Which is More Regulated, Film or TV?

Spherex • Dec 12, 2023

The answer is tricky.

Ask the average consumer if there's any difference between film and TV ratings, and they'll probably say “No." However, there are significant differences, as the above image from the MPA and TV Parental Guideline Monitoring Board indicates. From a content creator and distribution standpoint, preparing a title for television can require as much, if not more, content analysis and work to ensure it complies with local regulations.

The primary regulatory and market concerns of theatrical releases center on age ratings and compliance. TV distribution must also be concerned with the placement of commercial breaks, available run-time, watersheds, and more. Each impacts audience size and attractiveness to advertisers, affecting the bottom line.

Addressing these issues means understanding the story well enough to know where to break, what to bleep, blur, or cut, and when it will air. Given broadcast time constraints, changes can be easier to make than theatrical releases, but consumers expect the story to remain as true to the theatrical release as possible. That becomes trickier as one navigates international borders and encounters different age classifications, cultures, and languages.

Comparing Classifications

Most countries and territories have some form of film and TV classification system. Some are run by official government ministries, agencies, or the industry itself. Film classification boards have existed since the early 1900s. Ratings in those early days were considered moral guidelines without reference to age. These were implemented in a way many thought was overly restrictive and political and had “the odious smell of censorship.” Age-based classifications that were more acceptable to the global film industry have existed since the 1920s but were not widely adopted until 1968. Viewer age or maturity is the standard classification model used today.

The table below illustrates the differences between film and TV classifications for six countries. It indicates the complexity of content classifications across countries.

Countries may also require "consumer advice" or “advisories” appended to the age rating every time they appear, such as at the program's start and after each commercial break. Advice used in Australia, for example, includes the following:

A identifies stories or scenes with adult themes, medical procedures, or crude humor
V used for scenes depicting violence
L used for the use of coarse language
S used for scenes depicting simulated sex scenes and/or references
H used for scenes containing horror or supernatural themes
D used for scenes with drug references and/or use
N used for titles or scenes containing nudity

Regulators may also require indicators of intensity or frequency included with the advice, such as "mild" and "strong" or "some" and "frequent." Examples are "strong language," "intense fight scenes," or "disturbing visuals." Theatrical releases do not use these flags.

While movie and TV ratings may seem similar to the average consumer, a closer look reveals deep complexities. From navigating diverse international regulations to adhering to platform-specific restrictions, content creators and distributors face a delicate balancing act. This intricate dance between regulations, audience preferences, and commercial viability ensures that content reaches suitable viewers while staying true to its original form.

As technology and viewing habits evolve, so will the need for flexible and nuanced classification systems that cater to the ever-advancing entertainment landscape. The good news is that Spherex provides a suite of services to help you easily navigate this process. Contact us today to learn more.

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