Introduced in August 2008, the “Classify All-Content” policy sees the Board of Film Censors (BFC) classifying videos according to their content, regardless of edits that may have been made for a foreign region or market.
In October 2003, the BFC introduced sequential dual ratings for films, which meant film distributors could screen two versions (under different ratings) of the same movie.
The BFC provides Consumer Advice on the works it classifies, and attaches importance to this. Distributors and companies are to ensure that ratings and consumer advice are appropriately reflect on publicity materials.
The Declaration of Content Concerns, introduced in August 2008, is a co-regulatory initiative that allows companies to recommend a rating and highlight contentious elements/ contents when making a film or video submissions.
When making a classification decision for a film, the BFC takes careful consideration of the film’s content as well as all other relevant factors and concerns.
All promotional trailers of films must be submitted to the BFC for classification. Distributors/companies should observe guidelines when screening promotional trailers.
Publicity materials are self-regulated by the industry. Distributors/companies should observe guidelines when displaying print publicity materials.
With the implementation of the “Classify All-Content” Policy in August 2008, video distributors have the option and flexibility to bring in videos from different regions, allowing them to cater to various market segments and age groups by offering different versions of the same title.
Video distributors need to only affix one rating certificate for box-set submissions. A label specification guide for box-sets has been designed to assist video distributors in providing clear and consistent labelling on box sets.
Videos are exempted from classification if their content falls under any of the descriptions in the Video Exemption Categories and Guidelines.
The BFC has drawn up the basic guidelines for applicants submitting films and video for classification.