Family animation Minions also received double digit complaints from members of the public.
Kingsman: The Secret Service and latest James Bond outing Spectre topped the 2015 list of film complaints received by ratings body the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), according to the organisation’s annual report.
Matthew Vaughn’s comic book adaptation Kingsman received 38 complaints from members of the public, with the primary reason being the level of violence in the 15-rated film, with one scene set in a church (featuring Colin Firth attacking a group of churchgoers) causing particular offence.
The BBFC comments that it saw an incomplete version of the film which would have received an 18 classification, and provided advice on how to reduce its rating by shortening moments of strong violence and not dwelling on pain or injury.
The organisation notes that one particular crude sex reference drew multiple complaints, but was left in the film due to comic context.
The BBFC also...
Kingsman: The Secret Service and latest James Bond outing Spectre topped the 2015 list of film complaints received by ratings body the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), according to the organisation’s annual report.
Matthew Vaughn’s comic book adaptation Kingsman received 38 complaints from members of the public, with the primary reason being the level of violence in the 15-rated film, with one scene set in a church (featuring Colin Firth attacking a group of churchgoers) causing particular offence.
The BBFC comments that it saw an incomplete version of the film which would have received an 18 classification, and provided advice on how to reduce its rating by shortening moments of strong violence and not dwelling on pain or injury.
The organisation notes that one particular crude sex reference drew multiple complaints, but was left in the film due to comic context.
The BBFC also...
- 7/1/2016
- ScreenDaily
Current director David Cooke to step down in March 2016.
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has appointed David Austin as its new director.
Austin is currently assistant director at the BBFC, coordinating the body’s policy work and leading on its public affairs outreach.
He is also responsible for managing the BBFC’s research, communications and education programmes.
Austin is due to take up the post on March 12, 2016, when current director, David Cooke, retires.
Former diplomat Austin joined the BBFC in 2003 as an examiner. He moved to the role of assistant director, policy and public affairs in 2011, overseeing the most recent public consultation of the BBFC Classification Guidelines in 2013; the introduction of the BBFC Mobile Classification Framework used by UK Mobile Network Operators in 2013; and the BBFC’s partnership with the UK music industry and Vevo and YouTube to bring age ratings to online music videos in 2015.
The appointment panel included Graham Lee and Maggie Carver...
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has appointed David Austin as its new director.
Austin is currently assistant director at the BBFC, coordinating the body’s policy work and leading on its public affairs outreach.
He is also responsible for managing the BBFC’s research, communications and education programmes.
Austin is due to take up the post on March 12, 2016, when current director, David Cooke, retires.
Former diplomat Austin joined the BBFC in 2003 as an examiner. He moved to the role of assistant director, policy and public affairs in 2011, overseeing the most recent public consultation of the BBFC Classification Guidelines in 2013; the introduction of the BBFC Mobile Classification Framework used by UK Mobile Network Operators in 2013; and the BBFC’s partnership with the UK music industry and Vevo and YouTube to bring age ratings to online music videos in 2015.
The appointment panel included Graham Lee and Maggie Carver...
- 11/24/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Cooke introduced controversial BBFCinsight policy, which viewers claimed led to spoilers, and oversaw rewrite of the board’s rulebook on horror movies
The director of the British Board of Film Classification, David Cooke, is to retire after 12 years in the post.
Cooke, 60, will step down from the role in March 2016. The former civil servant has overseen a number of controversial ratings of high-profile movies, including the decisions to hand 2008’s The Dark Knight and 2012’s The Hunger Games 12A certificates.
Continue reading...
The director of the British Board of Film Classification, David Cooke, is to retire after 12 years in the post.
Cooke, 60, will step down from the role in March 2016. The former civil servant has overseen a number of controversial ratings of high-profile movies, including the decisions to hand 2008’s The Dark Knight and 2012’s The Hunger Games 12A certificates.
Continue reading...
- 8/19/2015
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
David Cooke will step down in March 2016 after 12 years in the position.
