Ever wondered what rules Channel 4 has to abide by in order to screen the kind of films featured in the Banned Season? Get the lowdown here.
Ever wondered what rules Channel 4 has to abide by in order to screen the kind of films featured in the Banned Season? Get the lowdown here.
All Channel 4 programmes - including feature films - must adhere to the ITC (Independent Television Commission) programme code. The ITC was replaced by OFCOM in December 2003; however, the latter organisation will continue to use the ITC Programme and Sponsorship Codes to regulate Channel 4's output until its own code is published at some point in 2005.
The full code can be found on the OFCOM website, but the segment of the code most relevant to Channel 4's film output is Section 1.4, titled "Feature Films and Other Acquired Material".
Basically this section ensures that the British Board of Film (BBFC) classifications are used as a guide to film scheduling, and specifically that a video classification should take precedence over a theatrical classification. So, if a film is edited by its distributor in advance of video/DVD release, Channel 4 must broadcast the video (cut) version even if a more complete theatrical version exists, otherwise it would be in breach of the code.
BBFC certifications also determine what time a film can play on Channel 4. For instance, a 12 rated version cannot start before 8pm, a15 rated version cannot start before the 9pm watershed, and an 18 rated version no earlier than 10pm.
Unlike the BBC or ITV, Channel 4 does not edit feature films so that they fit into a particular time slot. There are, however, rare occasions when C4 edits daytime films, along with the other UK Broadcasters, to ensure that content is appropriate for daytime or pre-watershed broadcast. This is in order to comply with certain sections of the code which aim to ensure that children are not exposed to unsuitable material - for instance strong language, gratuitous violence or dangerous behaviour. More specific details can be found in sections 1.2 of the programme code, entitled Family Viewing and Children and Imitative Behaviour.
Channel 4 believes that it should present the original cinematic work of a director/actor in its fullest possible form, thus giving our films some distinction, and providing viewers with the opportunity to appreciate them as the filmmakers intended.
Related Links:
OFCOM - www.ofcom.org.uk
British Board of Film Classification - www.bbfc.co.uk
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