Skip to main content

How to classify your film

Films that are to be shown to a public audience must be given a classification rating.

If you're a film maker or promoter, you can apply to either:

Apply for a film classification

To apply for the classification or reclassification of a film to be shown in Royal Greenwich, you must make your request in writing at least 20 working days before the film is to be shown.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich can only guarantee a film will be classified in time for it to be exhibited if it receives the request within the 20-working day period.

Download the film classification application form

You must:

  • complete the film classification application form
  • provide a written synopsis of the film in your application
  • agree to pay the relevant fees
  • provide a DVD copy of the film
  • agree to us retaining the DVD.

DVD format

Your DVD must meet the following criteria:

  • it must play on a DVD player and contain all that you require classified
  • it can be submitted on DVD-R, DVD+R (single or dual layer) or replicated (factory pressed) check discs
  • it should be region two or region free (region 0). Both Pal or NTSC standards are accepted
  • it must be encoded at a high enough bit rate to ensure acceptable picture quality and sound quality
  • it must contain an on-screen title within the body of the work. If not, then a title slate or menu must be placed before the start of the work
  • non-English sections must contain subtitles. Either hard or soft coded.

For formats that are unacceptable, please see the guidance notes.

Make sure the information you give in your application is accurate and the DVD is good quality and in the right format, otherwise we won't be able to classify the film. If you still want the film to be classified, you'll need to make a new application and pay the fees again.

Where to send your application

Your application should be sent to the Licensing team.

Fees

You will pay an application fee, a film viewing fee charged at £2.03 per minute and if applicable, an interpretation fee

Type of film Application fee Film viewing fee    Interpretation fee
Standard film £64.82 per film £129.63 per hour NA
Foreign language film £81.03 per film £129.63 per hour £55.03 per hour, a minimum charge of 60 minutes applies

Foreign Languages

The cost of the interpretation will be charged at an extra cost dependent on the length of the film and the language spoken. Any and all languages spoken within the film must be identified within the application form so we can provide you with a quote as soon as possible.

Please contact the Licensing Team directly before applying to obtain a quote for all film interpretations.