The director of the British Board Of Film Classification (BBFC), David Cooke, will retire on March 12, 2016, following 12 years in the job.
Prior to joining the BBFC, Cooke held six director position in the UK government, including in the Cabinet Office, the Home Office, and Northern Ireland Office, when he worked on the Northern Ireland peace process.
“Being director of the BBFC is a wonderful job,” Cooke said. “It comes with superb colleagues and an endlessly fascinating subject matter. The danger is that you will outstay your welcome because you cannot bring yourself to leave. That’s why I decided, some time ago, that I would retire when I was 60.
“I’ve tried, with the presidential team and the council of management, to make the BBFC more open and informative, more approachable, and above all more useful to the public at a time when the proliferation...
The director of the British Board Of Film Classification (BBFC), David Cooke, will retire on March 12, 2016, following 12 years in the job.
Prior to joining the BBFC, Cooke held six director position in the UK government, including in the Cabinet Office, the Home Office, and Northern Ireland Office, when he worked on the Northern Ireland peace process.
“Being director of the BBFC is a wonderful job,” Cooke said. “It comes with superb colleagues and an endlessly fascinating subject matter. The danger is that you will outstay your welcome because you cannot bring yourself to leave. That’s why I decided, some time ago, that I would retire when I was 60.
“I’ve tried, with the presidential team and the council of management, to make the BBFC more open and informative, more approachable, and above all more useful to the public at a time when the proliferation...
- 8/19/2015
- ScreenDaily
The BBFC has released a video explaining how the 12A system works. But does it make sense, and how effective is it?
In mid-July, it emerged that the Tom Cruise action movie Jack Reacher had received a number of complaints for the intensity of its violence. Jack Reacher, you may recall, was released in a slightly cut form with a 12A certificate last year, and remained an intense and quite violent adaptation of Lee Child’s source thriller novel.
Complaints about the film emerged in the BBFC’s annual report, which stated that a total of 26 people had picked fault with the Board’s rating. “Despite a number of reductions made to scenes of violence to achieve a 12A certificate,” the BBFC said, “those who contacted us considered the film too violent, dark and sadistic for 12-year-olds, and inappropriately presented the hero as a vigilante figure.”
Criticisms over Jack Reacher...
In mid-July, it emerged that the Tom Cruise action movie Jack Reacher had received a number of complaints for the intensity of its violence. Jack Reacher, you may recall, was released in a slightly cut form with a 12A certificate last year, and remained an intense and quite violent adaptation of Lee Child’s source thriller novel.
Complaints about the film emerged in the BBFC’s annual report, which stated that a total of 26 people had picked fault with the Board’s rating. “Despite a number of reductions made to scenes of violence to achieve a 12A certificate,” the BBFC said, “those who contacted us considered the film too violent, dark and sadistic for 12-year-olds, and inappropriately presented the hero as a vigilante figure.”
Criticisms over Jack Reacher...
- 7/29/2014
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
British Board of Film Classification aims to increase public understanding of 12A rating after research revealed 27% of cinema-goers were unclear about its meaning.
The BBFC has created an advert to help increase awareness of what the 12A cinema rating means, which will screen in cinemas over the summer from Aug 1.
It follows research that suggested 27% of cinema-goers were unclear about the meaning of the certificate, despite a record number of films being rated 12A in 2013.
A total of 321 movies were given the classification in 2013, including The Hunger Games and Gravity, up from 234 in 2012.
A film rated 12A is generally suitable for children aged 12 and over, but a younger child may see the film if accompanied by an adult.
The advert reminds parents to check the BBFCinsight – which explains the key classification issues in a film – on the BBFC website for every 12A film before they take a child to see it.
BBFC Director...
The BBFC has created an advert to help increase awareness of what the 12A cinema rating means, which will screen in cinemas over the summer from Aug 1.
It follows research that suggested 27% of cinema-goers were unclear about the meaning of the certificate, despite a record number of films being rated 12A in 2013.
