2. 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.
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. A behind-the-scenes look
Der 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.
13. 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?
14. 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/FilmsAndV
ideos/Pages/RatingsFilmsandVideos.aspx#keypoint3)
