BBFC - All news

Sainsbury’s Entertainment adopts BBFC age ratings

Catherine Anderson — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:32:11 +0000

The BBFC is pleased to announce that Sainsbury’s Entertainment is now licensed to use BBFC ratings and symbols for films available to stream on demand or download.

Sainsbury’s Entertainment parental controls also work in line with the BBFC’s well known age rating categories of U, PG, 12, 15 and 18. This allows parents to decide whether to password protect access to any film content age rated PG, 12, 15 or 18.

2013-06-18T00:00:00

Sainsbury’s Video On Demand service launched in May and allows the public to buy or rent movies to watch immediately on their computer or an Apple device. The service provides access to over 400 movies available to stream or download, often on the same day they are available on DVD.

DVDs and Blu-ray discs available to buy online at Sainsbury’s Entertainment also carry BBFC age ratings.

David Cooke, BBFC Director, said: ‘We are very pleased to announce Sainsbury’s Entertainment as the latest platform to feature BBFC age ratings. In 2011 we asked the public whether they wanted to see BBFC age ratings on video on demand platforms and 85% said they consider it important to have consistent classifications available for film downloads. This figure rises to 90% amongst those with children under 16. By adopting BBFC age ratings Sainsbury’s Entertainment is taking an important step in meeting this high public demand for recognisable and trusted age ratings.’

The BBFC’s service for streamed and downloaded content was launched in collaboration with the home entertainment industry in 2008. The service provides trusted age ratings, category symbols and BBFCinsight information (previously known as consumer advice) to set-top box, video-on-demand and other online content providers.

When Creative Industries Minister Ed Vaizey opened the BBFC’s international film classifiers conference in November last year, he praised the BBFC for their work with the home entertainment industry to bring well understood and trusted BBFC age ratings and content advice to films streamed online.

All films submitted to the BBFC for DVD and Blu-ray release are automatically given an age rating for use on digital platforms, making it easier for the home entertainment industry to provide consistent age ratings for their customers. Film content released online only can also be submitted to the BBFC for a digital age rating under the BBFC’s Watch & Rate service.

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For more information contact Catherine Anderson canderson@bbfc.co.uk 0207 440 3285 (out of hours: 07946 423719).

Notes to editors

About the BBFC
The BBFC is an independent, private, not for profit company which classifies films, videos, and certain video games, advertisements and trailers. The BBFC operates transparent, well-understood and trusted co-regulatory and self regulatory classification regimes based on years of expertise and published Guidelines which reflect public opinion and the risk of harm; and is accountable to Parliament.

FILMCLUB Live cub reporters have their say

Catherine Anderson — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:00:37 +0000

Our Head of Education Lucy Brett met up with FILMCLUB reporters Phoebe and Sophie on the charity’s live webcasts to talk film ratings, reclassification and scary scenes.

2013-06-12T00:00:00

Lucy was grilled by the FILMCLUB reporters in the studio – hearing about what bugs Phoebe about what she can’t see, and discussing the issues raised by the theme and tone of one of Sophie’s favourite films Juno. She also took questions and comments from school children all over the country via twitter, phone and email.

The webcasts include clips and trailers for films ranging from Jaws and 1932 horror flick The Monster Walks, to more recent films such as Hugo, Juno, Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked and Brave which allowed for discussion of how we rate films now, how theme and tone may affect a rating, how important it is for BBFC examiners to understand the audience for a particular film, and how we listen to the views of children and young people as well as those of parents and adults.

She also discussed how and why filmmakers may remove material from films to achieve a lower rating, different certificates used in the past, such as AA, how many films are rated each year, feedback from the public and how unusual it is for films to be rejected.

You can view the webcasts on the FILMCLUB website.

FILMCLUB is an education charity helping transform the lives of young people through film.

We help schools set up clubs that provide young people with the chance to watch, discuss and review a diverse range of films – feeding their imagination and nurturing their social and intellectual development.