A total of 321 movies were given the classification in 2013, including The Hunger Games and Gravity, up from 234 in 2012.
A film rated 12A is generally suitable for children aged 12 and over, but a younger child may see the film if accompanied by an adult.
The advert reminds parents to check the BBFCinsight – which explains the key classification issues in a film – on the BBFC website for every 12A film before they take a child to see it.
BBFC Director...
- 7/29/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
British Board of Film Classification aims to increase public understanding of 12A rating after research revealed 27% of cinema-goers were unclear about its meaning.
The BBFC has created an advert to help increase awareness of what the 12A cinema rating means, which will screen in cinemas over the summer from Aug 1.
It follows research that suggested 27% of cinema-goers were unclear about the meaning of the certificate, despite a record number of films being rated 12A in 2013.
A total of 321 movies were given the classification in 2013, including The Hunger Games and Gravity, up from 234 in 2012.
A film rated 12A is generally suitable for children aged 12 and over, but a younger child may see the film if accompanied by an adult.
The advert reminds parents to check the BBFCinsight – which explains the key classification issues in a film – on the BBFC website for every 12A film before they take a child to see it.
BBFC Director...
The BBFC has created an advert to help increase awareness of what the 12A cinema rating means, which will screen in cinemas over the summer from Aug 1.
It follows research that suggested 27% of cinema-goers were unclear about the meaning of the certificate, despite a record number of films being rated 12A in 2013.
A total of 321 movies were given the classification in 2013, including The Hunger Games and Gravity, up from 234 in 2012.
A film rated 12A is generally suitable for children aged 12 and over, but a younger child may see the film if accompanied by an adult.
The advert reminds parents to check the BBFCinsight – which explains the key classification issues in a film – on the BBFC website for every 12A film before they take a child to see it.
BBFC Director...
- 7/29/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
2013 saw a record rise in movies granted the 12A certificate.
In total 321 big screen releases were rated 12A last year, including box office hit The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and the Oscar-winning Gravity.
The number represents a sharp climb from the 234 12A titles in 2012. However, according to BBFC director David Cooke, there is still some consumer confusion about what the certificate means.
Cooke told the BBC that a "significant minority" of 10,000 people polled - 27% - were unclear about the rating.
"It's inherently a slightly more complicated explanation than most," he said, adding that "parents are far better placed than us to judge whether a particular film would give their child too intense an experience or not".
12A releases have now overtaken 15 certificate films. The rating means that children under the age of 12 must be accompanied to the film by an adult.
BBFC launches new guidelines: More weight on theme and...
In total 321 big screen releases were rated 12A last year, including box office hit The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and the Oscar-winning Gravity.
The number represents a sharp climb from the 234 12A titles in 2012. However, according to BBFC director David Cooke, there is still some consumer confusion about what the certificate means.
Cooke told the BBC that a "significant minority" of 10,000 people polled - 27% - were unclear about the rating.
"It's inherently a slightly more complicated explanation than most," he said, adding that "parents are far better placed than us to judge whether a particular film would give their child too intense an experience or not".
12A releases have now overtaken 15 certificate films. The rating means that children under the age of 12 must be accompanied to the film by an adult.
BBFC launches new guidelines: More weight on theme and...
- 7/17/2014
- Digital Spy
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has outlined plans to adjust its policy towards sexual and sadistic violence in films in order to address key areas of public concern.
The UK movies regulator carried out research in 2002 and 2012 which revealed public worries about the depiction of rape, sexual assault and other sadistic violence in films and videos.
BBFC launches new guidelines: More weight on theme and tone
According to the research, the public believes that adults should be able to choose what they see as long as it is legal and not potentially harmful.
However, concerns were expressed about inexperienced young men and more vulnerable viewers watching content that could potentially normalise rape, other violence and give a "distorted view of women".
Director of the BBFC David Cooke said: "There is no 'one size fits all' rule for any theme under the BBFC classification guidelines, as long as what...
