Research: Censorship: Mr Smith.

Film Censorship.

Who are the BBFC and what is their role?

The BBFC are the British Board of Film Classification. The role they hold is to protect the public from viewing anything harmful or offensive. They do this by choosing age certificates for each film and picking what scenes should be cut and what films should be completely banned. Censorship is when the film is revised due to the content that is in it. 

Why is the role of the BBFC important to the film industry? Logo

The role of the BBFC is important to the film industry because it saves the audience from viewing things that can cause conflict or harm. This is important because it allows people to express themselves and carry on making money without breaking any laws or creating any discomfort to anyone.

What things get censored and why? (examples)

Violence:

• Violence gets censored because it is incredibly easy for people to copy that behaviour and it could portray that the person who made the film is promoting violence and giving people the wrong idea. Things like violence in films are known to corrupt the young.

True Events:

• Some films often involve stories that are related to real life and caused a lot of problems within the society and the culture of that person. An example of this would be 'The Murder of James Bulger.'

Sexual Violence:

• Sexual violence is censored because it causes discomfort to those who are watching and some  people may not understand the concept of what is going on. Sexual violence also can advertise degrading women and their rights.

What is the difference between films being cut and banned? (examples)

Cutting a film is when it is edited or has had scenes taken out of it to make appropriate for the audience to watch. When a film is banned, it is taken away from cinema viewing because it is harmful or involves offensive material.

Discuss the Forna (for) and Kemode (against) debate, and then discuss where your own opinions lie on this matter.

This is where I discuss the two different views on censorship using two specific cases. There is Forna who is for censorship and Kermode who is against it. Forna stated in her argument that the things people watch influence them in everyday life. An example of this is the James Bulger incident which shocked the nation. The intention of the young boys actions all sprung from the watching a film that influenced such behaviour. On the other hand Kermode believed that everyone should be free to watch what they want and it's their responsibility how they respond to it after. I know this from when he says this in his argument: "You're an idiot, stupid, impressionable, easily led and unable to distinguish between fiction and reality. If you're an adult you're probably an immature one and if you're a parent you're a very bad one." His other argument was that censorship distorts the directors original idea and that this isn't fair. My own opinion is that censorship should be there just incase people do take the meaning of what they are watching in the wrong way, however i also believe that you should be able to decide what you want to watch and see before your mind is made up for you.

Conclude with what you have learn about film regulation and what you need to consider for your own thrillers.

In my own thriller i need to make sure the content in it is suitable for the age rating i have provided for the film. I will have to make sure there is nothing controversial or extremely discomforting that will cause any distress to anyone viewing the thriller. It has also taught me about the things we don't see in a film because it has been banned or cut and the reasoning behind people doing so.