Section 6 - Researching organisations

BBFC - British Board of Film Classification

What do they do?

The BBFC is the UK's regulator of film and video, providing age ratings such as U, PG and 12A. They are a designated body so they have legal powers to rate, and sometimes cut or even reject works. There decisions are based on public consultation and their guideline's which from a contract between the public, the film industry and the BBFC themselves.

They aim to ensure that children and all film watchers are protected from harm and illegal material, and they can make informed decisions about their viewing choices. The examiners watch films in a special cinema built in the basement of the BBFC offices.

What is classification?
Films that are realised are normally classified by at least two examiners using the published guidelines. The decision is usually made by a senior examiner, but if the  examiners are in any doubt or do not agree, or if important policies are involved then the work may be seen by other members of the board including the chief executive and presidential team.
Examiners look at issues such as discrimination, drugs, horror, language, imitable behaviour, nudity, sex, sexual violence, theme and violence when making decisions. They consider context, the tone and impact of a work (how it makes the audience feel) and the release format (as DVDS are watched in the home, there is a higher risk of underage viewing)

Case study: Attack the block 
Is a British horror movie. It is clear from the characters in the movie that the tone of the work and the general address, that it had strong appeal to older teenager viewers. The film uses frequent strong language.


IPSO
IPSO stands for the Independent Press Standards Organisation

What IPSO does?

• They regulate over 1500 print and 1100 online titles
• Takes complaints about possible breaches of the editors code of practice
• Help with unwanted press attention or harassment concerns
• Advice about the editors code
• Advice for editors and journalists
• information about IPSO's work
• Journalists ' Whistleblowing hotline

IPSOS vision, mission and values

Their vision is a trusted, free and responsible press, reinforced by independent , effective regulation.

Their mission is to:

• To support those who feel wronged by the press
• To uphold the highest professional standards in the UK press
• To determine whether standards have been breached and provide redress if so.

Values:

Independent: