G325 - BBFC Mini Essay

You need to complete a mini essay on this question:

"Discuss the arguments for the regulation of film in 2016"

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Your essay should focus primarily on the BBFC, but you may address other organisations (such as the MPAA, OFCOM, GRA, and PEGI) if you wish.

Your essay should include at least three specific examples of films.

Your essay should include at least three specific examples of media theory and/or theorists.

Your essay should reference the regulation of film
- in the past ( > 5 years ago)
- today
- in the future

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Here is a link to a google doc of an essay plan that should help you.

An Intro to the BBFC - Part 1

The BBFC is a 'co-regulatory' body, that is responsible for the classification and regulation of film (and video/dvd) in the UK.

A co-regulator was defined in the Leveson inquiry as:

Co-regulatory models typically provide more industry involvement than statutory regulation and can be particularly effective when there is widespread industry support for the objectives of regulation. They require periodic monitoring by a backstop body to ensure effectiveness and can require the backstop body to carry out enforcement activity.

This means that there is still an Independent Regulator (The BBFC) but that has a 'backstop' - another organisation that can enforce regulation or issue controls.

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/bbfc-history/1912-1949 

BBFC timeline

1.       What year was the BBFC founded? 

2.       What was the original name of the BBFC? 

3.       Who actually had power to license and screen films, regardless of the BBFC’s advice? (This power was given by the 1909 cinematograph act) 

4.       What were the first two age certificates given? 

5.       How many reasons did T.P O’Connor list upon which a film could be ‘deleted’?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ppqutUB23A&list=PLlh6Y6IR5v9cDFZj2L1EbmkA3gQTjeHEt&index=1 – Dear Censor – BBFC documentary.

1.       Who was the chief censor in the 1940s and 1950s? 

2.       What Marlon Brando film causes big problems between the BBFC and it’s distributor? 

3.       Who was the next chief censor? 

4.       What certificate was ‘Garden of Eden’ eventually reclassified as? 

5.       What is the name of the controversial film featuring the first full example of male nudity/

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Further reading: 

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/education-resources/student-guide/legislation

- What allows the BBFC to licence films for the public?

- What legislation does the BBFC use when classifying films?

- What does the Obscene Publications Act say?

- What does the Video Recording Act say?

- Why was the Video Recording Act changed via the criminal justice and public order act? 

? When was it changed and how was it changed?

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What were the Video Nasties? Why were they an issue for The BBFC? 

Here is a link to some of the BBFC's most interesting or controversial decisions:

http://www.bbfc.co.uk/case-studies 

G325 - Critical Perspectives Examination

G325 is your FINAL A2 MEDIA EXAM.



For my section you will answer ONE QUESTION for 50 marks. (It will take an hour)


The contemporary media issue we will be studying is MEDIA REGULATION.


Regulation means:


"To control (something, especially a business activity) by means of rules and regulations."
"To control or direct by a rule, principle, method, etc.: "


We also discussed the difference between statutory regulation, and self regulation. You find out more here:


This is from the specification in case you missed last lesson:

KEY TOPICS AND QUESTIONS

Contemporary Media Regulation 

1. • What is the nature of contemporary media regulation compared with previous practices? 
2. • What are the arguments for and against specific forms of contemporary media regulation?
3. • How effective are regulatory practices?
4. • What are the wider social issues relating to media regulation?

Candidates might explore combinations of:

Film censorship, the regulation of advertising, the Press and regulation / control, computer / video game classification, the regulation of online media, social networking and virtual worlds, contemporary broadcasting and political control, the effects debate and alternative theories of audience, children and television, violence and the media or a range of other study contexts relating to the regulation of contemporary media. Regulation might be researched in regard to media content, access, ownership and control and / or in relation to politics, public interest and democracy.

June 2015 Example Questions

"Assess the arguments for media regulation in 2015"


"Some areas of contemporary media require stricter regulation than others. Discuss"






We then discussed press regulation, and film regulation. Including the arguments for and against regulation.















Some interesting videos on the subject are below.




- Mr Lane