
Self-Classification and equality for artists working in video


1. To establish a system of self-classification for all video works* 2. The creation of logical, legal, evidence based and transparent classification criteria. 3. to provide a creative environment which allows British video artists to compete in the global market. 4. To put an end to the discrimination focused upon artists working in the video medium. UK law currently prohibits a filmmaker from selling, renting or distributing their work without first seeking classification by the BBFC. Classification is an expensive and time consuming process which is even more burdensome for the independent short film maker, quite often beyond the means of the artist. This process effectively ensures that some video works such as student animation, whose films are only a few minutes long by design, have no chance of reaching their potential audiences. This situation becomes more frustrating for the low budget, independent filmmaker when you consider that similar restrictions are not placed on other forms of expression. *Video works to be defined as any movie or still image works to be distributed on Tape, DVD, Disc or other digital storage media including linear and non-linear content. We the undersigned, hereby pledge our support for a system of self-classification as described above.
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