Main Issues in Film Classification - Trailers/Advertisements

Trailers/advertisements

Audiences actively choose to see a full length feature based on expectations of the particular genre at the given classification and on the Consumer Advice and Extended Classification Information provided by the BBFC.

In contrast, audiences have no choice about the accompanying trailers or advertisements which may be very different in tone and content to the film the audience has chosen to view. In addition, because trailers and advertisements are short and self-contained, borderline material is less likely to be justified by context and more likely to cause offence.

For these reasons, classification decisions for trailers and advertisements may be more restrictive than for equivalent material in a main feature, for example:

• strong language is not permitted in trailers or advertisements at any category below ‘15’
• only one use of strong language is permitted in a trailer or advertisement at ‘15’ and must be neither threatening nor aggressive.

Advertisements for alcohol of any type can be passed at any category.  However, these may receive a more restrictive classification if there are overt attempts to associate alcohol with sexual prowess and/or a glamorous or successful lifestyle.

Advertisements for tobacco are prohibited by law.

The BBFC is not responsible for the exhibition of cinema trailers and advertisements, including alcohol advertising, and has no involvement in deciding which films they appear before. This process is the responsibility of the cinema.