Understanding the Media Classification Ratings

Compiled by Innova Junior College

Ratings Made Simple

Classification Ratings on Film, video and TV

• In a world where media is available anywhere, a clear and concise set of classification ratings is more important than ever.

• WHY?

– Parents need these tools to effectively manage their children's media consumption and make the right decisions as to what is suitable for their children to watch.

Considerations in Classification

• When classifying content, classifiers look at the theme, content, presentation and impact of the film as a whole while taking the following factors into consideration:

1. Violence

2. Sex

3. Nudity

4. Language

5. Drug and substance abuse

6. Horror

There is now one common set of rating symbols for Films, Videos and TV. Viewers can easily differentiate the green advisory ratings from the orange age-restricted ratings.

They provide greater clarity and consistency, and are also more easily identifiable. The circular green symbols G/PG/PG13 are advisory ratings, while the age-restricted NC16/M18/R21 ratings come in orange boxes.

The PG13 rating is not age-restrictive–it is meant to help parents make more informed decisions about what is suitable for their children to watch , but does not exclude children younger than 13 from watching.

For TV, broadcasters practice co-regulation and will give the appropriate rating to the programmes aired on their channels.

On Free-to-air TV, programmes can be up to PG13 standard. However, PG13 programmes can only be shown between 10pm and 6am.

For content on Subscription TV and Video-on-Demand, broadcasters can carry programmes up to M18 standard. However, channels with scheduled programming can only air M18 programmes between 10pm and 6am.

A behind-the-scenes look

• Why do some films take longer time than others?

• Why are some films given certain ratings?

• What are the issues faced by the BFC?

• Many factors come into play during classification.

• SOMETIMES EVEN BEFORE SUBMISSION.

A behind-the-scenes look

The Golden Compass (2007)

• After it was released internationally, religious organisations and Christians protested against it as it was thought to be anti-religion.

• Apparently, the source novel by Philip Pullman was believed to have promoted atheistic beliefs and anti-Christianity.

A behind-the-scenes look

The Golden Compass (2007)• The BFC received similar feedback this time from local religious

groups and churches, asking that the film be banned.

• On their part, the local film distributor was anxious about the fate of the film or any possible delays, as these would have repercussions on their planned release date.

• Said Ms Wang Chee Yann, Head of Film Classification (English). “Whilst the BFC took into account the feedback from local religious groups and churches, we were of the view that the film should be viewed and assessed based on its own merit.” Indeed, the BFC takes a cautious approach towards content that is religiously sensitive. Any content that denigrates a religion will not be allowed.

A behind-the-scenes look

The Golden Compass (2007)• Given the publicity and controversy surrounding "The

Golden Compass", the BFC consulted the Films Consultative Panel (FCP) as well. After viewing the film, the FCP members unanimously agreed that there was no religiously sensitive content.

• Rather, the film was about love, friendship and bravery. It was finally classified PG, with a consumer advice "Fighting Scenes" accompanying the rating to alert parents, as there were sequences of bears fighting and battle scenes which could be scary to young children.

A behind-the-scenes look

Der Freie Will (2006)

• The critically- acclaimed “Der Freie Wille” (aka “The Free Will”), a German film about an ex-serial rapist trying to adjust back to society after 12 years of psychiatric detention.

• The BFC, in consultation with the FCP, classified the film R21 with a reduction to a prolonged, detailed and explicit sequence depicting sexual violence.

A behind-the-scenes lookDer Freie Will (2006)

• The film distributor, however, disagreed with the BFC decision, and lodged an appeal with the Films Appeal Committee (FAC).

• The distributor believed that the sexual assault was integral to the storyline and to understanding the rapist’s state of mind. After considering the BFC’s and film distributor’s representations, the FAC upheld the BFC’s decision that the scene of sexual violence was strong and could be reduced without affecting the storyline.

Essential questions• Do you think film ratings are important and why?

• The considerations for classifications are subject to interpretation. What would be a good way to determine the acceptable amount of sex and violence?

• Are the different considerations ranked by order of importance?

• Who sits on the Film Consultative Panel and how are they chosen?

Sources• Ratings made simple

(http://www.mda.gov.sg/NewsAndEvents/Newsletters/2011/8/Pages/01.aspx)

• BFC shares with Film Distributors (http://www.mda.gov.sg/NewsAndEvents/Newsletters/2010/3/Pages/02b.aspx)

• Classification Ratings for Films and Videos (http://www.mda.gov.sg/Public/MediaClassification/FilmsAndVideos/Pages/RatingsFilmsandVideos.aspx#keypoint3)