Regulation of pornography : the experience of film classifiers

Motion pictures are regulated in part by provincial film classification boards. These boards play a role in the regulation of sexually explicit and other controversial material in film. Eight film classifiers were interviewed to learn how they make their decisions, what issues influence those decisions, and how they see their role as classifiers. Respondents said that the concept of community standards was highly salient in their work but that organized campaigns against films had little impact on classification decisions. A number of issues were found to be less significant to film classification than anticipated. Respondents indicated the importance of avoiding the use of Personal tastes, emphasizing their commitment to adhering to board guidelines when making decisions regarding controversial film content. Classifiers generally saw themselves as providers of information about films rather than as censors. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for the regulation of sexually explicit films.