The charity (no. 1136558) is championed by headteachers and key figures in education, and has grown from a 25-school pilot in 2007 to reaching 220,000 children each week, in over 7,000 clubs.

BBFC age ratings to appear on new UK Kaleidescape Store

Catherine Anderson — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:00:14 +0000

Kaleidescape, the US-based movie server manufacturer, is now licensed to present BBFC ratings to UK customers shopping in its online movie store.

2013-06-10T00:00:00

Kaleidescape, the US-based movie server manufacturer, is now licensed to present BBFC ratings to UK customers shopping in its online movie store. The Kaleidescape Store, which launched in the UK on June 6, provides internet delivery of movies matching the audio/video quality and extra content of Blu-ray discs and DVDs.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Kaleidescape has sold its movie servers in the UK since 2004. The Kaleidescape System makes it easy for customers to select and enjoy films from their entire collection of DVD, Blu-ray and downloaded movies from any television in the home. Movie lovers can jump directly to the most memorable scenes in films, or songs in concerts and musicals using bookmarks from the Kaleidescape Movie Guide.

David Cooke, Director BBFC said: “We are very pleased that Kaleidescape has launched its UK download service with BBFC age ratings available for film content. 90% of parents with children under 16 consider it important to have consistent age ratings available for film downloads. By working with the BBFC Kaleidescape is fully in line with the expectations of parents in the UK. ”

The BBFC’s service for streamed and downloaded content was launched in collaboration with the home entertainment industry in 2008. The service provides trusted age ratings, symbols and BBFCinsight to set-top box, video-on-demand and other online content providers.

"We are very focused on providing a great film experience for the entire family. That led us to develop the first movie server with an onscreen user interface and remote control designed specifically for young children," said Michael Malcolm, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Kaleidescape. "As we begin selling content over the Internet in the UK, it’s important that we provide BBFC age ratings for British parents to consider while selecting films."

All films submitted to the BBFC for DVD and Blu-ray release are automatically given an age rating for use on digital platforms, making it easier for the home entertainment industry to provide consistent age ratings for their customers. Online only content including bonus extras can be submitted to the BBFC for a digital only rating under the BBFC’s Watch & Rate service.

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For more information contact Catherine Anderson canderson@bbfc.co.uk 0207 440 3285 (out of hours: 07946 423719).

Notes to editors

About the BBFC
The BBFC is an independent, private, not for profit company which classifies films, videos, DVDs and certain video games, advertisements and trailers. The BBFC operates transparent, well-understood and trusted co-regulatory and self regulatory classification regimes based on years of expertise and published Guidelines which reflect public opinion and the risk of harm; and is accountable to Parliament.

BBFC website closed for maintenance on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June 2013

Catherine Anderson — Thu, 30 May 2013 10:56:32 +0000

2013-05-30T00:00:00

On Saturday 1 June and Sunday 2 June the BBFC website will be closed for essential maintenance work.

The free BBFC app for iPhone and Android will function based on the information stored the last time a BBFC app user refreshed their feed. We advise that anyone wishing to use up to date BBFC age ratings and BBFCinsight information over the weekend of 1 and 2 June refresh their app on the afternoon of Friday 31 June.

The BBFC app for iPhone and Andorid devices are available at:

iPhone https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bbfc/id417274466?mt=8

Andorid https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.uk.bbfc.android&hl=en

BBFC recommend new Hobs Pit attraction at Pleasurewood Hills is rated 12A

Catherine Anderson — Thu, 30 May 2013 07:53:28 +0000

Ahead of the launch of its latest attraction, Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft has sought advice from film age rating body the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), to help assess its new terrifying underground mine attraction, Hobs Pit, which opens to the general public on Sunday 2 June.

2013-05-30T00:00:00

The new Hobs Pit ride, which cost over half a million pounds, has been developed by Pleasurewood Hills in conjunction with world renowned special effects expert Rob Ostir and voice actor Corey Burton. The pair, who usually work with theme parks in the USA such as Disney World and Universal Studios have been involved with movie blockbusters like 2012, Mars Attacks! and the Chronicles of Narnia, as well as numerous feature animations over the past two decades.