The UK movies regulator carried out research in 2002 and 2012 which revealed public worries about the depiction of rape, sexual assault and other sadistic violence in films and videos.
BBFC launches new guidelines: More weight on theme and tone
According to the research, the public believes that adults should be able to choose what they see as long as it is legal and not potentially harmful.
However, concerns were expressed about inexperienced young men and more vulnerable viewers watching content that could potentially normalise rape, other violence and give a "distorted view of women".
Director of the BBFC David Cooke said: "There is no 'one size fits all' rule for any theme under the BBFC classification guidelines, as long as what...
- 5/28/2014
- Digital Spy
As Lars Von Trier's controversial and explicit sex odyssey opens in cinemas this weekend, we ask actors what they think about being asked to perform in increasingly graphic sex scenes
The script, Christophe Paou says, was even more sexually explicit, so the French actor knew what he was getting himself into when he signed up for Alain Guiraudie's film, Stranger By the Lake. Paou plays Michel, a handsome and charismatic man – with an extremely sinister side – who meets Franck, a younger man, at a cruising spot. Stranger By the Lake is one of two sexually-explicit films released this weekend, the other being Lars von Trier's much-hyped Nymphomaniac, in which Charlotte Gainsbourg plays Joe, a sex addict. Both films use body doubles for the genital close-ups and the explicit scenes.
Nymphomaniac's producer Louise Vesth said: "We shot the actors pretending to have sex and then had the body doubles,...
The script, Christophe Paou says, was even more sexually explicit, so the French actor knew what he was getting himself into when he signed up for Alain Guiraudie's film, Stranger By the Lake. Paou plays Michel, a handsome and charismatic man – with an extremely sinister side – who meets Franck, a younger man, at a cruising spot. Stranger By the Lake is one of two sexually-explicit films released this weekend, the other being Lars von Trier's much-hyped Nymphomaniac, in which Charlotte Gainsbourg plays Joe, a sex addict. Both films use body doubles for the genital close-ups and the explicit scenes.
Nymphomaniac's producer Louise Vesth said: "We shot the actors pretending to have sex and then had the body doubles,...
- 2/23/2014
- by Emine Saner
- The Guardian - Film News
Film classification board responding to pressure from parents worried about sexual imagery available to children online
If it's not Miley Cyrus licking a sledgehammer, it's Robin Thicke cavorting with naked women or Lily Allen having liposuction and getting dancers to twerk for her. It has sometimes felt as if barely a week goes by without a new pop video cause celebre generating massive online traffic and causing outrage in equal measure. Now the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has said it wants an age-rating system for online videos introduced as soon as possible.
Following the issuing of new classification guidance from the BBFC on Monday, the organisation's assistant director, David Austin, said it was responding to pressure from parents who were concerned about the sexual imagery freely available to children who had access to the web, having already begun reviewing videos by artists such as Metallica, Robbie Williams and...
If it's not Miley Cyrus licking a sledgehammer, it's Robin Thicke cavorting with naked women or Lily Allen having liposuction and getting dancers to twerk for her. It has sometimes felt as if barely a week goes by without a new pop video cause celebre generating massive online traffic and causing outrage in equal measure. Now the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has said it wants an age-rating system for online videos introduced as soon as possible.
Following the issuing of new classification guidance from the BBFC on Monday, the organisation's assistant director, David Austin, said it was responding to pressure from parents who were concerned about the sexual imagery freely available to children who had access to the web, having already begun reviewing videos by artists such as Metallica, Robbie Williams and...
- 1/14/2014
- by Michael Hann
- The Guardian - Film News
Horror films to be more closely scrutinised under new certification guidelines.
The British Board of Film Classification is to pay more attention to the impact of gore and strong visuals in horror films under new certification guidelines revealed today.
Greater weight will be given to the theme and tone of a film or video, particularly around the 12A/12 and 15 level. Particular attention will be given to the psychological impact of horror, as well as strong visual detail such as gore.
