Section 1a: Initial notes on music video (Censorship)

Music videos and similar products alike need to be censored and regulated by the British Broadcast and Film council, or BBFC for short, Music videos are classified as miniature films like the Beatles first “film inserts” this is why it is up to a film board to censor and regulate them. This is a major factor that must be considered before production.

In 1991 Michael Jacksons Black or White video was censored as Michael was said to inappropriately touch himself in the region of his genitalia. Another example of censorship was The Prodigy’s “Smack My Bitch Up” and Robbie Williams Rock DJ where Robbie removed his skin to reveal his naked body, this meant that Robbie’s video could only be shown after British watershed, although the shocking nature of his video caused an uproar of controversy and free publicity ultimately the video was not able to reach its full target audience and more importantly market due to the carless consideration regarding censorship.