WORKING FOR THE BBFC
WHO IS THE BBFC ?
The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent body employing about 60 people altogether and funded by the fees charged for the classification of up to 12,000 films, videos and digital media games every year.
WHAT DOES IT DO ?
The BBFC has been classifying films since it was established in 1913, and videos since the Video Recordings Act of 1984. Every work is classified by examiners using the published Guidelines. In most cases their recommended classification is ratified by a senior examiner, but if the examiners are in any doubt, or fail to agree, or if important policy issues are involved, the work may be seen by other members of the Board up to, and including, the Director and President and Vice Presidents.
HOW MANY FILMS, VIDEOS AND COMPUTER GAMES DO WE CUT ?
In 2005, 1.2% of films, 3.8% of videos and 0.6% of computer games were cut. The higher proportion of videos reflects the stricter standards applied by the BBFC to viewing in the home, where there may be less control of audience age.
HOW THE BOARD IS ORGANISED
There are six senior members of staff, including the Director and Deputy Director, who form the Board's management team.
BBFC employees are grouped into the following teams:
- Communications handles all matters relating to the external presentation of the Board.
- The Director's Office provides support to the Director.
- Examining Support Services provide support to the Deputy Director and the examiners.
- Facilities has responsibility for a number of areas, including reception and the switchboard, mail despatch and delivery, stationery and office equipment, housekeeping supplies, hospitality, building maintenance and security.
- Film, Video and Computer Games Examiners are appointed to classify material intended for public exhibition and for rental distribution or purchase in the UK.
- Finance is responsible for all financial and management accounting for the Board, including credit control, payroll, raising sales invoices, maintaining the fees, etc.
- Information Services processes film and video works before and after viewing. The functions carried out include researching submissions, scheduling works for examination, and preparing and issuing documentation relating to category decisions. Information Services also operates the customer helpline.
- Information Systems staff are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing suitable computerised information systems and resources for the Board. They are also responsible for day to day support and services, including PCs and the multi-user classification information system.
- Personnel undertakes the formulation of strategy and policy on all human resource matters, as well as the responsibility for its implementation and monitoring.
- Projection staff are employed to run films for examination and for commercial screenings.
- Video technical staff measure and compare video submissions, and ensure that works submitted for classification are of a suitable technical quality for examining. This work requires a high degree of concentration and accuracy, as well as a knowledge of Board standards, in addition to the ability to work largely unsupervised.