However, a consultation that involved 10,000 members of the UK public revealed that while people want the BBFC to be stricter with the language allowed at U, they want it to be more flexible about allowing very strong language at 15. It revealed that context, not just frequency, is the most important factor in how language in films is perceived by the public.
A specific issue highlighted by the consultation is in relation to sexual content, where the public...
The British Board of Film Classification is to pay more attention to the impact of gore and strong visuals in horror films under new certification guidelines revealed today.
Greater weight will be given to the theme and tone of a film or video, particularly around the 12A/12 and 15 level. Particular attention will be given to the psychological impact of horror, as well as strong visual detail such as gore.
However, a consultation that involved 10,000 members of the UK public revealed that while people want the BBFC to be stricter with the language allowed at U, they want it to be more flexible about allowing very strong language at 15. It revealed that context, not just frequency, is the most important factor in how language in films is perceived by the public.
A specific issue highlighted by the consultation is in relation to sexual content, where the public...
- 1/13/2014
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has published its new classification guidelines together with the results of its most recent public consultation which underpins it.
The new guidelines follow a survey of 10,000 members of the public and will come into force from February 24.
Read the new BBFC Classification Guidelines in full
Read the BBFC's public consultation research report in full
As a result of the consultation, greater weight will be given to the theme and tone of a film or video, particularly around the 12A/12 and 15 level.
Additionally, special attention will be paid to the psychological impact of horror, as well as strong visual detail such as gore.
Context, rather than just frequency, was revealed to be the most important factor in the perception of language, and the public wants greater strictness at U certificate and more flexibility on strong language for 15-rated movies.
The public also revealed concerns...
The new guidelines follow a survey of 10,000 members of the public and will come into force from February 24.
Read the new BBFC Classification Guidelines in full
Read the BBFC's public consultation research report in full
As a result of the consultation, greater weight will be given to the theme and tone of a film or video, particularly around the 12A/12 and 15 level.
Additionally, special attention will be paid to the psychological impact of horror, as well as strong visual detail such as gore.
Context, rather than just frequency, was revealed to be the most important factor in the perception of language, and the public wants greater strictness at U certificate and more flexibility on strong language for 15-rated movies.
The public also revealed concerns...
- 1/13/2014
- Digital Spy
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has introduced a new tariff for short films made by students or first time filmmakers affiliated to a recognised funding scheme.
The aim is for films of up to 40 minutes to receive a theatrical rating at a reduced tariff.
The student short film tariff is available at £50+Vat for films of up to 20 minutes and £100+Vat for films of 20 to 40 minutes.
The film can be either fiction or non-fiction, but cannot be a trailer, advert or music promo and it must have been created through a recognised funding scheme or training initiative, no more than two academic years prior to the date of submission to the BBFC.
David Cooke, director, BBFC said: “We have seen an increase in the number of requests for short films, created as part of film studies or funding schemes, to be submitted for classification.
“We’re careful to advise students about seeking Local Authority permission...
The aim is for films of up to 40 minutes to receive a theatrical rating at a reduced tariff.
The student short film tariff is available at £50+Vat for films of up to 20 minutes and £100+Vat for films of 20 to 40 minutes.
The film can be either fiction or non-fiction, but cannot be a trailer, advert or music promo and it must have been created through a recognised funding scheme or training initiative, no more than two academic years prior to the date of submission to the BBFC.
David Cooke, director, BBFC said: “We have seen an increase in the number of requests for short films, created as part of film studies or funding schemes, to be submitted for classification.
“We’re careful to advise students about seeking Local Authority permission...
- 10/8/2013
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
BBFC working with Dutch media regulator Nicam to rate user-generated content that might ordinarily go unclassified
The British Board of Film Classification is developing a system which will allow the public to rate some online content.
The BBFC, which uses trained examiners to give certificates to cinematic and DVD releases, is working with Dutch media regulator Nicam to rate user-generated content that might ordinarily slip through the net and go unclassified.
