Hi folks, my name is Vivak, I'm a member of the Cardiff chapter. i have a query to make regarding showing Z3:Moving Forward publicly. i have a meeting with the manager of a venue on Monday 15th Nov and in my discussion with him on the phone he asked me about what the legal situation is with regards to showing films that are unrated by the BBFC. I explained to him that the film is under the creative commons license so with regards to "copyright" issues they are not going to get sued by the film makers or distributors for showing the film. My understanding (which could be completely wrong) is that the venue requires a license with relevant conditions with what they can do and that falls under the remit of the council. But as I've been investigating further on the net I'm coming across all sorts of conflicting info(no surprise there) One the things I've read is on the facebook group - Rage against the BBFC - here is a quote from the site -
"In the USA, Norway and Germany‚ 'unrated’ films can be sold to 18+ adults. In Denmark‚ 'unrated' films may be sold to people aged fifteen and over, whilst in Sweden the government is looking to introduce a similar measure.
In the UK, in order to sell a film to a member of the public it must first be submitted to the BBFC, who charge a fee, a fee which can run to thousands of pounds.
The introduction of an 'Unrated 18' Certificate would allow independent film makers, who often have little to no budget at all, but who today have the technological means to make films themselves, to voluntary offer their film into the public market under a blanket 18 certificate, regardless of content.
Such a relatively simple reform would be the largest and most significant step that could be taken in support of British film culture.
The BBFC would still be able to do its job, and the UK would come in line with other countries which successfully value and use a Voluntary 'Unrated 18' Certificate."
Frankly I'm confused - we intend to charge £3 per admission, so if we are selling a film to the public, does it have to rated by the BBFC first?
We obviously don't wish to break any laws, but if the above is true then how the hell are we going to get this film shown publicly without getting the film rated?
I can't see how we can get the film rated in time for the premiere - this could be a real kick in the googlies if this the case. Especially as the UK is hosting Z Day this year.
I'd like to get a definitive answer on this before I meet the manager of the venue and can be prepared for any questions regarding this issue. Anyone in your group who are arranging public showings, have come across this problem? If so, any advice? Or am I just fretting over nothing?
Thanks all,
Vivak
Hey guys, this is IMO one very important issue to resolve but it seems the UK chapter doesn't give a damn about it! Is it only me or anyone else has a feeling that no one really reads what is posted on the forum anymore?
"As long as you put profit ahead of human well being, you are going to defeat yourself in a long run"
Jacque Freco
Hi Legionnaire,
I noticed that the meeting with the cinema manager is scheduled for tomorrow. I know Jarada was on here yesterday afternoon; I received a reply from him to a message. But, I'm guessing it's TrulyFree you need? I have him as a contact on Skype, though haven't spoken for some time. I will leave him a message on Skype ..... though it says (on there) "Last seen: 20:48 8/11/10" ...... just before last Monday's UK Online meeting. I guess he'll be on TeamSpeak tomorrow night? ... but that's too late?
"Only after the last tree has been cut down. Only after the last river has been poisoned. Only after the last fish has been caught. Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten." Cree Prophecy.
Hi Feral,
I have him on my skype too, but he did not show up for some time now. Do you know if he's definetely going to be on tomorrow's UK meeting?
But anyway, I would appreciate anyone to help us to work on this matter.
"As long as you put profit ahead of human well being, you are going to defeat yourself in a long run"
Jacque Freco
For your response, we have a fantastic venue to show the film and are confident that if we can resolve this ratings issue we'll pull off a hell of an event.
Legionaire81 - I'll play it by ear at the meeting, if I can tell him that I'm waiting for a definitive response in the next working day or 2, then can you speak to TrulyFree later?
To anyone one else reading this thread but has had success in booking a venue - any info regarding this issue to would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Vivak
Hi Legionnaire,
I'm sorry, I haven't been at UK Meeting for over a month ..... afraid I don't know.
"Only after the last tree has been cut down. Only after the last river has been poisoned. Only after the last fish has been caught. Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten." Cree Prophecy.
> does it have to rated by the BBFC first?
I've asked around a little among friends and so far the answer appears to be a yes it has to be.
If you like, I can ask in several professional film forums and see what they have to say about about it.
Perhaps if one had taken donations first to pay for the venue, then entry could be free and this issue could be avoided
Hi Nanos,
Please ask at the forums if you have a chance. Any help welcome!
Btw. We wouldn't mind taking donations, but there isn't anyone to give them to us...
"As long as you put profit ahead of human well being, you are going to defeat yourself in a long run"
Jacque Freco
If we have to resort to donating ourselves or fundraising to raise the amount I'm down for that in principle.