Censorship and CertificatesNo-one younger than 12 may see a '12A' film in a cinema unless accompanied by an adult.With the introduction of the new 12A certificate by the BBFC, there is a greater emphasis on parents/guardians taking a more responsive role of allowing younger children to see films they deem acceptable. The BBFC website states they have no plans to introduce either 15A or 18A ratings, but do you think that more responsibility should be given to the parent or guardian? Should censorship ultimately be the parents choice allowing them to make their own decisions for their children, as is the current case with video/DVD rentals in the home? We've asked some industry experts about what they think...here's what they say. John MerryweatherJohn is a 40 year veteran of the cinema exhibitor world, and currently manages the Regal Cinema in Melton12A - Today,Tomorrow and the Future.... August 30 saw the very brave and bold decision by the BBFC come to fruition, whereby the introduction of the 12A category allows children under 12 to see the appropriate film providing that they are accompanied by an adult, and both Exhibition and Distribution play their respective part(s) by providing information about the film, such information is produced by the BBFC when a film is classified, this information should be advised to the customers by means of both local press,answerphone(s),posters,national advertising,web sites etc., Therefore a responsibility sits quite correctly I believe with the parents/guardians - for too long this decision has not necessarily rested with parents, a nanny type of situation has occurred. Now parents have to get their act together, satisfy themselves that their children can see the film and accompany them - questions of course arise, most noticeably initially re the nature of the film, is it suitable - the advise given by the BBFC is very carefully produced and gives no reason for any parent to be misled by the films content - 'contains intense action scenes and mild drug references' - shows you get exactly what it says on the poster, it is as a parent your shout. Exercise your responsibility. So that's Today - Tomorrow (the future) I suspect could well see all ratings advisory. This works well in the States, however there may be a very strong argument to have only 18 films classified. Once national ID cards are introduced, this should enable a more flexible and common-sense situation to occur - parents ultimately having the responsibility they should have. Films up to an 18 having advisory age limits, with where necessary parent/adult accompany the order of the day. It's a topic of debate that should be had, clearly arguments abound on both sides. Young children should be protected at all costs, parents have to assume their responsibility, we as Cinema Exhibitors have to exercise our responsibility, ditto the film producers have to mindful of their potential audience at the outset of filming. The first returns on an investment by and large comes from the theatrical release and subsequent returns follow from sell through-rental then Satellite and Terrestrial Television. The ability within the home environment to exercise control via the remote is quite obvious, how often is it used effectively. The future will be interesting......let`s watch the picture develop. Al AlvarezAl is the Vice President of Operations at Cine-UK, who operate CineworldParents have consistently berated cinemas for telling them what movie content their children can and cannot handle. The new 12A classification puts the power back in the parent's hands where it rightfully belongs. The BBFC is most probably reluctant to introduce more lenient 15A and 18A classifications due to a number of parents who are concerned their children may gain access to these films without their knowledge. Some parents want an additional buffer to prevent this from happening, particularly on the more violent films. I believe censorship is a parental role and that the BBFC and cinemas should be placed in an advisory capacity only. During a films life span only the cinema showing is regulated as parents control their children's access to videos and television viewings. The onus of responsibility should never be on cinema employees who are often only young themselves. HAVE YOUR SAY!Cinemas-Online Forums: 12A |
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