BBFC director David Cooke said he was increasingly becoming involved with online material with the number of online-only classifications rising by 40%. It is now working on a "traffic light" system to warn users about the footage they are about to access, much of which is homemade with a short shelf-life and would not ordinarily come under the reach of the BBFC.
The system would involve viewers – and the person uploading the material – giving details about its content and could...
The British Board of Film Classification is developing a system which will allow the public to rate some online content.
The BBFC, which uses trained examiners to give certificates to cinematic and DVD releases, is working with Dutch media regulator Nicam to rate user-generated content that might ordinarily slip through the net and go unclassified.
BBFC director David Cooke said he was increasingly becoming involved with online material with the number of online-only classifications rising by 40%. It is now working on a "traffic light" system to warn users about the footage they are about to access, much of which is homemade with a short shelf-life and would not ordinarily come under the reach of the BBFC.
The system would involve viewers – and the person uploading the material – giving details about its content and could...
- 7/11/2013
- The Guardian - Film News
Viewer complained to British Board of Film Classification that the film might encourage children to play on railway tracks
Most people would think it one of the most unobjectionable films ever made but film censors revealed on Thursday that The Railway Children had received its first complaint – 42 years after its release.
It was not the sugary sentimentality, nor young Peter's bucket of water on the door prank with the maid. Not even Jenny Agutter boldly whipping off her red bloomers to prevent a crash.
No, the British Board of Film Classification said a correspondent had raised concerns that seeing the jolly japes of the three Edwardian children might encourage children to play on railway tracks.
"You never know quite what's going to flare up," said BBFC director David Cooke about one of the most unexpected complaints of the year.
Fortunately, it was not upheld. The board's annual report states: "While...
Most people would think it one of the most unobjectionable films ever made but film censors revealed on Thursday that The Railway Children had received its first complaint – 42 years after its release.
It was not the sugary sentimentality, nor young Peter's bucket of water on the door prank with the maid. Not even Jenny Agutter boldly whipping off her red bloomers to prevent a crash.
No, the British Board of Film Classification said a correspondent had raised concerns that seeing the jolly japes of the three Edwardian children might encourage children to play on railway tracks.
"You never know quite what's going to flare up," said BBFC director David Cooke about one of the most unexpected complaints of the year.
Fortunately, it was not upheld. The board's annual report states: "While...
- 7/11/2013
- by Mark Brown
- The Guardian - Film News
If you had to complain about 'The Railway Children' - what do you think you would complain about?
The conservative values on show in a family that's incomplete until father returns? The bloomers ripped off in a hurry by Jenny Agutter and Sally Thomsett? The inherent snobbery of a family who consider it a disaster that they can't have jam And butter on their bread?
The Railway Children has been an enduring favourite since release in 1970
Nope, it seems the One correspondent who complained this year to the British Board of Film Classification "was concerned that children may be encouraged to play on railway tracks as a result of seeing the film".
The BBFC (including its director David Cooke, who blogs regularly for HuffPostUK) took stock of the complaint, but concluded that it was "very unlikely" that The Railway Children would promote "such dangerous activity".
"The Railway Children...
The conservative values on show in a family that's incomplete until father returns? The bloomers ripped off in a hurry by Jenny Agutter and Sally Thomsett? The inherent snobbery of a family who consider it a disaster that they can't have jam And butter on their bread?
The Railway Children has been an enduring favourite since release in 1970
Nope, it seems the One correspondent who complained this year to the British Board of Film Classification "was concerned that children may be encouraged to play on railway tracks as a result of seeing the film".
The BBFC (including its director David Cooke, who blogs regularly for HuffPostUK) took stock of the complaint, but concluded that it was "very unlikely" that The Railway Children would promote "such dangerous activity".
"The Railway Children...
- 7/11/2013
- by The Huffington Post UK
- Huffington Post
BBFC director says there is “a political shift” taking place in relation to classification of online content; 2013 sees small number of complaints.
