinema release as home viewing is more accessible for underage viewers, this is why cinemas allow a 12A whereas a home release becomes a 12.
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