History of the BBFC; 2000s

New Guidelines 2000;- In 1999, the Board embarked on an extensive consultation process to gauge public opinion before the compilation of new Classification Guidelines
- Many surveys and questinaires were done involving a wide range of people and The major outcomes were that the depiction of drugs and drugs use was the cause of greatest concern to parents, as was the issue of violence in the lower classification categories. Use of bad language on screen provoked a range of responses, reflecting varying tolerances in the general public. Portrayal of sexual activity, however caused less concern than previously

 

Controversy

• In 1999 the BBFC had received three European films that challenged the Board's standards on sex.  These were The Idiots, Romance and Seul Contre Tous.  All three films contained scenes of unsimultated sex that would not normally have been be acceptable at '18'.  In the case of Seul Contre Tous it was decided that the images in question were too explicit - and of too great a duration - to be acceptable at '18' and the images were removed.   However, in the cases of Romance and The Idiots, it was decided that the comparative brevity of the images, combined with the serious intentions of the films, meant that both films could be passed without cuts.  This was in line with earlier 'exceptional' decisions in the cases of WR - Mysteries of the Organism (passed 'X' uncut in 1972) and L'Empire des Sens (passed '18' uncut in 1991).  However, as the Board moved into the new millennium it soon became clear that these were not to be isolated examples.  A whole generation of European film makers seemed determined to push the boundaries of what was sexually acceptable on the screen.

• Fortunately, the 1999-2000 consultation exercise had revealed a general desire on the part of the public that the BBFC should relax its attitudes to sex at '15' and '18'

The DCMS and Ofcom;

- In June 2001, governmental responsibility for film and video classification moved from the Home Office to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

- Ofcom is the new regulator for television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services. The regulation of films, videos and DVDs does not fall under Ofcom's remit and remains the responsibility of the BBFC. The BBFC is still the only regulator which regulates material before it is seen by the public .

The '12A' rating;

- In 2002, the new '12A' category replaced the '12' category for film only, and allows children under 12 to see a '12A' film, provided that they are accompanied throughout by an adult.

- The Board considers '12A' films to be suitable for audiences OVER the age of 12, but acknowledges that parents know best whether their children younger than 12 can cope with a particular film.  The first '12A' film was The Bourne Identity.

 

Consumer Advice;

- While the BBFC has been producing Consumer Advice for films which appeared on the website, it was the introduction of the '12A' category which saw its appearance on film posters, TV advertisements and in cinema listings for '12A' films.

- This is particularly helpful for parents deciding what films are suitable for their children, and in particular whether to take children younger than 12 to a '12A' film

 

Robin Duval's retirement;

- In late 2004, David Cooke was appointed Director, following Robin Duval's retirement

 

New Guidelines 2005;

- On 9 February 2005, the BBFC published a new set of Guidelines based on an even more extensive research programme than the one which resulted in the 2000 Guidelines
- Over 11,000 people contributed their views on the BBFC's Guidelines, 7000 more than in 1999/2000.

Moving on in 2007;
- 2007 saw the introduction of Parents’ BBFC, a website designed to help parents and guardians make what they consider to be sensible choices for their children’s viewing.
- The website provides up -to -date information about films and video games in the junior categories, offering a brief plot summary and details of why the film or game received its U, PG or 12A/12.
- The purpose of the website is to take the guesswork out of making an informed decision about what is suitable viewing for any particular child, a decision best made by a parent or guardian.

New Guidelines 2009;
- On 23 June 2009, the BBFC published its most recent set of Guidelines based on another detailed public consultation exercise conducted in 2008-2009
- Over 8,700 people contributed their views on the BBFC's Guidelines, in the form of lengthy questionnaires and focus groups

History of the BBFC; 1990s

- Since the regulation of video in 1984, there was since public concern about the influence of videos in the 90's
- The BBFC was being asked to look at a number of extremely violent and drug-filled films, which further fuelled the debate about media effects

In 1997 the BBFC's President, Lord Harewood, stepped down after 12 years in the job.  His replacement, Andreas Whittam Smith, announced his intention to steer the BBFC towards a greater 'openness and accountability'.  This included the publication of the BBFC's first set of classification guidelines in 1998, following a series of public 'roadshows' in which public views were canvassed and the launching of a BBFC website.