BBFC director David Cooke has said there is a “paradigm shift” taking place in relation to the classification of online content.
While the Video Recordings Act currently doesn’t apply to downloads, the number of online-only classifications rose by 40% last year.
Cooke, speaking at the launch of the BBFC annual report, said that there is currently “a paradigm shift” and “a political shift taking place in relation to [the classification of] online content…It is becoming clearer what our role is, and that both politicians and the public want us to play a role in online classification.”
The number of companies using the BBFC’s Watch & Rate service for online only content doubled, with 11 new platforms licensed to use BBFC ratings online, including Netflix, Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, Sainsbury’s, BA and Virgin Atlantic.
2012, the BBFC’s...
BBFC director David Cooke has said there is a “paradigm shift” taking place in relation to the classification of online content.
While the Video Recordings Act currently doesn’t apply to downloads, the number of online-only classifications rose by 40% last year.
Cooke, speaking at the launch of the BBFC annual report, said that there is currently “a paradigm shift” and “a political shift taking place in relation to [the classification of] online content…It is becoming clearer what our role is, and that both politicians and the public want us to play a role in online classification.”
The number of companies using the BBFC’s Watch & Rate service for online only content doubled, with 11 new platforms licensed to use BBFC ratings online, including Netflix, Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, Sainsbury’s, BA and Virgin Atlantic.
2012, the BBFC’s...
- 7/11/2013
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is to take over regulation of mobile internet content from the Mobile Classification Board (Imcb).
The BBFC will handle the ‘Classification Framework’ that enables mobile operators to restrict access to their commercial content considered unsuitable for customers under the age of 18.
This content includes video and Av material as well as mobile games. Mobile operators also use the framework to calibrate internet filters that parents can use to restrict content accessible by children via their internet access service.
The BBFC, which classifies films, DVDs and select video game and ads, will take on its new responsibilities from September 2.
The Imcb had handled the framework since its establishment in 2004.
Hamish MacLeod, chair of the Mobile Broadband Group, commented: “We are very grateful for the excellent work that the Imcb has done over the last eight years to support our code.
“However, with customers increasingly consuming content via mobile networks, we feel that...
The BBFC will handle the ‘Classification Framework’ that enables mobile operators to restrict access to their commercial content considered unsuitable for customers under the age of 18.
This content includes video and Av material as well as mobile games. Mobile operators also use the framework to calibrate internet filters that parents can use to restrict content accessible by children via their internet access service.
The BBFC, which classifies films, DVDs and select video game and ads, will take on its new responsibilities from September 2.
The Imcb had handled the framework since its establishment in 2004.
Hamish MacLeod, chair of the Mobile Broadband Group, commented: “We are very grateful for the excellent work that the Imcb has done over the last eight years to support our code.
“However, with customers increasingly consuming content via mobile networks, we feel that...
- 7/1/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Dark Knight actor signs up for sequel to notorious horror film, which British Board of Film Classification refused to classify
It was not so long ago that Eric Roberts was receiving praise for his classy supporting turn as mobster Sal Maroni in the acclaimed 2009 Christopher Nolan comic book movie The Dark Knight. Now Entertainment Weekly reports that the Oscar-nominated actor is poised to head into darker territory: he has signed up to star in the latest instalment of the notoriously nasty horror series The Human Centipede.
Roberts – brother of film star Julia – was nominated for his role as an escaped convict in 1985's Runaway Train. He will reportedly join Friday's Tommy "Tiny" Lister, Death Race's Robert Lasardo and former porn star Bree Olson in Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence). They join returning stars Dieter Laser and Laurence R Harvey, both of whom play villains, as well as the writer-director Tom Six.
It was not so long ago that Eric Roberts was receiving praise for his classy supporting turn as mobster Sal Maroni in the acclaimed 2009 Christopher Nolan comic book movie The Dark Knight. Now Entertainment Weekly reports that the Oscar-nominated actor is poised to head into darker territory: he has signed up to star in the latest instalment of the notoriously nasty horror series The Human Centipede.
