Cinemas
As exhibitors who supply publications to the public, it is important for managers and staff at cinemas to be aware of their role in enforcing the classifications issued by The Office of Film and Literature Classification.
Admitting underage people into restricted films
Allowing underage people into an age-restricted film (for example, if they have an adult ticket but are not of the required age) is an offence under the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993. It is important that all staff be aware of the classifications on the films currently screening, and ensure that underage people are not admitted to restricted films.
It is the responsibility of managers to formulate an appropriate age verification policy, but we advise a common sense approach with regard to parents vouching for the age of their children. It is important to note that if a person looks like he or she could be of legal age to view a film, and cannot produce ID, a verbal verification from a parent or adult guardian could be accepted if this was considered reasonable in the circumstances.
If your cinema has a policy to ask for proof-of-age ID, it is good practice to request ID both at the point of sale of tickets as well as at the door of the particular cinema where the restricted film is showing.
RP classifications
RP restrictions are not often used, but if an RP film is showing at your cinema your staff should be aware that children under the age of the specified restriction may view the film if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Unaccompanied young people under the age of the RP restriction are not to be admitted.
Displaying classifications
Under section 37 of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Regulations 1994, cinemas are required to display the ratings and classifications of all films and any descriptive notes that accompany them. These must be displayed in a conspicuous position in the lobby of the premises or (where applicable) outside the entrance to the theatre in which the film is screening. These classifications must be on display at all times while the premises are open to the public. This display must be no less than 28cm by 36 cm and must be easily readable at a reasonable distance from the board.
In addition to displaying the classifications for each film, under section 42 of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Regulations 1994 cinemas must also display material which explains the classification symbols. This information must include the current rating and classification symbols and an explanation of their meaning. This signage must be no less than 40cm by 28cm and be printed in letters and figures that are easily readable at a reasonable distance from the notice. Like the classifications for the films currently screening, the information about what the classifications mean must be displayed in the lobby of the premises or outside the entrance to the theatre where the film is screening, and must be displayed at all times while the premises are open to the public. The Office has posters with this information available free of charge. If you would like a poster for your cinema please contact the Information Unit.
Trailers on Films
There are some important points to be aware of when selecting trailers to screen before films. All trailers are given their own ratings or classifications. Most trailers are given an unrestricted rating, meaning they can legally be shown with any film.
However, not all trailers are suitable to be screened with all films. Cinemas have agreed with New Zealand censorship agencies and film distributers to take the following into account when deciding on which trailers to play before a film:
- The age of the film’s likely audience
- The likely impact on that audience of screening the trailer with that feature film
- The time of the screening, particularly matinees (which younger children are more likely to attend)
While there is no legal obligation to do so, cinemas have been advised to follow specific guidelines issued by the Labelling Body and the Motion Picture Distributor's Association of New Zealand. For more information on the guidelines contact the Labelling Body.
Some trailers receive restricted classifications. These can only be screened with films that carry the same restriction or one that is higher.
Projectionists should ensure that trailers and films are matched appropriately. For more information on trailers, contact the Information Unit.
More Information
The Office of Film and Literature Classification has posters, brochures and information sheets available which outline the classification symbols and meanings. These are available from the downloads page of our website. If you would like a supply of these for your store, please contact the Information Unit 0508 CENSOR (0508 236767).
You can also search our online database (found on the homepage of our website, www.censorship.govt.nz) for information on publications which have been restricted or classified as objectionable (banned).
The Censorship Compliance Unit of the Department of Internal Affairs enforces the classifications on publications. If you would like more information on this aspect of the censorship process, you can contact the Censorship Compliance Unit on freephone 0800 257 887 or visit their website at www.censorship.dia.govt.nz. If you would like more information regarding the classification of publications, contact the Information Unit.