What do Trolls World Tour, Bloodshot and The Invisible Man have in common? They’ve all been released to streaming services early so that you can watch them from the comfort of your own home during lockdown. Want to know more? Listen to this podcast, which takes you through some of these releases and gives you all of the classification knowledge you need, so you can sit and watch them either by yourself or with your family.
Apr 23, 2020•22 min
To mark our 100th podcast, we have teamed up with film critic, journalist and host of BBC’s Kermode and Mayo's Film Review, Mark Kermode, for a very special episode. So sit back and enjoy an open discussion between Mark and the BBFC’s Head of Compliance, Craig Lapper - as they delve into Mark’s relationship with film classification and discuss how the BBFC has changed over the years. The two also discuss the classification decisions for recent film releases such as Jojo Rabbit (2019) and 1917 (2...
Jan 30, 2020•42 min
Teachers, are you looking forward to your last week of term? Together with our friends at Into Film, we've produced a podcast and some lesson plans with some ideas about how you can watch the beloved festive tale A Christmas Carol with your class. Whether you're a fan of Scrooge (1951), the Muppet's Christmas Carol (1992), or Jim Carey's A Christmas Carol (2009) we talk about the classification and history of each film, and give you some discussion points and lesson ideas. http://www.cbbfc.co.uk...
Dec 13, 2019•36 min
“The 18 replaced the X in 1982, which in turn absorbed the H which stood for ‘horrific’ in 1951.” In the last episode of our mini series, we look at the history of the 18 category and its key classification issues. From ‘H’ films being restricted during WW2 to the 18 as it is today.
Nov 15, 2019•23 min
“More films are rated 15 today than at any other category.” In 1982 15 replaced the AA category and the category system as we know it today was created. What was different about the AA and why did it change? In the 15 podcast, we discuss exactly this and compare older 15s such as Poltergeist (1982) with more recent releases such as Hereditary (2018).
Nov 14, 2019•20 min
“The 12 was introduced, on film only, in 1989 to cover the large gulf between PG and 15.” Gremlins (1984), The Goonies (1985) and Ghostbusters (1984) all have something in common, and it isn’t that they all start with G. All of these films were rated 12 or 12A. In this podcast, we discuss both categories and the wide range of audience they capture discussing classification issues such as discrimination, humour and threat.
Nov 13, 2019•18 min
Introduced in 1982, the PG replaced the old A classification that had existed since 1913.” In this episode, join us as we discuss the PG category. Find out why it was established and how best parents and families can navigate PG films. We also talk about a wide array of classification issues, from violence in films such as Horrible Histories (2019) to threat in Goosebumps (2015) and Lion (2016).
Nov 12, 2019•30 min
“The U category is the only classification to survive from the inception of the BBFC to now.” In the first of our mini series, we discuss the U category, how it has changed over the years and how we address historically classified U films such as Watership Down (1978) and Disney classics such as The Lion King (1994).
Nov 11, 2019•23 min
'I'll have what she's having' Rom Coms have given us some of the most memorable lines in cinematic history over the years. Whats your favourite? This podcast, we discuss some of the greats - When Harry Met Sally, Notting Hill and It Happened One Night - and give you some insight into the classifications of each film.
Jul 18, 2019•19 min
With exam season upon us, we have released a podcast to support students, teachers and parents in the lead up to this years media studies exams.
May 13, 2019•15 min
Wonder Woman. Hermione Granger. Moana. Elsa and Ana. Katnis. Gwen Stacy. What do all these wonderful women have in common? They all feature in our #InternationalWomensDay podcast celebrating women in film! Billie is joined by our Head of Education, Lucy, and compliance officer Ben talking about the best female led films to watch with your kids.
Mar 08, 2019•29 min
How does classification fit in to the ever changing way in which we consume content? We discussed this, and a number of other topics, with industry experts at the launch of our Classification Guidelines. You can listen to the whole discussion here.
Feb 28, 2019•1 hr 18 min
In this episode Billie speaks to Ed, our Operations Manager and Preet a member of our compliance team about all things Oscars. The team discuss the 2019 nominations, as well as nominations of the past.
Feb 22, 2019•18 min
In this episode Billie is joined by Sarah and Ben from the BBFC compliance team to talk through a bumper pack of Christmas favourites, that are great to watch over the festive period. As well as making some special recommendations of their own.
Dec 18, 2018•13 min
In this episode we speak to Keith Lodwick the curator of Censored! Stage, Screen, Society at 50 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, a display which the BBFC contributed to in 2018. The podcast covers some of the iconic films highlighted in the exhibition, the BBFC archive and much more.
Dec 06, 2018•22 min
In this episode we discuss the classification of John Carpenter's 1978 horror classic, Halloween. As well as comparing the original to the classification of the newest Halloween directed by David Gordon Green, released in 2018. And as a treat (rather than a trick!), Billie also asks her guest what he will be watching this Halloween. Sound effects courtesy of Mike Koenig, Timothy and Saraspella www.soundbible.com
Oct 31, 2018•12 min
In this episode we look at how films are re-rated when they're sent in to the BBFC for a second time. We also speak about Heathers the 1988 Michael Lehmann film.
Aug 31, 2018•11 min
This episode is the first of our new BBFC Education Specials. Billie is joined by Lucy Brett, BBFC Head of Education and Matt Lane CEO and Artistic Director of Eastside Educational Trust. Eastside is a highly acclaimed arts education charity and one of London's leading youth arts provider. We are delighted to have supported Eastside as part of our charitable donations policy.
Aug 06, 2018•16 min
In this episode of the BBFC podcast we talk about Bollywood movies, in Particular Baahubali 2 and Sholay.
Jun 22, 2018•7 min
In this episode of the BBFC podcast we discuss Wonder Woman & Avengers Infinity War.
Jun 08, 2018•11 min
In this episode we discuss two 15 rated coming of age films, Boyhood (2014) and Lady Bird (2017)
Apr 30, 2018•7 min
In this episode we discuss age rating sex references at the 15 category in episodes of She's Gotta Have It (2017-present) and Girls (2012-2017)
Mar 16, 2018•9 min
In this episode of our podcast we discuss threat at the lower classification level referencing adventure feature films BFG (2016) and Paddington (2014), both classified at PG.
Mar 02, 2018•7 min
In this episode of the BBFC podcast we compare the classification of violence at the higher categories of 15 and 18 in both the US fantasy series' Preacher (2017-present) and Supernatural (2005-present).
Feb 08, 2018•9 min
In this episode we talk about the classification of the series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the spin-off series Angel.
Jan 26, 2018•9 min
In this episode of the BBFC podcast we talk about Get Out and It Follows.
Jan 09, 2018•10 min
In this episode of the BBFC podcast we speak about depictions of drugs in Breaking Bad and other TV shows.
Dec 06, 2017•14 min
In this episode of the BBFC podcast we look at spike Lee's do the Right thing.
Nov 10, 2017•12 min
In this episode we discuss classifying difficult themes in films, in particular the theme of school shootings, as explored in the film We Need To Talk About Kevin (2011).
Oct 17, 2017•14 min
In this episode we discuss the classification history of the 1993 film Mrs. Doubtfire, starring Robin Williams.
Sep 21, 2017•13 min