The BBFC agreed to assess Hobs Pit, so Pleasurewood Hills could protect its younger visitors from the thrilling and scary effects of the new ‘seated’ and ‘walk-through’ attraction, which takes visitors on a journey through an old mine shaft.

Murray Perkins, Senior Examiner at the BBFC commented: “The BBFC regularly consults the public on a large scale about how acceptable they find moments of threat and horror on screen in films rated U to 18. Applying this knowledge to physical experiences is helpful for theme parks like Pleasurewood Hills who want to ensure their attraction is aimed at the most appropriate audience.

After experiencing the attraction first-hand, we would recommend that Pleasurewood Hills age rate the new Hobs Pit attraction a 12A. The BBFC's Guidelines at 12A allow moderate physical and psychological threat, provided that disturbing sequences are not frequent or sustained, as well as occasional gory moments, if justified by the context. Hobs Pit contains some creepy moments and gory encounters and some people may find this a scary experience. Overall the attraction shares a similarity to scary scenes which may be experienced in ghost films and fantasy adventure films at 12A.”

Alexis Camelin from Pleasurewood Hills commented, “I believe this makes our park only the second attraction in the UK to apply and receive an age rating”. He added, “It was paramount to the Pleasurewood Hills brand, that there was a robust guide in place to manage expectations of our customers and all that ride Hobs Pit”.

Hobs Pit is designed to become one of the scariest indoor theme park attractions in the UK. It’s predicted that theme park enthusiasts will travel from across the UK to experience Hobs Pit, with over 2000 people already subscribing to the Hobs Pit mailing list via the rides own website www.hobs-pit.com

The new ride is part of the £3.5 million investment that Looping Group owners pledged to invest when they bought the park two years ago. Hobs Pit is one of four new rides to launch in the park’s 30th anniversary year.

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For more information contact Catherine Anderson canderson@bbfc.co.uk 0207 440 3285 (out of hours: 07946 423719).

Notes to editors

What does the 12A mean?
12A means that anyone aged 12 or over can go and see the film unaccompanied. The A stands for 'accompanied' and 'advisory'. Children younger than 12 may see the film if they are accompanied by an adult (eg someone over the age of 18), who must watch the film with them.
12A is for films at the cinema only. The 12 certificate is for videos, DVDs and Blu-rays.

British Board of Film Classification gives age rating to Museum of Liverpool film

Catherine Anderson — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:37:48 +0000

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has given a PG age rating to a film produced for the Museum of Liverpool. THE POWER AND THE GLORY? is the first film to be shown in The Museum of Liverpool’s brand new theatre, which opens to the public on Thursday 28 March 2013.

2013-03-27T00:00:00

The 20 minute film THE POWER AND THE GLORY? by Hurricane Films, was made specifically for the Museum and is rated PG for archive images of historical events including World War I and news footage of Bloody Sunday. The film will be shown in the Museum of Liverpool theatre nine times a day every 45 minutes from 10:15am until 4:15pm and no tickets are required.

David Austin, Assistant Director, BBFC said: “The BBFC’s key role is child protection, under the Licensing Act and Video Recordings Act we provide age ratings for releases at the cinema and on DVD or Blu-Ray respectively, but we also work to provide ratings for those who seek age ratings voluntarily whether for online films or museum installations such as this. THE POWER AND THE GLORY? contains some images that younger children may find upsetting and it’s useful for parents to be able to read about the short film before they take younger children.”

Dr David Fleming, Director of National Museums Liverpool said: “We have tried to create a film which gives a very real interpretation of the British Empire. THE POWER AND THE GLORY? doesn’t shy away from telling the story of Liverpool’s involvement in the rise of the British Empire and its impact on the rest of the world, questioning some assumptions about its benefits and in turn asking the audience to ponder those questions themselves.

