Authorised Television Series Assessor (ATSA) Scheme
This page contains information on how to apply for classification of DVDs and videos using the Authorised Television Series Assessor (ATSA) scheme.
- Authorised Television Series Assessor scheme
- What is an eligible television series?
- What is series-related material?
- What do I have to do?
- Essential requirements of an application
- What if I don't agree with the Classification Board's decision?
- Where can I get more information?
- Where do I send my application?
What is the Authorised Television Series Assessor scheme?
The Authorised Television Series Assessor (ATSA) scheme is a new approach to the classification of DVDs, videos or other media storage devices that contain episodes of a television series. It allows for appropriately trained and authorised persons known as Authorised Television Series Assessor (ATSAs) to recommend a classification and consumer advice for the television series to the Classification Board. While the Board will still be responsible for the classification of the product, its decision may be informed by the ATSA assessment and classification recommendation.
What is an eligible television series?
Films that comprise one or more episodes of a television series where at least one episode included in the product has been broadcast in Australia can be submitted under the ATSA scheme.
Broadcast means broadcast in Australia on a national broadcasting service, a commercial broadcasting service, a subscription broadcasting service or a community broadcasting service.
Only products likely to be classified R 18+ or lower can be submitted under the scheme.
What is series-related material?
Series-related material can be included with television series that are eligible for processing under the ATSA scheme, provided that the extra material does not appear to be self-contained and produced for viewing as a discrete entity.
For example, outtakes, deleted scenes, or Director's commentary relating to the television series or an episode would be allowable, but a feature film or a standalone interactive game provided as CD-ROM content on a DVD would not.
What do I have to do?
It is essential that you submit the correct documentation, materials and classification fee with any application for classification. If you do not supply all the correct information your application may be delayed.
Essential requirements of an application
You need to complete the Film - other ATSA scheme application form in writing. The form must be signed by, or on behalf of, the applicant.
The application 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. You can find this form on the Application forms - Films not for public exhibition page. Please make sure 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 provide the correct fee for classification – the application is not valid until the fee has been received. A flat fee applies to all ATSA scheme applications, regardless of running time. You must make sure that at least one episode of the series has been broadcast on Australian television, otherwise the series will not be eligible for classification under the ATSA scheme. If the series does not qualify for the ATSA scheme, you must use the Film - other than for public exhibition application form.
In order to satisfy the requirements of the Classification Act you also need to supply:
- A copy of the film that includes only content intended for sale, hire or distribution (advertisements or trailers for previously classified films do not need to be included). The copy you submit must be of good quality. The content must not be obscured by time coding or other images not intended for the films release. Black and white versions of colour films are not acceptable. You may submit a copy in a format not intended for sale (VHS for DVD release).
Applications may be delayed or rejected if the material supplied is not clearly ordered, labelled or is contained on an excessive number of devices - The prescribed fee of $640.00
- ATSA classifiable time worksheet calculating the correct duration
- A completed Authorised Television Series Assessor Assessment.
Important note: Once your film has been classified, you may add advertisements for films and computer games previously classified at the same or lower classification level without requiring your film to be reclassified.
If your film cannot be modified and includes a trailer for a non series-related film or computer game that has not yet been published in Australia or if your film includes a trailer for an exempt film or computer game, it is not eligible for classification under the ATSA scheme. You must use the application for classification of a film not for public exhibition form.
How long will it take?
For standard classification applications, please allow 20 working days once the Classification Board has received a valid application.
For priority classification applications, please allow 5 working days once the Classification Board has received a valid application. An additional fee of $420.00 applies to each priority application.
Information about how the turnaround times are calculated is listed in the ‘Changes to turnaround times’ section below.
Turnaround times
The Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Regulations 2005 allow the Classification Board a maximum of 20 working days in which to process a standard application. The commencement of the 20 day period begins when the Classification Board receives a valid application.
Before the 20 day period begins, Applications staff must undertake a series of administrative and validity checking tasks in relation to each application to ensure the Classification Board has the information it requires to make a classification decision.
In the case of a standard application, the administration period will not exceed 5 working days. In the case of a priority application, the administration period will not exceed two days.
While Applications staff will always endeavour to keep processing time to a minimum, applicants will need to consider the maximum administration periods noted above and the impact these may have on applicants with tight time-frames for receiving a classification decision.
Applicants can help reduce processing time by supplying accurate and complete documentation with all applications.
What if I disagree with the Classification Board's decision?
You can ask a Classification Applications Officer for a copy of reasons for the Classification Board's decision. You can also apply to the Classification Review Board, an independent review body, for a review.
You can get more information about the Classification Review Board and how to apply for a review of a decision, including the schedule of fees for a review, by visiting the how to apply for a review of Classification Board decisions page.
Where can I get more information?
If you have any further enquiries you can contact the appropriate officer on one of the telephone numbers below.
If you require additional information you can submit an enquiry or contact an appropriate officer on one of the telephone numbers below.
Enquiries relating to:
An application for classification under ATSA
Project Officer
Telephone: (02) 9289 7100
An application for classification of a film for public exhibition
Senior Applications officer
Telephone: (02) 9289 7100
Booking a classification screening
Applications Officer (Cinema)
Telephone: (02) 9289 7119
A review of a classification decision
Secretary of the Classification Review Board
Telephone: (02) 9289 7100
Legal and policy issues relevant to the National Classification Scheme
Policy Section
Classification Branch
Attorney-General's Department
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