Watch & Rate is the BBFC’s fast, affordable certification and labelling solution for moving image content being sold/rented online only. Works submitted to this service are subject to the same compliance guidelines as physical works such as DVD and BluRay, and are issued the same trusted symbols (U, PG, 12, 15, 18, R18). BBFC.online provides the UK certification required by key digital video services; and the recognition value of the BBFC symbols allows the audience to make informed decisions about the appropriateness of content before purchasing. As at January 2011 more than 214,000 TV and Film works have been certified for online use. A work submitted for Watch & Rate certification does not need a DVD certificate or the release of an equivalent physical version. Watch & Rate is only available to BBFC.online service members. Prices from £100 per annum for content providers and £900 for platforms.
Frequently asked questions
- What forms of VOD are covered?
- How do I join BBFC.online?
- How do I submit works for classification?
- Which works are suitable for Watch & Rate certification?
- What do I get along with the certificate?
- How do I access my  certificate and previous ratings?
- How long does certification take and how can I guarantee a faster decision?
- What are the charges for Watch & Rate?
- Costs – overview table
What forms of VOD are covered?
Watch & Rate covers all kinds of non-physical moving image distribution. This includes Download-To-Own (DTO), Streaming services, Video On Demand (VOD) and other forms of Electronic Sell-Through (EST). For the purposes of clarity all of these forms are bracketed under the umbrella term of VOD by the BBFC.
How do I join BBFC.online?
Details of service membership and its Terms & Conditions can be found here, along with a membership form and pricing. http://www.bbfc.co.uk/bbfc-online/how-to-join
How do I submit works for classification?
BBFC.online members can submit works for Watch & Rate classification via their extranet page. The submission form can be found here:
- Login into the Extranet via the Customers menu on the BBFC homepage.
- Click the ‘Click here to create a submission online’ link
- Choose your submitting company and click ‘Select’
- From the left-hand menu select ‘Create a Submission Online’
- Click the ‘Create a ‘Watch & Rate’ submission’ button
- Follow the on-screen instructions
The Watch & Rate system was designed to accept content via digital delivery (secure FTP, content locker, etc) but until these digital integrations are performed disc submission will be accepted.
Which works are suitable for Watch & Rate certification?
If a work is being released for VOD before the equivalent physical product is submitted (or if a physical release is not planned), then Watch & Rate allows for VOD-only certification. DVD/BluRay/VHS works that already have VRA certificate are eligible for an upgrade to an online certificate for an low-price administration fee. NOTE: any work submitted to the BBFC before Jan 1st 2011 will have an online certificate that is accessible to BBFC.online members via their extranet account.
What do I get with Watch & Rate VOD certification?
When a work is passed for online use by the BBFC you are permitted to display the equivalent BBFC ratings symbol, the Electronic Black Card, the Electronic White Card and BBFC Consumer Advice for that submission, and to claim that the work has BBFC certification for digital distribution.
How do I access my certificate and previous BBFC VOD decisions?
BBFC.online members are given access to their works on our extranet. From there the Electronic Black Card can be generated and ratings decisions about your content is accessible.
How long does certification take and how can I guarantee a faster decision?
Watch & Rate decisions are issued within seven days of receipt of the digital content, although we always endeavour to do this sooner. Customers needing a faster decision, or able to plan in advance when content will be available to us for viewing, can upgrade their submission with our Pre-Booking Express (PBE) service. This guarantees you a same or next day decision (AM viewings: content must be received by 2 pm on the preceding day. PM viewings: content must be received by 9am that day), slots can be booked as late as two days before a decision is needed. PBE slots are limited. Full details here. http://www.bbfc.co.uk/customers/video/pre-booking-express.
What are the charges for Watch & Rate?
A Watch & Rate submission is charged at a £20 submission fee and a £2.50 per minute charge.
| Classification fees | VOD-only classification (AKA Watch & Rate) |
|---|---|
| Submission fee | £20.00 |
| Per minute fee | £2.50 |
| Pre-Booking Express | Standard tariff + 10% (running time charges rounded up to the nearest 15 minutes)Â NOTE: Any PBE fees are not offset during subsequent VRA classification. |
| VRA upgrade for works already classified via W&R | As per listed VRA costs, but the costs are offset against any existing W&R fees for this title |
Eg: To submit a single 90 minute clip for Watch & Rate
Submission fee + [length or work (mins) x £2.50] = charge
£20 + [90 x £2.50] = £245
