Regulatory bodies

Regulatory bodies

• Ofcom
• British Board of Film Classification (BBFC)

Ofcom is the communications regulator that works in the UK. This organisation regulate:

• Television
• Radio
• Video on demand sectors
• Mobiles
• Postal services
• Fixed line telecoms

Ofcom also regulate airwaves over which wireless devices operate.
Ofcom ensure that people in the United Kingdom receive the best from their communications and technology services and are protected against scams and sharp practices. They also ensure that competition can thrive whilst all of this is proceeding. Ofcom operates with and under a number of acts and laws such as the Communications Act 2003. Ofcom must limit their actions within the legislation of the Parliament when intervening in laws such as this.
Ofcom's main legal duties are to ensure:

• The UK are accessable to a wide range of electronic communication services and technology that also include high-speed services such as broadband
• The public are offered a wide range of high-quality television and radio programmes that appeal to all different types of tastes and interests
• Various television and radio services are provided to the public by a range of different organisations
• Individuals who view television programmes and radio broadcasts are protected against offensive and harmful material
• People are protected and are to be treated correctly in television and radio programmes as well as protecting and preventing their privacy to become invaded
• Audience of video on demand services are protected against any harmful content
• A universal postal service is provided to the United Kingdom. Each individual household can receive letters, packages etc each day of the week excluding Sunday.
• The radio spectrum is provided and effectively used in the best possible way. This can include airwaves used by individuals from taxi firms, boat owners, mobile phone companies, broadcasters etc.

Ofcom may get involved within a production if they feel that these viewers are at risk of harmful and distressing content which they should not be watching. For example, this could be a child at the age of ten viewing a short film that is based on abuse, self harm and suicide. This production includes scenes of blood, sharp objects and other significant features that the child should not be watching. Ofcom may decide to put a specific age rating on this content such as twelve and up or fifteen plus. Ofcom want to ensure that young people and individuals that are not suitable to watch content do not do so to the best of their ability.

British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-government body which classifies cinema films. They have done this since it was set up in 1912. Videos and DVDs where later introduced when the Video Recordings Act was passed in 1984. BBFC is a not for profit organisation which means that its fees are adjusted to only cover its initial costs.

The BBFC are responsible for rating and classifying cinema films so that the public are aware of the correct age rating that you need to be in order to view the production. It is important that the organisation ensure that their audience understand what rating is suitable for each film production, failure of the public to follow these rules and regulations can lead to consequences such as a fine against the individuals going against the classification.

The impact that the ratings of the British Board of Film Classification can have on my short film can decrease the amount of viewers that I receive. Due to the potential harmful content and footage that my film may contain; the rating will be increased. Although my content will not cause severe distress toward viewers, it will contain shocking and upsetting scenes and images. I have chosen to include these in my film so that the audience are more attracted and acknowledge the severity of the abuse.