Regulatory Bodies - BBFC

BBFC is the British Board of Film Classification (originally called British Board of Film Censors), which his a non-governmental body that classifies cinema films before their release. It was set up in 1912 by the film industry as they would much rather manager their own classification rather than the national/government do it. They have a specific requirement for when they classify videos, DVDs and to a minor extent some video games under the Videos Recordings Act 2010. Its legal basis was the Cinematography act 1909 which meant cinemas had to have licenses from local authorities. Its name changed in 1984, from British boards of Film Censors to British Board of Film Classification because at that time it was given the responsibility for classifying videos to hire or purchase to view in the home as well as ones shown in the cinema. As well as the classification plays a bigger part in the boards work than censorship. In 1986 BBFC was given its first computer game to certify, which was Dracula and was given the certificated of 15. Jack the Ripper was the first game to be certified an 18, this was in 1987.

The BBFC is a non-profitable organisation, the fee's they have only accommodate to cover its costs. It doesn't receive subsidies from the government nor the film industry, this is to ensure they keep their independence. The BBFC's income comes only the amount they charge for its services, they calculated this by measuring the running time of films submitted for classification. They will consult the Department of Culture, Media and Sport before they make any sort of changes to the fees.

  - Universal, meaning it is suitable for all ages.

 - Parental Guidance, suitable for all ages however some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. It could contain mild sex/drugs reference or violence so parents should check before they allow their children to watch.

- 12A, This is only used in cinema. It means it is considered to be unsuitable for very young children. Children under the age of 12 are allowed to see the film is accompanied by an adult who must be over the age of 18. These films often include soft drugs, discrimination, strong language, moderate violence, nudity, sexual references.

- 12, This means the film is suitable for children aged 12 years and over and not to be seen by another below the age. It includes the same guidelines as 12A certificate. It is illegal for anyone to rent or sell a 12-rated film etc. to anyone underage.

- 15, Not suitable to anyone below the age of 15 years. It is illegal for anyone to sell/rent a film or supply a cinema ticket for a film etc. to anyone under the age. These films tend to contain hard drugs, foul language, strong violence, sex reference, nudity but not graphic. Sexual activity can be portrayed but not with strong detail as well as sexual violence may be shown but is discreet and justified by context.

18, Films with this rating are suitable for only 18 year olds and over. It is illegal for anyone to sell/rent a film etc. or cinema ticket to anyone under the age. These films have no limitation to foul language used, hard drugs are allowed, explicit sex reference with detail, scene ors strong real sex may be permitted. Strong, gory violence and sexual violence is permitted unless it excessively graphic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_British_film_certificates - This shows the changes in the classifications over time.

Coraline

In the guidelines for BBFC it states that the PG classifications could contains some scary moments and Coraline has a 'general air' of eeriness and spookiness. They allow some elements of 'horror' but it must meet the criteria, the frightening sequences can't be intense, which in Coraline they aren't. The film includes elements which reduce the intensity of the supposedly frightening scenes as they contain a bit of comedy and silly songs and dancing. The examiner didn't feel like U was suitable as they had elements which scares come from people/places that children should feel safe too i.e. homes and parents. Coraline is in the fantasy film category which fits the child audience as of the fairy tales.