Roberts – brother of film star Julia – was nominated for his role as an escaped convict in 1985's Runaway Train. He will reportedly join Friday's Tommy "Tiny" Lister, Death Race's Robert Lasardo and former porn star Bree Olson in Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence). They join returning stars Dieter Laser and Laurence R Harvey, both of whom play villains, as well as the writer-director Tom Six.
- 5/30/2013
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
To those that lived through the dark periods of the BBFC, the Video Nasties debacle and beyond, the current classification/censorship situation in the UK may well seem like something of a dream scenario. Week after week previously banned films are released uncut, possibly surprisingly nuanced decisions are being made – the 15 certificate for Kick Ass, for instance – and the BBFC are providing the public with a great deal of information regarding their decisions. Taking a look at the BBFC website one finds a plethora of information about certification decisions and a number of documents relating to research and processes. David Cooke, the current Director of the BBFC, even blogs at The Huffington Post.
It may well seem like a new dawn for transparency and freedom of artistic expression, but recent decisions by the BBFC and published documents relating to the body have got many film fans worried that we are...
It may well seem like a new dawn for transparency and freedom of artistic expression, but recent decisions by the BBFC and published documents relating to the body have got many film fans worried that we are...
- 3/18/2013
- by Craig Skinner
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
BBFC decision comes after research finds public concern over effect on 'vulnerable viewers', especially young men
Classification chiefs will tighten their policy on "sexual or sadistic violence" after new research found public concern over its effect on "vulnerable viewers".
The research, carried out on behalf of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), comes after controversy over so-called torture porn films including The Human Centipede II.
More than two and a half minutes were cut from the film about an obsessed horror movie fan who staples people together for kicks before it was given a certificate last year.
Around the same time the BBFC banned another film – The Bunny Game – about a prostitute kidnapped and sexually abused by a trucker.
Both films, and other controversial titles including A Serbian Film and Lars von Trier's Antichrist, were shown to carefully selected focus groups as part of the research.
The BBFC...
Classification chiefs will tighten their policy on "sexual or sadistic violence" after new research found public concern over its effect on "vulnerable viewers".
The research, carried out on behalf of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), comes after controversy over so-called torture porn films including The Human Centipede II.
More than two and a half minutes were cut from the film about an obsessed horror movie fan who staples people together for kicks before it was given a certificate last year.
Around the same time the BBFC banned another film – The Bunny Game – about a prostitute kidnapped and sexually abused by a trucker.
Both films, and other controversial titles including A Serbian Film and Lars von Trier's Antichrist, were shown to carefully selected focus groups as part of the research.
The BBFC...
- 12/10/2012
- The Guardian - Film News
After a century looking out for the nation's sensibilities and a new president taking charge, the British Board of Film Classification has much to scrutinise – not least its own history
After 100 years of trimming the naughty and nasty bits from films, the board that classifies all entertainment for theatrical release in Britain is training up its new chief censor, a solicitor.
But if you, like the new man, had already worked at the cutting edge of censorship for some time and were an expert in the legal arguments surrounding the public screening of scenes of violence and depravity, would there really be anything left to learn?
Apparently so, for Patrick Swaffer, who was appointed president of the British Board of Film Classification last month, is undergoing an "induction period" in a job that will see his signature projected on to cinema screens across the land on certification cards for years to come.
After 100 years of trimming the naughty and nasty bits from films, the board that classifies all entertainment for theatrical release in Britain is training up its new chief censor, a solicitor.
But if you, like the new man, had already worked at the cutting edge of censorship for some time and were an expert in the legal arguments surrounding the public screening of scenes of violence and depravity, would there really be anything left to learn?
Apparently so, for Patrick Swaffer, who was appointed president of the British Board of Film Classification last month, is undergoing an "induction period" in a job that will see his signature projected on to cinema screens across the land on certification cards for years to come.
- 11/11/2012
- by Vanessa Thorpe
- The Guardian - Film News
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