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Advertise an unclassified film or computer game

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If you want to advertise an unclassified film or computer game, there are certain conditions that must be met. These include:

  • the film or computer game is likely to be classified G, PG, M, MA 15+ or R 18+
  • an assessment of the likely classification of the content has been completed
  • you adhere to the advertising requirements for unclassified films and computer games.

Check for classification

You can check the National Classification Database to see if the film or computer game has been classified.

If it has already been classified there are different rules for advertising.

Assessment of likely classification

You can apply for an assessment of likely classification of an unclassified film or computer game by:

  • applying to the Classification Board
  • using an authorised advertising assessor.

Assessment by authorised assessor

Authorised advertising assessors are authorised under the Authorised Advertising Assessor (AAA) Scheme to make an assessment of the likely classification of an unclassified film or computer game.

Assessments made by authorised advertising assessors are not submitted to the Board. However, the assessor needs to keep details of the reasons for the assessment for 12 months in case the Director of the Classification Board has any questions about it.

Conditions for advertising unclassified films or games

For detailed rules about specific requirements for different types of advertisements, see the Classification (Advertising of Unclassified Films and Computer Games Scheme) Determination 2009.

Advertise unclassified films or games with classified films or games

An unclassified film or game can only be advertised with a classified film or game when it has been assessed as likely to be the same classification or lower.
 

Likely classification
of film or game		 Can be advertised with a film or game classified
Classification marking - General (Square) Classification marking - General (Square)Classification marking - Parental Guidance (Square)Classification marking - Mature (Square)Classification marking - Mature Accompanied (Square)Classification marking - Restricted R18+ (Square)
Classification marking - Parental Guidance (Square) Classification marking - Parental Guidance (Square)Classification marking - Mature (Square)Classification marking - Mature Accompanied (Square)Classification marking - Restricted R18+ (Square)
Classification marking - Mature (Square) Classification marking - Mature (Square)Classification marking - Mature Accompanied (Square)Classification marking - Restricted R18+ (Square)
Classification marking - Mature Accompanied (Square) Classification marking - Mature Accompanied (Square)Classification marking - Restricted R18+ (Square)
Classification marking - Restricted R18+ (Square) Classification marking - Restricted R18+ (Square)

For example, a trailer for a film that has been assessed with a likely classification of M cannot be shown with a film that has been classified G or PG in a cinema.

Check the Classification (CTC) message

Advertising for unclassified films and computer games must include a classification ticker message of either CTC or Check the Classification. These cannot be used once a film or game has been classified.

CTC message

Check the Classification

The short CTC message can be used in:

  • print advertising
  • online advertising
  • film directories and session times

Check the Classification message

Classification - Check the Classification (Large)

The long Check the Classification message can be used in:

  • print advertising
  • online advertising.

Classification ticker

A static or animated ‘ticker’ showing the long Check the Classification message can be used in screen advertising such as trailers and online advertisements.

Displaying the markings and messaging

Instructions and templates for displaying the markings and messaging are available in the Markings for advertising unclassified films and computer games.

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