What is the Future of the BBFC ?David Cooke (Director of the BBFC):

‘We have an exciting part to play in the film and video industry’s digital future’

The BBFC claim to be adapting to meet the demands of the online world.

Since 2008 the BBFC have been making an attempt to provide a content labelling system for film and video content supplied via the internet.

As part of this initiative, they created a new ‘Watch an Rate’ system specifically for straight-to-online content where content can be voluntarily submitted by individuals for rating.

At least 15 online platforms and e-tailers already use the system and they pay a licensing fee to the BBFC so that all of their content has a BBFC certificate.

Most who are using the system are not streaming/selling straight-to-online content and have previously received a BBFC certificate for cinema or dvd release.

The only selling point the BBFC seem to offer for this service is “peace of mind” for platform owners that their content is legal and holds trusted ratings.

BUT There has been a proliferation of pro-sumer

content on online community sites such as YouTube. There has been and perhaps will continue to be a dramatic shift in consuming habbits and a change in the media forms that are being demanded (short home made videos rather than just features or TV programmes)

The BBFC claim: ‘90% of parents wish to see the BBFC’s symbols on film downloads’

Questions to develop your own voice:

1. What percentage of your viewing is content via online community websites such as YouTube, Facebook etc?

2. What percentage is cinema and dvd/blueray?

3. Do you see this changing in the future for yourself or for others your age? Why and what impact might this have on the BBFC’s role and power?