The BBFC is pleased to announce that as from January 1, 2006 companies
will
be able to make submissions in DVD format.
A trial of the processing of DVD submissions has been underway over the
past few months with a number of companies. This trial has
enabled the BBFC to confirm that our technology, processes and
procedures are able to handle DVD submissions at least as well as VHS
tape.
We are now gearing up for the full scale acceptance of DVD submissions.
We know that companies will need to revise their procedures, to a
greater or lesser extent, to take advantage of this change.
This
notice is designed to provide all companies with the information they
need in advance of the launch and to raise any concerns they may have.
We have prepared a series of questions and answers to address some of
the more common questions. This list may well deal with your
question but if not then please contact our customer helpline on 020
7440 0299 or email helpline@bbfc.co.uk.
Q and A
Q.
Why are you doing this ?
A.
First and foremost because of customer demand. As VHS
technology
has declined in use within the industry over recent years it has become
clear that we need to move to an alternative. The wealth of
different formats and technologies used in editing makes it impossible
for us to accept any of these. DVD is the only realistic
alternative to VHS that is widely acceptable to the industry.
DVD also meets the need of the BBFC to receive packaged media that is
the same as the final consumer.
Q.
Is there anything specific I need to know about the technical aspects
of the DVDs I submit ?
A.
Yes, please refer to the DVD Technical Submission criteria (PDF) in our Downloads section which covers all the technical information.
You are strongly recommended to read and take note of this
information. The main issues we had with early submissions in
the
trial were due to detailed technical issues. The DVD
specification allows considerable scope for interpretation and some
DVDs may not play correctly with our equipment if the technical advice
is not followed.
Q.
Will there be a new submission form ?
A.
Yes, the latest DVD/Video Submission form (PDF) can be found in the Downloads section
You must use this new form for all DVD submissions from now on and for
all submissions including VHS from January 1st 2006. The BBFC
is
going to be very firm about this since the information we need for DVD
is different.
We have also slightly simplified the form so it should be easier to
complete correctly.
Q.
Must I send in the entire content of a DVD at once in finished form ?
A.
No. Just as with VHS all the content has to be classified but
you
can choose to submit all or parts of the content depending on your
requirements. It is, for instance, practice for some
companies to
submit each separate item individually. They then assemble
each
DVD using the parts they need. Others separate the main
feature
from the "extras" and submit these as two submissions. The
balance between cost, time and convenience will depend on your
individual circumstances.
Q.
What should I include on the DVDs ?
A.
We will classify everything you put on the DVD*. If there is
material on the disc that you will not be using for final release then
the classification will not be valid for your retail product.
We require you to provide a contents breakdown so that both parties can
confirm that the contents are as expected.
Note that we will not accept submissions without a completed contents
list. We have learned from the trial that, in the long run,
it is more expensive for all concerned if we accept submissions without
a complete list.
* Where repeated material is accessed separately and designed to be
viewed out of context, such segments will be treated as separate items,
viewed again and be charged at the normal tariff.
Q.
Can I submit multiple works on one DVD ?
A.
No. You can submit one work made up of several components but
not
two or more separate works. For instance you could submit
four
episodes of a series together and have them classified as one work but
not you may not submit one DVD and have each episode classified
separately. Equally you may choose to submit the entire
content
of a DVD in the form you intend to release it.
This is precisely the same as with VHS.
Q.
Must I send everything on DVD ?
A.
No. We will continue to accept VHS for a time, though we are
encouraging the use of DVD. During the trial participants
have
phased out VHS submissions fairly soon after their initial submission
has been accepted. We expect this pattern to be repeated with
the
overwhelming majority of customers.
Depending on customer experience and conversion rate we will revisit
this at the end of 2006 with a view to phasing out VHS as soon as
practicable thereafter.
Q.
If I have a resubmission of a work I sent in on VHS can I use DVD ?
A.
If the resubmission is for cuts or for other reasons that require a
comparison of the media then using the same media is
required. If
the original was faulty, i.e., the resubmission is due to technical
faults then by all means replace the VHS with DVD if you are confident
this submission will be correct.
Q.
What is the difference between a video game submission, an interactive
submission and a DVD ?
A.
The simplest answer is that if the product is designed to play in a
standard domestic DVD player then it is a DVD submission. If
the
product is designed to play only in a PC, games console or similar then
it should be a game submission. There are marginal cases
where
this is not clear and you are advised to ask us if you are unsure since
it can cause significant delays if we need to process a submission
twice.
Q.
Will the fee be affected ?
A.
The finance department have reviewed the results of the trial and have
not detected a significant impact on process time or fee
income.
However, they have advised that non linear works will need to be
assessed rather than measured. Based on these results, they
do
not propose to review the fee tariff immediately.
The fee tariff is examined as a matter of routine at least once per
year and if DVD has had a significant effect this will be taken into
account.
Q.
How much time will be assessed for non-linear elements ?
A.
That depends entirely on what the non-linear elements are.
For a
set of moving menus and navigation elements this might be 10 minutes
but the exact amount will be assessed rather than measured.
If
the work is playable as a simple linear sequence then there is not
likely to be any additional time assessed.
Q.
Are there any BBFC process changes as a result of switching to DVD?
A.
No, DVDs are processed exactly the same as VHS tape.
Q.
Will DVDs be processed more quickly than VHS?
A.
We do not expect any significant difference either way on an individual
basis. It is possible that reducing the number of media items
involved and other simplifications of the process may have an effect
but it is likely to be small.
The trial has not demonstrated any significant difference either way.
Q.
Who do I ask about the progress of a work or any other issue?
A.
Ask the same people you would have asked with VHS
submissions. The first port of call should be the client
helpline helpline@bbfc.co.uk
or 020 7440 0299.
The BBFC Extranet service will include details of DVDs just as it does
for VHS. The Extranet will be enhanced to provide more
information about DVD submissions as and when that is necessary.
Q.
I want to start sending in submissions now, is that possible ?
A.
We are gearing up to a January 2006 start date and could not cope if
all submissions were to arrive on DVD before then. If you
have a
pressing requirement then by all means get in touch but we are focused
on the full scale acceptance not on extending the scope of the previous
trial process.
Q.
Can I include on screen graphics and spoilers to prevent piracy ?
A.
Yes, but you must follow the requirements laid down in the Use of Digital on-screen Graphics (DOGs) on submissions to
the BBFC
document