Digital Media;
- The 1990s also saw rapid developments in the world of computer games, which seemed to become more realistic and sophisticated with each passing year.  Although the majority of video games were automatically exempt from classification, those that featured realistic violence against humans or animals, or human sexual activity, did come under the scope of the Video Recordings Act.  From 1994 the BBFC started to receive some of the stronger video games for formal classification, which necessitated a different way of examining (because it was impossible to see everything that might happen in a game).  
- 1999 also saw the removal of the BBFC's controversial policy on oriental weaponry

Child's Play 3 (1991)
- The Jamie Bulger case - the trial judge linked this murder of a two year-old by two ten year-old boys to the viewing of violent videos, with the media singling out the horror video Child's Play 3
- Though subsequent enquiries refuted this connection, public opinion rallied behind calls for stricter regulation. Parliament supported an amendment to the Video Recordings Act, contained in the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which requires the Board to consider specific issues, and the potential for harm, when making video classification decisions.
- The Board has always been stricter on video than on film. This is partly because younger people are more likely to gain access to videos with restrictive categories than such films at the cinema (where admissions can be screened).  But it is also because, on video, scenes can be taken out of context, and particular moments can be replayed.

History of the BBFC; 1980s

Home Cinema;
- The development of the video recorder created new anxieties about the home viewing of feature films.
- Legally, there was no requirement that videos should be classified, which meant that films that had not been approved by the BBFC or which were suitable for adults only, were falling into the hands of children.
- In particular the tabloid press led a campaign against so called 'Video Nasties'. This term was not always clearly defined, but there were 70 titles that had either been prosecuted by the DPP under the Obscene Publications Act, or were awaiting prosecution.
- The outcome of this concern was new legislation, introduced as a private member’s Bill by Conservative MP, Graham Bright. The Video Recordings Act 1984, makes it an offence for a video work to be supplied if it has not been classified, or to supply a classified work to a person under the age specified in the certificate.
- The Board was designated as the authority with responsibility for classification in 1985, with a consequent increase in staff to deal with a massively increased workload consisting of a backlog of titles already on the market and all new titles

Review of Category System;
- In 1982 'A' was changed to 'PG'
-  'AA' was changed to '15' 
-  'X' became '18'.
- A new category 'R18' was introduced which permitted more explicit sex films to be shown in members-only  clubs. 
- Previously, such clubs had shown material unclassified by the BBFC, but a change in the law closed this loophole. 
- Since the mid 1980s most 'R18' material is released on video, only available from a limited number of sex shops which must be specially licensed by local authorities.

Scandal - Another film based on real-life was Michael Caton-Jones' Scandal, an account of the Profumo affair, a political scandal of the 1960s.  Although for some the events were considered too recent for comfort, the problem for the BBFC was of a different kind.  An orgy scene revealed the presence of an erect penis in the backgound of the shot.  The image was obscured by soft-focus lighting and the film released with an '18' certificate.

History of the BBFC; 1970s

- During the sixties it was recognised that teenagers had specific concerns of their own which ought to be reflected in the category system
- The introduction of the 'AA' was finally approved by local authorities and the industry in 1970

New Catergories

The principal changes to the category system were;

• -the raising of the minimum age for 'X' certificate films from 16 to 18. 
• The old 'A' (advisory) category was split to create a new advisory 'A' which permitted the admission of children of five years or over whether accompanied or not, but which warned parents that a film in this category would contain some material that parents might prefer their children under fourteen not to see
• New 'AA' certificate which allowed the admission of those over 14, but not under 14, whether accompanied or not.

- The idea was that this would protect adolescents from material of a specifically adult nature and would permit more adult films to be passed uncut for an older, more mature audience
- It recognised the earlier maturity of many teenagers by giving them access to certain films at the age of 14, without being accompanied by an adult. 
- It also indicated to parents the difference between films wholly suitable for children of all ages, which would continue to be classified 'U', and those which, while not generally unsuitable, might contain some material which some parents might prefer their children not to see.

