Film classification in the UK Jim Barratt 10 February 2009

Aim Introduction to UK film and video classification Overview Why study censorship? Brief history Legal considerations BBFC structure Mechanics of classification Challenges

Why study censorship? It is intrinsic to the film business- the way films are made, marketed, distributed and consumed Knowledge of the classification system informs film making and marketing decisions, and the way audiences approach films Example: PG-13 f-word Boundary setting defines the limits of acceptability and film makers and marketers sometimes like to push against boundaries Example: 9 Songs (2005) 'The most sexually explicit film in the history of British cinema' (The Guardian)

Charlie's Angels (2000) This is England (2007)

Brief history Key trend over time= liberalisation and rationalisation Moralistic paternalism Bureaucratic protectionism Unwritten rules Shared values, rigid moral code We know what's best for you Published guidelines Public consultation Child protection

1912 Social changes Censorship changes 1920s1930s1940s British Board of Film Censors established Prohibits 'indecorous, ambiguous and irreverent titles', 'unnecessary exhibition of under- clothing' etc introduction of 'U', 'A' and 'H' symbols Pre-war: Victorian values Inter-war years: General strike, Depression and decline of the empire

1950s Social changes Censorship changes 1960s1970s 'X' category introduced The Wild One (1954) Release delayed for 13 years for 'spectacle of unbridled hooliganism' Lady Chatterley's Lover trial Post-war prosperity & birth of the teenager! Baby-boomers come of age; sexual and social liberation The dream sours: economic downturn and social unrest 'X' raised to 18

1980s Home video takes off ‘Video nasties’- DPP list Video Recordings Act 1984 Name changed to British Board of Film Classification ‘A’ becomes ‘PG’, ‘AA’ changes to ‘15’ and ‘X’ becomes ‘18’. ‘R18’ introduced for films to be shown in private members clubs or sold in licensed premises ‘12’ rating added in 1989 (Batman)

1990s Juvenile crime and video violence Criminal Justice and Public Order Act Andreas Whittam Smith becomes President and steers Board towards greater openness and transparency (published guidelines) Consultation led to relaxation of sex restrictions at ‘15’ and ‘18’. Portrayal of real sex was allowed at ‘18’ provided it was ‘exceptionally justified by context’

2000s ‘12A’ replaces ‘12’ for film- parental responsibility Consumer advice Byron Review of child safety in the digital age (2008) BBFC Online –63% of adults (74% of parents) are concerned about downloading video material which does not come with independent content advice and labeling. –84% of adults (91% of parents) want to see BBFC film and DVD classification on downloadable / streaming films and other digital audiovisual content.

“We give the public information that empowers them to make appropriate viewing decisions for themselves and those in their care. We help to protect vulnerable viewers and society from the effects of viewing potentially harmful or unsuitable content while respecting adult freedom of choice.” BBFC Vision Statement

Cuts and rejections over the decades Question: Which decade saw more films cut and banned than any other? Clue: It's not the one with the strictest rules

Source: BBFC

Legal considerations (1) Video Recordings Act 1984 –Requires BBFC to have special regard for any harm to those likely to view a video and any harm to society through the behaviour of those viewers Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937 –It is illegal to show any scene ‘organised or directed’ to involve actual cruelty to animals (e.g. Snatch 2000)

Legal considerations (2) Protection of Children Act 1978 –It is illegal to show indecent photographs of a child (under 18) Obscene Publications Act 1959 –It is illegal to show a work that is obscene. A work may be found obscene if, taken as a whole, it has the tendency to ‘deprave and corrupt’ a significant proportion of the audience.

BBFC structure President & vice presidents Director Council of Management Heads of Policy & Press Examining teamAdministration Advisory Panel on Children's Viewing Consultative Committee Video Appeals Committee

Mechanics of classification Films are submitted by distributors and classified for a fee They are viewed by two examiners, who write a report recommending a classification Others are involved if decision is not forthcoming or likely to be controversial There is no automatic right of appeal for film decisions (End of the Affair, 1999; Honest, 2000; This is England, 2007)

Challenges Legal reforms Availability of unclassified works (e.g. piracy, grey imports etc.) New formats that bypass the system (e.g. downloads, mobile applications etc.) Media literacy is seen as one solution