Advertising for Unclassified Films and Computer Games
On this page, you can find information about how to apply for a certificate of exemption for advertising for unclassified public exhibition films.
- When can unclassified films be advertised?
- What do I have to do?
- Bookings for screenings of trailers
- Essential requirements for an application
- What if I disagree with the Classification Board's decision?
- Where do I send my application?
- Where can I get more information?
When can unclassified films and computer games be advertised?
Generally, all films and computer games must be classified before they can be advertised in Australia.
However, an unclassified film or computer game can be advertised if it has had the likely classification assessed by an Authorised Advertising Assessor (AAA) or by the Classification Board.
Unclassified films can be advertised if they have been assessed as having a likely classification of G, PG, M, MA 15+ or R 18+ by an Authorised Advertising Assessor or by the Classification Board.
Unclassified computer games can be advertised if they have been assessed as having a likely classification of G, PG, M, or MA 15+ by an Authorised Advertising Assessor or the Classification Board.
Please note: Unclassified films that are likely to be classified X 18+ or unclassified films or computer games likely to be classified RC are not allowed to be advertised. This scheme also does not apply to unclassified publications.
What do I have to do?
There are two ways to have an unclassified film or computer game assessed for its’ likely classification:
- An Authorised Advertising Assessor (AAA) can make an assessment of the likely classification of the film or computer game. The assessor needs to keep copies of any material used to make this decision for 12 months after the decision is made. Assessors do not need to submit anything to the Classification Board when they make an assessment, but may be asked to give information about how an assessment was made.
- An application to assess the likely classification of an unclassified film or computer game can be made to the Classification Board. You should use this option if you do not wish to use an Authorised Advertising Assessor to make the assessment. A complete application form, supporting material (i.e. a trailer, footage, synopsis, poster) and the classification fee. If you do not supply all the correct information your application may be delayed.
If you are supplying a trailer as part of your application, the Classification Operations Branch must receive the correct fee, supporting documents/materials, a copy of the trailer and a correctly made application at least 48 hours before the arranged screening date for the trailer. Failure to comply may result in a cancellation of your screening and delays with your application.
Bookings for screenings of trailers or computer gameplay footage
The usual practice is to arrange a specific screening time to have your trailer or computer gameplay footage viewed by the Classification Board, although this is not essential. Bookings can be made by calling the Classification Administration Officer (Public Exhibition Film) on telephone (02) 9289 7119. Bookings should be made as soon as you know the availability of the trailer but no later than one week ahead of your preferred screening date. As the Classification Board classifies films for a number of major and independent film distributors, bookings can be limited at certain times of the year.
Please check your trailer before the screening date. If you are submitting a 35mm trailer, it must be delivered to the Classification Board (in Sydney) spooled and wound 'head out'. The Classification Board may decline to screen un-spooled or 'tail out' prints or any content obscured by time coding or any other image not intended for the films release. Black and white trailers of colour films are not acceptable. You may submit a copy in a format not intended for exhibition (such as DVD for 35mm release). Applications may be delayed or rejected if the material supplied is not able to be viewed by the Board under public exhibition conditions.
A valid application including a completed application form, payment and supporting documents and material should be delivered to the Classification Board at least 48 hours before the screening time. Screenings can be cancelled without notice if these requirements are not met.
Essential requirements for an application
This form is provided for in the Classification Act and approved by the Director. You must fill in the form correctly or there will be delays in your application. The form can be found on the Application forms – Advertising for unclassified films and computer games page. Please make sure that you sign the form as an unsigned application does not satisfy the requirements of the Classification Act and will delay your application. You also need to make sure that you have provided the correct fee for classification – the application is not valid until the fee has been received.
We request that you provide as much supporting information as possible in order for the Classification Board to make an assessment. A list of supporting information can be found in Step 3 of the application form.
Please refer to The Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games for a summary of the type of material that might result in a decision of M or above – this will help you to provide a statement describing the contentious material in the film or computer game.
What if I disagree with the Classification Board's decision?
You can ask a Classification Applications Officer for a copy of the Classification Board's reasons for decision. You can also apply for a review to the Classification Review Board, an independent review body.
Refer to How to Apply for Review of Classification Board Decisions for information on applying for a review, application forms and the review fee.
Where can I get more information?
If you require additional information you can submit an enquiry or contact an appropriate officer on one of the telephone numbers below.
An application for exemption for advertising purposes
Exemptions Officer
Telephone (02) 9289 7147
Booking a screening for a trailer or computer gameplay footage
Application Officer (Cinema)
Telephone (02) 9289 7119
A review of a classification decision
Secretary of the Classification Review Board
Telephone (02) 9289 7100
Where do I send my application?
By post
The Director
Classification Board
Locked Bag 3
HAYMARKET NSW 1240
By courier
The Director
Classification Board
Level 5, 23 – 33 Mary St
SURRY HILLS NSW 2010