BBFC Institution research

 The BBFC institution is responsible for bringing a degree of uniformity to the classification of film nationally and classifying video recordings offered for sale or hire in the UK.. it is funded solely from the fees it charges for its services, calculated by measuring the running time of films or DVDs submitted for classification.The BBFC isn't a profit organisation and doesn't receive any fees from government or film industry. It is completely independent organisation with no link to the government. 

For the rating process an examiner will log details about what they watch. general context of the film,plot, characters and individual scenes also noting timings of key moments within the film including camera angles, type of shots and lastly they' take note of the bad language, sex and drug references. Reports include a brief synopsis of the work, details of the issues and an argument in support of the recommended age rating. Most decisions are straightforward and are based on the BBFC's guidelines.

 films are allowed to be shown to a wider audience appropriate for that certain film so long as they remain within the law and are not potentially harmful. there are several things the BBFC look out for:
- whether the film is in conflict of the law.
-if the film will cause any harm at the age rating concerned. this includes any harm that may result from potential viewers, any 'moral harm' that may be caused like desensitising viewers.

The Dark Knight was rated 12A which created a lot of press coverage and complaints from those who thought the violence was too strong for a 12A rating. I do agree with the rating because like the case study for the film on the BBFC website it does point out that most of the violence is focused on and mostly blocked out by actors bodies and camera angles however i understand the complaints as the film is quite gritty and menacing.

What are the guidelines for a 15 certificate?
The work as a whole must not endorse discriminatory language or behaviour, although there may be racist, homophobic or other discriminatory themes and language.Drug taking may be shown but the work as a whole must not promote or encourage drug misuse.Dangerous behaviour should not dwell on detail which could be copied. There may be strong language. Very strong language may be permitted, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency within the work as a whole and any special contextual justification.There are no constraints on nudity in a non-sexual or educational context. Sexual activity may be portrayed, but usually without strong detail.There may be strong threat and horror. A sustained focus on sadistic or sexual threat is unlikely to be acceptable.Violence may be strong but should not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury.There may be detailed verbal references to sexual violence but the depiction of sexual violence must be discreet and justified by context.

 Attack the block.
The film contains frequent strong language from the start, Under the current BBFC guidelines, where only infrequent strong language is permitted at 12A, the film was automatically a 15 category within the first reel.