CBBFC Centenary Competition – read on to find out how to enter and what you could win!

The BBFC, the organisation that gives age ratings to films and DVDs, is 100 this year.

It was set up in 1912 to help parents chose what films their kids could watch and to make sure cinemas weren’t breaking the law. A lot has changed since 1912. Barbie dolls, Mr Potato Head toys, televisions, car seats, DVDs, and games consoles hadn’t been invented! Movies are now (usually) in colour, and we can hear the characters talk. We have digital film, IMAX, 3D, and very different special effects.

The BBFC have always given films certificates though. Some of the Certificates have changed over time. There has always been a U certificate, but a long time ago films could get an H (for horror), an X or even an A.

To celebrate the centenary the BBFC is inviting kids to redesign their Black Card.

Nowadays we see film certificates online, on film posters and on DVD covers. Whenever you go to the cinema you’ll see a card just before the movie starts. The card is a certificate telling you what rating the film got and the film’s title.

The winning entry will have their design made in to a real black card to be shown in cinemas. You can also win other cool prizes including the chance to train to be a BBFC examiner for a day with your class.

How to Enter:

All you have to do is make a note of the information needed on the card (the film title, ID number, signatures from the BBFC, and the rating) and then let your imagination run wild.

You can enter by email or by posting a design or picture you’ve drawn yourself. For more details of the competition click here . The closing date for entries is 30 April 2012

Entries can be emailed to competition@bbfc.co.uk

For more information check out this short video: