Operations

Getting our product to market entails a number of processes, from production and the classification of a title, through design, print and manufacturing of packaging, authoring, mastering and replication of discs or digitisation of content for internet distribution, to transport and distribution to retail and rental stores, e-tailers and aggregators. This all falls under the heading of Operations and also involves ensuring the security of assets right through the system to the point of purchase.

For information about the role of other industry organisations in this process please see the links below

The 1984 Video Recording Act requires all video titles (apart from music, sport and documentaries) to be submitted for classification prior to release by the designated authority, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). It is a criminal offence to supply an unclassified video title. There are seven main levels at which the theme and content is classified as suitable for home viewing and packaging regulations to ensure the age restriction is clearly visible on the case and disc. Brief consumer advice explains what specific content makes the work an age-restricted title. It is a criminal offence to supply an age-restricted title to someone below the specified age. www.bbfc.org.uk  The BBFC is currently running regular Student Seminars during term times. Students studying the topics of Film Censorship and/or Media Regulation are invited to attend a morning session with Examiners, held at the Board's offices in central London.  For more information please click here http://www.sbbfc.co.uk/seminar_list.asp

The Video Standards Council was set up in 1985 to develop and oversee a code of practice and guidance to promote high standards within the video industry. The VSC is a good place to get advice on the obligations and liabilities of retailers under the Video Recording Act. www.videostandards.org.uk

BBFC Online is the voluntary co-regulation scheme for content supplied by download or streaming over the internet, or through set top box services. It has been developed with support from both BVA members and online distribution platforms providers. www.bbfc.co.uk/bbfcOnline/bbfcOnline.php 

Video publishers who wish to distribute their works in Ireland must submit titles to the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) as fit for viewing under the Video Recordings Act, 1989. www.ifco.ie. Packaging regulations allow video publishers to print both British and Irish age classification symbols on product for distribution in the UK and Ireland. 

The Intellectual Property Office raises awareness of IP crime, by bringing together central government, enforcement agencies, and industry bodies to combat the threat posed by IP crime. www.ipo.gov.uk

 

The BVA runs an Operation Committee to help distributors achieve efficiencies and share best practice in getting product to market and to provide a forum for new products and services to be considered by all levels of membership. A small working group also exists to address specific classification issues with the BBFC.