“The growth of the British Empire and the coming of the Industrial Revolution created the conditions for the rise of Liverpool, but it also led to Liverpool’s economic decline. The film uses powerful imagery and references to key events in world history to tell this story, which we hope will enlighten visitors to the Museum who want to find out more about the history of the city.”

The BBFC provides BBFCinsight content information about every film given an age rating, the BBFCinsight for THE POWER AND THE GLORY? reads: THE POWER AND THE GLORY? documents the growth and power of the British Empire and its effects on society and world events. The film touches on most of the conflicts in which Great Britain has been involved over the past 400 years, using paintings and photographs. Those from the past century include images of dead bodies on the battlefield as well as brief images of street rioting. There are older images of African slaves packed into a ship and of an emaciated child in a British concentration camp in South Africa.

PG stands for Parental Guidance. A PG film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.

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For more information contact Catherine Anderson canderson@bbfc.co.uk 0207 440 3285 (out of hours: 07946 423719).

Notes to editors

Museum of Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool is the country’s most visited museum outside of London. It is the largest newly-built national museum in Britain for more than a century, demonstrating Liverpool’s unique contribution to the world.
As the first national museum devoted to the history of a regional city, it showcases popular culture while tackling social, historical and contemporary issues and is a fantastic, free family day out. It has attracted nearly 1.8million visitors since opening in July 2011. The prestigious Council of Europe Museum Prize for 2013 was awarded to the Museum for its commitment to human rights as well as its work with children and families from all backgrounds.

The Museum has received generous support from several major funders, along with grants from trusts and foundations, corporate support and individual donations. Major funders include the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS),Garfield Weston Foundation and the Clore Duffield Foundation.
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol/

BBFC launch website survey for Classification Guidelines review

Catherine Anderson — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:49:23 +0000

The BBFC is publishing an online survey as part of its review of the Film Classification Guidelines.

2013-02-27T00:00:00

From Friday 1 March for six weeks, anyone will be able to complete the survey on the BBFC website, helping to contribute to the large scale public consultation exercise the BBFC carries out every 4-5 years. The review ensures the BBFC Classification Guidelines for age rating films are in step with public opinion.

The survey asks the public to give their views on the age ratings of recent cinema and DVD releases. It also captures how often respondents visit the cinema, watch films online and whether they usually watch films with a particular age rating. The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete.

David Austin, Assistant Director of the BBFC says: “The online survey is an important part of the Classification Guidelines review process. We’re keen to hear from adults and young people about whether they agree with BBFC age ratings for recent films and DVDs and how frequently they watch films both at the cinema and at home.”

The results of the online survey will be processed alongside the results of nationwide focus groups, telephone interviews and specialist research, giving the BBFC the views of around 10,000 members of the public. The updated BBFC Classification Guidelines will be published at the end of 2013. The previous BBFC Classification Guidelines Review was carried out in 2009.

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For more information contact Catherine Anderson canderson@bbfc.co.uk 0207 440 3285 (out of hours: 07946 423719).

Notes to editors

Childnet Film Competition 2013

Catherine Anderson — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:39:37 +0000

Positive and inspiring use of the internet is at the heart of the Childnet Film Competition 2013.

2013-02-25T00:00:00

Childnet is inviting all UK schools and youth organisations to enter their film-making challenge.

Two separate projects are in place for primary and secondary aged children and this year the themes revisit key messages from Safer Internet Day 2013.

Primary aged entrants will be challenged to create a 60 second film to tell us why ‘The internet is great, when you respect your mates’.

Secondary aged entrants will be asked to create a 2 minute film in response to the theme ‘How do you connect with respect?’

If you would like to register a group of young people for the challenge please email film@childnet.com

All shortlisted finalists will be invited to a private screening of their film in front of the Childnet judging panel at the BFI in Central London, where they will be awarded some fantastic prizes for their school or youth group.

The dates and deadlines of the competition are;

Competition opens: Monday 25 February 2013

Competition closes: Friday 21 June 2013 at 5pm

Finalists notified: Monday 1 July 2013

Screening and finalist event at the BFI: Monday 15 July 2013

If you would like to help promote the Childnet Film Competition 2013 amongst your local schools and youth groups, please email film@childnet.com for details on how to share information about the Childnet Film Competition 2013 on your website, social networking pages, newsletters or mailing lists.