70s SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND OTHER CONTROVERSIES
- A new ratings system in the United States included an uncensored 'X' category, left to the sole control of the criminal law
- The seventies did indeed see the release of a number of provocative films, in particular those that linked sex and violence
- Pressure groups such as The Festival of Light, and Lord Longford’s Committee on Pornography also placed immense pressure on the BBFC, in a backlash against what was perceived as liberalisation having gone too far.
- Stephen Murphy, who became Secretary of the Board in July 1971, resigned in 1975 and was succeeded by James Ferman

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) - This was one of the first films Ferman looked at, which his predecessor had already refused to classify shortly before his departure. Ferman agreed with Murphy that the violence and terrorisation in the film (directed largely towards a woman over a sustained period) was unacceptable.  In an early interview, Ferman remarked that it wasn't the sex that worried him but the violence and, in particular sexual violence.  During his time at the BBFC, Ferman permitted increasingly explicit sexual material whilst clamping down on sadistic violence (especially when perpetrated by heros) and sexual violence (particularly where it seemed that the portrayal of rapes and assaults were intended as a 'turn on' to viewers). Ferman's attitudes and policies reflected a more general shift of public concern during the 1970s, away from arguments about the explicitness of screen representations towards a consideration of any possible corrupting influence.

History of the BBFC; 1960s

- Challenges to the Obscene Publications Act (1959),  suggested a strong shift in public opinion
- New spirit of liberalism;
"The British Board of Film Censors cannot assume responsibility for the guardianship of public morality. It cannot refuse for exhibition to adults films that show behaviour that contravenes the accepted moral code, and it does not demand that ‘the wicked’ should also be punished. It cannot legitimately refuse to pass films which criticise ‘the Establishment’ and films which express minority opinions"
- New realism took hold in British films
- Public tolerance increased in the sweeping social change of the sixties, films became more explicit, but in practice the Board still requesated cuts, usually to verbal and visual 'indecency'.
- In the decade of tuning in, turning on, and dropping out, The Trip fell foul of BBFC concerns about drugs and was rejected in 1967

Peeping Tom (1960) - this film had been seen at the script stage and provoked a remark from Trevelyan about its 'morbid concentration on fear'. Various cuts had been suggested at script stage, and film was passed 'X' in 1960 with cuts. Critics greeted the film with a torrent of abuse and it failed to please the public, damaging Powell's reputation. The video remained an '18' work until 2007 when it was reclassified and passed '15'.

Alfie (1966) - Lewis Gilbert's Alfie was passed uncut, with the remark  that it contained a 'basically moral theme' in spite of some misgivings at the Board about the abortion theme. Attitiudes to sexuality were on the change in the wake of the 1957 Wolfenden Report which recommended a relaxation of the laws concerning homosexuality, although no new legislation was to appear for another ten years. Trevelyan claimed that the BBFC had never banned the subject of homosexuality from the screen but 'the subject was one that would probably not be acceptable to the British audience'. Basil Dearden's Victim contributed to the debate in 1961, containing the line 'they call the law against homosexuality the blackmailer's charter'. The film was passed 'X' with a brief cut. It was then passed '15' on video in 1986 and reclassified to '12' in 2003. When the film version was submitted for a modern classification in 2005, it was passed 'PG'.

History of the BBFC; 1950s

- The Fifties saw the end of rationing and a gradual increase in prosperity
- One fevelopment that stemmed from this affluence was the emergence of 'youth' as a group with a defined identity and a target for consumer goods. Young people with a disposable income became an attractive proposition
- Controversial subjects on film were accomodated in the UK under the new 'X' category introduced in 1951, incorporating the former 'H' category
- The new 'X' category excluded children under 16

Rock Around The Clock (1956) - cut for U, the film drew teenage audiences, partly due to the growth of television ownership, and caused rioting in cinemas, fuelling increasing concern about teenage criminality - although there was in fact no evidence of a teenage crime wave as suggested by the popular Press.

The Wild One (1954) - concerns about juvenile delinquents delayed the classification of this film for thirteen years because the Board described as 'a spectacle of unbridled hooliganism'. Repeated attempts were made to secure a classification and eventually some local authorities overturned the Board's rejection, allowing local released. The riots in seaside towns involving Mods and Rockers were cited as providing justification for the Board's continuing objections to the film. The Board maintained its stance until 1967, when the dangers associated with film's release were judged to be over.

