ADVERTISING
Film advertising requirements for cinemas, posters, newspapers, television, radio and film, DVD, video, computer and console game retailers
Find out about:
- requirements to show film classifications in cinemas or other venues where films are exhibited to the public;
- classification information on film posters, newspapers and other advertising material;
- classification information on trailers;
- radio advertising for films, DVDs, videos, computer or console games;
- television advertising for films, DVDs, videos, computer or console games;
- classification information on display in businesses selling films, DVDs, videos, computer or console games.
The legal guidelines on advertising classifications are set out in Part 5 of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Regulations 1994. The regulations provide specific criteria for the physical display of classification information and the inclusion of classification information on trailers, radio and television advertising.
Advertising film classifications in cinemas and other venues where films are exhibited
If you are exhibiting a film to the public (including in an out-door setting) you are legally required to advertise the relevant classification for the film(s) you are showing. You must advertise the classification symbol and descriptive note and explanation of the classification symbol. There are specific legal guidelines on how this classification information must be displayed.
How does classification information need to be displayed?
Classification information in cinemas, or other venues where films are exhibited, must be displayed:
- On a lobby board that is at least 28 cm by 36 cm with content that is readable from a reasonable distance; or a copy of the classification label for the film displayed in a conspicuous position in the lobby or outside the entrance to the room where the film will be exhibited.
- The classification information must also be advertised where the film will be shown and where the tickets will be sold, if this is a different venue.
- The classification information must be on display at all times while the premises are open to the public.
Premises where films are to be exhibited are also legally required to have a poster explaining classification symbols. You can contact us about getting a copy of this poster (A2 size).
Classification information on posters, newspapers and other advertising material
Posters, trailers, newspapers, television and radio advertisements for films, videos, DVDs or computer games are legally required to include specific classification information (section 38 of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Regulations 1994).
Posters advertising films, videos, DVDs or computer games
Any poster, or other advertising material, used to advertise a film, video, DVD or computer game must display
- the classification symbol and descriptive note the film, video, DVD or computer game has received and
- an explanation of the film symbol
The classification label should be easily readable from a distance and should appear alongside the title of the film. A classification label can be attached to the poster or the full classification can be printed on to the poster. If a label is attached to a poster it should be applied over any overseas classification on the poster. If the label is printed onto a poster the relevant classification symbol G, PG, M, or R 13/15/16/18 should be at least 2 cm in height.
Newspaper and other print advertising
Advertising material published in a newspaper; or in the form of a programme or brochure; or in any other printed document advertising 2 or more films should include:
- The classification symbol and descriptive note the film has received. In newspapers the relevant classification symbol must be at least 6 point font.
- An explanation of the film symbol. In newspapers, this should appear on the same page as the film classifications. In other printed brochures, this should appear so that it can be easily identified with the film classifications.
Trailers
Trailers advertising a film and shown to the public must include the relevant classification symbol, explanation and descriptive note. The classification label should appear immediately after the end of the trailer and must be legible for at least 5 seconds.
If there are technical or other reasons that the legal requirements on trailers cannot be met, the above information can be shown via a lantern slide or other method as approved by the Chief Censor.
Trailers must be classified before they are publicly exhibited. For more information on this process go to this webpage on getting films classified.
Radio advertisements
Radio advertisements for films, must include the following information at the end of the advertisement:
- the classification symbol and descriptive note the film has received and
- an explanation of the film symbol
Television advertisements
Television advertisements advertising films should include the following information on screen for at least 5 seconds:
- the classification symbol and descriptive note the film has received and
- an explanation of the film symbol.
Film, DVD, video, computer and console game retailers
According to section 42 of Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Regulations 1994 every place offering films, DVDs, videos, computers and/or console games for sale or exhibition must display a notice explaining classification symbols. Click here to contact the Information Unit about getting a copy of the classification poster (A2 size). The regulations require that this poster is visible as near as practicable to the point of sale. If you are a computer or console game retailler you can download (PDF v7.0, 153kb)an A4 explanation of video game labels for your shop or you can contact us about getting copies of the laminated poster. You may also be interested in the monthly games classification updates newsletter.