Teens have their say about online safety

Catherine Anderson — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:38:04 +0000

Research published this week saw children and young people call for ‘the right to feel safe’ online and accept their own responsibility for viewing films and TV legally on the internet.

2013-02-07T00:00:00

A survey of over 24,000 young people showed over a third of young people have come in to contact with content online that upsets or worries them. Seeing unpleasant or hurtful things online affects a sizeable portion of this group: 27% of 7-11 year olds and 41% of 11-19 year olds said they came into contact with something online in the last twelve months that they deemed to be hurtful or unpleasant, examples cited include: scary videos, pictures and chainmail; ‘rude’ things and swearing; violent films or games.

The ‘Have Your Say’ research, commissioned by the UK Safer Internet Centre to mark the 10th Anniversary of Safer Internet Day on 5 February 2013, asked primary school pupils (aged 7-11) and secondary school pupils (aged 11-19) what they enjoy most about the internet, as well as the aspects of being online that they find concerning. The research highlights where children already play a role in enjoying the internet safely and responsibly and uncovers opportunities to provide them with greater support.

BBFC Assistant Director David Austin took part in an interview as part of Safer Internet Day radio, a 12-hour radio broadcast produced by the UK Safer Internet Centre and hosted on their website throughout Safer Internet Day, to help listeners share their inspiring stories and words of advice around popular online safety issues. David Austin talked about downloading films, the BBFC’s education resources and the importance of clear age ratings and how the BBFC provides information about age ratings online and on their App for iPhone and Android devices. The interview is available at the end of this article.

The UK Safer Internet Centre, which co-ordinates Safer Internet Day in the UK, has also launched a number of online resources for teachers, parents and carers, which are available to access for free from the UK Safer Internet Centre website. They include the ‘Connect with Respect Quiz’, a resource to help families test their internet safety know-how. The online quiz covers being safe, responsible and respectful on social networks, online entertainment sites, gaming sites and mobiles. It provides users with an Internet Safety score and top tips on how to discover the digital world safely and responsibly

Liz Bales, Director General of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, a key partner for the BBFC said: “Our own research shows that many children and parents are confused about whether the content they are accessing is legal or not, and are concerned about the associated safety and security risks of using unofficial websites. We’re delighted to be supporting Safer Internet Day through the Connect With Respect Quiz, which aims to tackle this confusion by directing families to a wealth of convenient and affordable official services for great film, TV and video at the click of a button.”

Children and young people filling in the survey were presented with a number of rights and responsibilities, and asked to vote on the ones they felt were most important to them. This produced the top ten Rights and Responsibilities Charters for primary and secondary school pupils, which represent the views of children and young people across the country.

In order to explore the survey’s findings the results have been discussed in targeted focus groups with 90 young people from across the UK.

The Rights and Responsibilities Charter for secondary students noted access to films and TV online as their third most important concern, whilst acknowledging they had to take responsibility to view legally by respecting copyright laws.

Here is the full Online Rights and Responsibilities Charter, as chosen by secondary school students:
1. I should feel safe online
2. I should not be bullied online, and should not bully others
3. I should be able to access films, music and TV online, but it is my responsibility to respect copyright law
4. I should support my friends if they need help online
5. I shouldn’t have to see unpleasant or hurtful content and I should know what to do if I come across it
6. There should be lots of websites that are interesting for people my age
7. I should be able to manage who can see the content I post online
8. The websites I use should have an easy and effective way of reporting
9. I should know what I can and can’t do online and understand that there are legal and offline consequences
10. I should be educated about staying safe online