The Garden of Eden (1955) - this film was rejected for its treatment about a mother and daughter who decided to become nudists. The film, which showed bare breasts and buttocks, was deemed unacceptable due to the BBFC's long-standing policy against screen nudity. Their justification came from the grounds that on screen nudity would encourage further sexual exploitation. The decision was again overturned by the majority of local authorities, eventually leading to the Board's decision to classify the film at 'A'.

History of the BBFC; 1912-1949

1912-1949
- In the past, the BBFC did not have any written rules or code of practice like the Motion Picture Production Code
- Policy evolved along practical lines, whilst seeking to reflect public attitudes

1916
- T.P. O'Connor was appointed President of the BBFC
- One of his first tasks was to give evidence to the Cinema Commission of Inquiry, set up by the National COuncil of Public Morals in 1916
- He summarised the Board's Policy by listing forty-three grounds for deletion laid down for the guidance of examiners:

1. Indecorous, ambiguous and irreverent titles and subtitles
2. Cruelty to animals
3. The irreverent treatment of sacred subjects
4. Drunken scenes carried to excess
5. Vulgar accessories in the staging
6. The modus operandi of criminals
7. Cruelty to young infants and excessive cruelty and torture to adults, especially women
8. Unnecessary exhibition of under-clothing
9. The exhibition of profuse bleeding
10. Nude figures
11. Offensive vulgarity, and impropriety in conduct and dress
12. Indecorous dancing
13. Excessively passionate love scenes
14. Bathing scenes passing the limits of propriety
15. Reference to controversial politics
16. Relations of capital and labour
17. Scenes tending to disparage public characters and institutions
18. Realistic horrors of warfare
19. Scenes and incidents calculated to afford information to the enemy
20. Incidents having a tendency to disparage our Allies
21. Scenes holding up the King's uniform to contempt or ridicule
22. Subjects dealing with India, in which British Officers are seen in an odious light, and otherwise attempting to suggest the disloyalty of British Officers, Native States or bringing into disrepute British prestige in the Empire
23. The exploitation of tragic incidents of the war
24. Gruesome murders and strangulation scenes
25. Executions
26. The effects of vitriol throwing
27. The drug habit. e.g. opium, morphia, cocaine, etc
28. Subjects dealing with White Slave traffic
29. Subjects dealing with premeditated seduction of girls
30. 'First Night' scenes
31. Scenes suggestive of immorality
32. Indelicate sexual situations
33. Situations accentuating delicate marital relations
34. Men and women in bed together
35. Illicit relationships
36. Prostitution and procuration
37. Incidents indicating the actual perpetration of criminal assaults on women
38. Scenes depicting the effect of venereal disease, inherited or acquired
39. Incidents suggestive of incestuous relations
40. Themes and references relative to 'race suicide'
41. Confinements
42. Scenes laid in disorderly houses
43. Materialization of the conventional figure of Christ

The Years Between The Wars
- During this period the kind of material that caused concern included horror and gangster films, as well as those that dealt with aspects of sexuality
- Some councils were beginning to bar children from films classified 'A', even when they had been cut by the BBFC to achieve a certificate

Frankenstein (1931) - The London County Council and Manchester City Council banned children from seeing Frankenstein, despite a scene in which the monster drowns a small girl being cut. In response to such material, the adisory category 'H' (for horror) was agreed in 1932, to indicate the potential unsuitability for children of the horror theme

1948
- Arthur Watkins was appointed Secretary to the Board in 1948, under the Presidency of Sir Sidney Harris
- Many film-makers sought the Board's advice on scripts before films went into production
- Watkins and Harris formulated new terms of reference for the Board based on three principles:

• Was the story, incident or dialogue likely to impair the moral standards of the public by extenuating vice or crime or depreciating moral standards?
• Was it likely to give offence to reasonably minded cinema audiences?
• What effect would it have on children

- The effect on children was of major importance since, apart from the advisory 'H' category, from which some councils already chose to bar children, there was no category that excluded children
- An 'adults only' category was increasingly seen as desirable, not only to protect children, but as an extension of the freedom of film-makers to treat adult subjects in an adult fashion