Classification Policy 2009
The guidelines and classifications outlined in this document are the decision of the Chew TV Network Content Crew and Content Manager. Legal and BBFC guidelines have been considered in drawing up this policy. The Chew TV Network Content Crew and Content Manager will periodically review its classification guidelines.
The guidelines for the Chew TV Network adhere to the guidelines of several film festivals as well as the BBC Big Screen. Therefore acceptance of content onto the Chew TV Network means it is likely it will adhere to festivals users wish to submit their work to as well.
Any Content considered suitable only for those over 18yrs old will be classified as 'Restricted' and will only be available to logged in users aged over 18 yrs.
The Classifications outlined in this document refer only to specified Content on the Chew TV Network and its sub channels, both internal and external.
When classifying works the Chew TV Network Content Crew and Channel controllers should consider these underlying principles:
- Is the material within the law; are there any copyright issues or concerns?
- Is the material offensive/unacceptable to broad public opinion?
- Is the material likely to cause harm to viewers?
- Is the material likely to cause any harm to society through the behaviour of those viewers afterwards?
- Does the submitted Content cause any conflicts of interest with the Chew TV Network and its sub channels?
While considering these principles the Chew TV Network Content Crew and Channel Controllers must recognise that any adult over the age of 18 has the right to choose what they view as long as it remains within the law.
Legislation
The Video Recordings Act 1984
The Act requires special regard (among the other relevant factors) to the likelihood of works being viewed in the home, and to:
- Any harm to those likely to view a video.
- Any harm to society through the behaviour of those viewers afterwards
The possible effect not only on children but also on other vulnerable people must also be considered.
The Act further requires that special regard be paid to the manner in which the work deals with
- Criminal behaviour
- Use of illegal drugs
- Violent behaviour or incidents
- Horrific behaviour or incidents
- Human sexual activity
The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937
It is illegal to show any scene 'organised or directed' for the purposes of the film to involve actual cruelty to animals.
The Protection of Children Act 1978
It is illegal to show indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child (under the age of 18).
The Obscene Publications Act 1959
It is illegal to show a work that is obscene. A work may be found obscene if, taken as a whole, it has a tendency to deprave and corrupt (ie make morally bad) a significant proportion of those likely to see it.
Human Rights Act 1998
Among the rights established under this Act are the right to private life
and family, and the right to freedom of expression. When classifying
works, the Chew TV Network Content Crew will have regard to the impact of any
decision on the rights of any relevant person.
The Act permits such restrictions on freedom of expression as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.
Classification Levels
The Chew TV Network Classification Levels are as follows:
- 'F' (Family) Suitable for people of all ages and mental states.
- '12+' Not suitable for young people under the age of 12 years old. (This content will be available on the Chew TV Network at all times but will be labelled as not suitable for younger children)
- '15+' This is suitable for young people aged 15 years and older.
- '18+' Not suitable for young people under the age of 18 years old. (To view content that has the 'A' classification the viewer must be signed in to a Chew TV Network user account with a registered age of at least 18 years old)
- Please note that you need to be signed into the Chew TV Network to have full access to all the films suitable for your age.
Classifications
'F'
- Theme: The theme must be suitable for people of all ages.
- Language: No swearing, or offensive language.
- Nudity: No nudity.
- Sexual references: No sexual references except for kissing and mild references to 'making love'.
- Violence: Must be occasional, mild references to threat. No criminal or violent behaviour likely to be copied.
- Horror: Horror effects should be mild and brief and should take into account the presence of very young viewers. The outcome should be reassuring.
- Substance misuse: No references to illegal drugs or drug misuse unless there is a clear educational purpose or clear anti-drug message suitable for the audience.
'12+'
- Theme: More mature themes can be covered but the younger audience must be considered.
- Language: No swearing, but mildly offensive words/phrases are acceptable.
- Nudity: No nudity.
- Sexual references: Sexual activity may be implied. Sex references may reflect what is likely to be familiar to most adolescents but should not go beyond what is suitable for them.
- Violence: Scenes of a violent nature must not be detailed, only implied. Injuries or blood must not be emphasised. No criminal or violent behaviour likely to be copied.
- Horror: Sustained moderate threat is permitted. Occasional gory moments only.
- Substance misuse: Any misuse of drugs must be infrequent and should not be glamorised or instructional. Anti- drug meanings only.
'15+'
- Theme: Mature themes may be used.
- Language: infrequent and mild swearing is acceptable as is mildly offensive words or phrases if contextually justified.
- Nudity: No full frontal nudity and no nudity if it appears through scenes of a sexual nature.
- Sexual references: Scenes of moderate sexual activity is allowed, providing no sexual nudity is involved. Sexual jokes would normally fit best in this category.
- Violence: May contain scenes of violence, with occasional scenes of blood and more graphic Injury.
- Horror: Scenes of threat and menace are allowed and more gory moments are acceptable.
- Substance misuse: Drug activity and misuse may be implied providing it is not glamorised or instructional and portrays a negative message through inclusion.
'18+'
- 'Open Door' to anything excluding full frontal nudity and glamorising drug use or crime. Consideration must always be taken with reference to the Chew TV Network Classification Guidelines and remaining within the law. All sexual references/portrayals will be scrutinised.
Copyright
The Chew TV Network does not accept any content, which includes copyright material in any circumstance.
Trademarks and logos.
Product placement in a film is when a product is placed in shot for the purpose of promoting or advertising the particular product. This is often done in top films or TV shows, where the companies have negotiated a deal whereby the production gets a fee for promoting the product, which then gets associated with the programme. Filmmakers should approach companies and ask them if they'd be interested in doing this for them.
Trademarks and logos used in films are fine, providing they are not in shot for the whole time and focused as if advertising. That said if a character is wearing a 'Nike' jumper and then goes on to burgle a house in a scene, this has a negative effect on the brand and 'Nike' could pursue action. So by rule of thumb, unless you have got permission or have a deal with a company, do not use close up shots of products.
Music
This is probably the most obvious of copyright infringement and the one to be picked up on first. As an artist of a song gets paid each time the track is played, obviously they will have something to say if you go and use it for your film for free. Therefore unless you can gain permission from the artist (and for the purposes of the Chew TV Network it would need to be in writing to prove this) it is best if you use copyright free music from the various websites offering this or make your own.
Creative Commons
A creative works by law immediately gives the creator copyright ownership. Creative commons licenses allow individuals to make choices surrounding the copyright of their work.
Members of the Chew TV Network online community are encouraged to register their work under a Creative Commons license, making their work more accessible to others and encouraging them to contribute to the future creativity of others.
For more information on Creative commons and the six main licenses they offer for free go to: http://www.creativecommons.org.