The Primary Online Rights and Responsibilities Charter yields similar views from younger online users:
1. I should feel safe and enjoy being on the internet
2. I should be able to tell someone if something has worried me on the internet
3. I should not be bullied on the internet, and should not bully others
4. I should help my friends stay safe on the internet
5. I should be able to report anything that worries me on the internet
6. I should be able to talk and play on the internet with my friends
7. I shouldn’t have to see unpleasant or hurtful things on the internet
8. I should know how to keep my personal information safe
9. I should be able to easily search the internet for information
10. I should learn how to stay safe on the internet

In response to the research results, Will Gardner, Chief Spokesperson for the UK Safer Internet Centre, said: “In our research young people clearly stated that they should have the right to feel safe online and they also recognise they have a responsibility in helping themselves and others be safe online, whether that's behaving kindly towards others or helping friends who are experiencing problems.

“We are delighted that so many young people have taken the opportunity of the survey to get their voice heard, and we hope it will act as a catalyst for encouraging individuals, families and companies to think about their role in ensuring the Internet is a great and safe place for children.”

The UK Safer Internet Centre is online at www.saferinternet.org.uk.

MyMovies classified as right partner for BBFC

Catherine Anderson — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:55:29 +0000

2013-02-05T00:00:00

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and MyMovies have announced an extension to their existing partnership that sees the digital agency providing a comprehensive film content and video technology service for the new BBFC website. The recently launched platform brings film ratings with detailed BBFCinsight content information and resources for parents, teachers and students, under one roof for the first time, with MyMovies being the BBFC’s preferred supplier for official video and image requirements across a diverse range and depth of titles.

Once provided, all film trailers are age rated by the BBFC, with only trailers rated U, PG, 12A and 15 available. To protect children no trailers rated 18 are made available on the website and to help protect teenagers from accessing unsuitable content, trailers rated 15 also require users to submit their date of birth before viewing. Users also need to enter their date of birth in order to search for, or access information about ‘adult’ films.

Film content is central to the BBFC’s role in providing detailed information about every film they rate, allowing the public to make informed entertainment choices. The new BBFC website is designed to boost awareness of BBFCinsight, the detailed information the BBFC provides about every film it rates, giving parents a clear idea of how and why films have been rated and what issues the films contain.

David Austin, Assistant Director, at the BBFC, said: “By working in partnership with MyMovies we’ve created a website that not only provides valuable BBFCinsight information but also the film content and poster artwork that the public expects from a film industry website, making it easier for the public to find the film their interested in and decide if it’s right for them and their family to see.”

MyMovies and the BBFC also worked together on two content creation projects during 2012. A trailer to promote the BBFC centenary “Uncut” season at the BFI was created for online and theatrical use, while a short video designed for industry customers, showcased the BBFC’s latest services and research into the publics’ views about age ratings.

Monica Chadha, Managing Director of MyMovies, said “The BBFC remain the trusted partner of the entertainment industry and consumers alike, so we’re proud to support their continued growth across digital platforms and see our content play a key role as an educational tool”.

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Contact

Press Contact for MyMovies.Net Ltd: Nick Austin (Digital Director)
T: 020 7940 4916
E: nick.austin@mymovies.net

Press Contact for BBFC: Catherine Anderson (Press & Public Relations Officer)
T: 0207 440 3285 (out of hours: 07946 423719)
E: canderson@bbfc.co.uk

Note to Editors

About MyMovies
Since its launch in 1998, MyMovies has become the market leader in providing entertainment video solutions, ensuring brands and content owners connect with relevant audiences across multiple platforms and devices.

They work with content owners to get their most powerful marketing assets - trailers and AV content - rapidly distributed to exactly when and where people want to watch them. Backed by strong editorial, high production values and top talent access, their business delivers trailers, movie shows, premiere reports and star interviews, with supporting metadata and imagery, to in excess of 25 million people a month.

MyMovies are known for connecting audiences to the best content and lead the way in maximising video performance and revenue. For further information, please visit www.mymovies.net

The BBFC App, available for iPhone and Android devices is also updated with BBFCinsight and can be downloaded for free at:
Android: https://market.android.com/search?q=BBFC&so=1&c=apps
iPhone: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bbfc/id417274466?mt=8