Here are some of the questions we're asked most often about our work and our resources for students.
The BBFC provides a wide range of services to the film and home entertainment industries, as well as to video-on-demand platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video.
We rate theatrical features and trailers for release in cinemas, movies and episodic content for a range of streaming services, and anything that is being released on physical formats such as DVD and Blu-ray.
A wide variety of content is submitted to us and we’re expert in rating all sorts of genres, from Japanese anime to documentary.
We also work with UK mobile network operators (EE, O2, Vodafone, 3) to help them set and refine their adult content filters which are in place when you buy a mobile phone. We do this to make sure that children and young people with access to website content via mobile internet networks (ie. via 4G/5G) are protected from content suitable that we would rate 18 or R18.
Records labels affiliated to Sony Music UK, Universal Music UK and Warner Music UK also work with us on a voluntary basis by submitting any music videos for an age rating that are likely to be unsuitable for children under the age of 12 for a . to classify online music videos and give them voluntary age ratings. Our age ratings and content information are displayed and published on YouTube.
Compliance Officers will view around 5-6 hours of content a day which is allocated at random. A typical day could consist of a film, two or three trailers, followed by some episodic content.
Two Compliance Officers will view cinema content together, while any home entertainment material (DVD / Blu-ray, streaming content) are viewed solo. Our London offices are equipped with cinema screens alongside viewing rooms for Compliance Officers viewing content on their own.
When viewing material, Compliance Officers tag the issues that they see using an online platform. These may include issues such as swearing, violence or nudity. They will also consider broader issues such as the context in which something is occurring and the tone and impact of a particular scene. Once a Compliance Officer has tagged a piece of content they will write a concise report outlining the main classification issues and decide on an age rating recommendation based on our Classification Guidelines. Once an age rating is decided, they will then draft content advice, including expanded content advice for our website and app. Reports are then sent through to our approval team.
If a submission is particularly challenging then our Compliance Managers will refer the content to our Statutory Classifiers who will make the final decision.
Since 30 July 2012, with a few minor exceptions, the responsibility for age rating video games has moved to the Games Rating Authority (GRA), who issue age ratings using the PEGI system. You may still see BBFC age ratings on video games that were classified before July 2012.
You can request a school talk from the GRA and access a range of educational resources about their work rating video games on their website.
We will only change a film’s age rating if it is resubmitted to the BBFC for reclassification. There are a number of reasons why a film might be resubmitted to us, such as an anniversary or seasonal re-release of a film in cinemas; a restoration of an older film; the release of a new cut or uncut version; to promote an earlier film from a series or franchise; to receive a modern classification (e.g. films with historic BBFC classifications no longer in use, such as X or A, will need a new rating, or a distributor might ask us to assess if a rating is still applicable).
When a film is resubmitted, it will be assessed in accordance with current Classification Guidelines and BBFC policy, which change over time in relation to evolving social attitudes towards different content issues. This means that a film might have various age ratings over the course of its history. For example, Raging Bull was first classified X for cinema release in 1980. It was resubmitted in 2000 for a modern 18 classification, but has most recently been classified 15 in cinemas and on DVD.
In some cases, a film can have different age ratings on different formats. For example, a film might be rated 18, but still maintain an old BBFC rating, such as ‘X’, on video.
Watching an age-restricted film if you are underage is not an offence. However, it is the responsibility of the cinema box office to request proof of age from customers to ensure that the restrictions set out by BBFC age ratings are being adhered to. Cinemas will be violating the terms of its license, which is issued by the local authority, if it admits under-aged children to age-restricted films.
We understand that some students, especially those undertaking degrees or further study, are keen to interview members of staff to learn more about our work. We try to accommodate this but due to staff availability, this is not always possible.
Our website has a wealth of information about film classification and the BBFC’s History. Additional resources also include our archive of case studies, which include old examiner reports, and other historic documents.
If you are interested in film classification records that are over 20 years old, you can arrange an archive visit to view the files. Any requests should be made via helpline@bbfc.co.uk and should include the title(s) of the film and release date(s).
We occasionally offer work experience but all placements are for applicants over the age of 18. We advertise any work experience placements on our website.
The BBFC Youth Panel gives young people between the age of 15 and 21 the opportunity to work closely with us. You can find out more about the Youth Panel on our website.
You do not need a specific qualification to be a Compliance Officer. We do require knowledge of, and experience in, relevant areas such as media regulation, law, the film or related industries, and child development - and many Compliance Officers over the years have had very different backgrounds. A broad knowledge of film is required, as well as an ability to grasp age rating issues such as violence and drugs. Like most of the people who work at the BBFC, they have a strong knowledge of contemporary and historical film and a passion for films. Once hired, Compliance Officers receive detailed and extensive training.
As we watch films from all over the world, in various languages, it is beneficial if Compliance Officers have specific linguistic skills. However, this isn’t a compulsory requirement.
