The British Film, Institute
The BFI is a charitable organisation that was set up in 1933 by the Royal Charter, it was created to encourage the development of film, television and moving images through the United Kingdom.
The British Film Institutions runs BFI Southbank
The BFI runs the BFI Southbank which include the formerly National Film Theatre and the IMAX theatre that are located on the south bank of the River Thames. The IMAX has the largest screen in the UK, and shows popular and recent releases and short films showcasing technology (3D screenings and 12000 watts of digital surround sound. The National Film Theatre shows films from all corners of the globe particularly historical or specialised films.
The BFI maintains the worlds largest film archive (BFI national archives, National Film Archive and National Film and Television Archives) these archives contain 50,000 fiction films, over 100,000 non fiction titles and 625,000 television programmes. The majority of the archives are British material but it also features significant holdings from around the world.
The BFI maintains the worlds largest film archive (BFI national archives, National Film Archive and National Film and Television Archives) these archives contain 50,000 fiction films, over 100,000 non fiction titles and 625,000 television programmes. The majority of the archives are British material but it also features significant holdings from around the world.
The UK Film Council
The UK Film Council was set up in 2000 by the Labour government as a non-departmental public body to develop and promote the film industry in the UK.
The UKFC funds short films and features, they offer £17million for directors to use. there are three funds these are:
The Development Fund aims to broaden the quality, range and ambition of film projects being developed in the UK.
The New Cinema Fund supports emerging talent and established filmmakers working outside the mainstream, focusing on the most innovative writing and the most gifted directors.
and
The Premiere Fund invests £8 million of Lottery funding per year into mainstream, commercially-driven films encouraging the involvement of British creative talent in a range of films that can attract audiences the world over.
Also the UKFC funds regional screen agencies which provide funding for production, screen commissions, cinema exhibition, training, archives and education within each region.
British Board of Film Classification
The British Board of Film Classification is responsible for rating films. videos and video games. it is the local authorites that decide not to show films due to their classiforcations, but they always get advice from the BBFC.
Video games with specific themes/content (such as Grand Theft Auto) must be classified legally by the BBFC, on all games, videos and films classified by the British Board of Classification offer advise about what the material contains, such as Violence, sex and language used.
| Symbol | Name | Definition/Notes |
|---|---|---|
 | Universal | All ages admitted, there is nothing unsuitable for children. Films under this category should not upset children over 4. Example: FernGully: The Last Rainforest, The Incredibles |
 | Parental Guidance | All ages admitted, but certain scenes may be unsuitable for children under 8. Example: The Simpsons Movie |
 | 12A | Cinema only. Introduced in 2002. Films under this category are considered to be unsuitable for very young people. Those aged under 12 years are only admitted if accompanied by an adult, aged at least 18 years, at all times during the motion picture. However, it is generally not recommended that children under 12 years should watch the film. Films under this category can contain mature themes, discrimination, soft drugs, commonly used milder swear words, and moderate violence/sex references. Example: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pirates of the Caribbean, Yes Man |
 | 12 | Home media only since 2002. 12A-rated films are usually given a 12 certificate for the VHS/DVD version unless extra material has been added that requires a higher rating. Nobody younger than 12 can rent or buy a 12-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game. Films in this category may include infrequent drugs, infrequent use of strong language, brief nudity, discreet sexual activity, and moderate violence. |
 | 15 | Only those over 15 years are admitted. Nobody younger than 15 can rent or buy a 15-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category can contain adult themes, hard drugs, strong words, moderate-strong violence/sex references, and mild non-detailed sex activity. Example: Black Christmas ,Final Destination 3 |
 | 18 | Only adults are admitted. Nobody younger than 18 can rent or buy an 18-rated VHS, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, UMD or game, or watch a film in the cinema with this rating. Films under this category do not have limitation on the bad language that is used. Hard drugs are generally allowed, and strong violence/sex references along with non-detailed sex activity is also allowed. Example: Hostel, Saw III |
