Disappointing, Worrying and Sad…Distributors, Trinity X, comment on the BBFC ban of The Bunny Game

Read more BBFC News at MelonFarmers.co.uk

From Trinity X press release

The Bunny Game is a 2010 US horror by Adam Rehmeier. See IMDb. The film has just been banned by the BBFC for: UK 2011 Trinity DVD The distributors, Trinity X have now issued their comments on the ban in a press release: Trinity X saddened by BBFC decision to ban The Bunny Game Trinity X, the recently formed DVD genre distribution arm of UK-based film distributor Trinity, described the BBFC’s decision to ban The Bunny Game as disappointing, worrying and sad. Mark Sandell, co-director of Trinity, who acquired the film during Cannes this year, went on to say: We knew the film was challenging and confrontational, but also felt, as a independent filmmaker, Adam Rehmeir (the director), had a highly original filmic eye and had elicited powerful performances from the cast. We did imagine that the BBFC might ask for cuts but an outright ban gives the film a twisted notoriety that, quite frankly, it doesn’t warrant. Adam Rehmeier, the director commented : Rodleen and I didn’t make ‘The Bunny Game’ to glamorise prostitution. It is far from an erotic film. It is a modern cautionary tale grounded in reality. Trinity is currently considering its options

Desexualised Advertising Rules…New ASA advertising guidelines banning anything sexy for outdoor adverts

Read more ASA Watch at MelonFarmers.co.uk

See ASA statement on sexual imagery in outdoor advertising [pdf] from asa.org.uk

Advertising censors at the ASA have provided examples of new rules to pander to those blaming all of society’s ills on sexy images in the media. Suitable for all outdoor locations. Images that are not sexual, or no more than mildly sexual Example. The model is wearing a bikini and holding a pose which is unlikely to be considered to be sexually suggestive. Images in outdoor ads similar to these are likely to remain acceptable on the basis that they are no more than mildly sexual. Suitable for outdoor locations but not near schools Images that are sexually suggestive The woman is shown with her legs astride, drawing attention to her groin area. Such mages in ads might be acceptable in some locations but are likely to require a placement restriction, preventing them from being placed in locations of particular relevance to children. Unacceptable for outdoor advertising Overtly sexual images Some advertisements may not be suitable for general outdoor display, irrespective of a placement restriction. The woman in lingerie pulls down the side of her knickers and bra strap in an overtly sexual and seductive way. Advertisers should be particularly cautious about the imagery they use to advertise gentlemen’s clubs or sex shops because the ASA consider that the public responds differently to those images in light of the product or service offered rather than the content of the advert. The ASA also list some of the characteristics that may be sexually suggestive or overtly sexual: Poses suggestive of a sexual position: the parting of the legs, accentuation of the hip etc. Amorous or sexually passionate facial expressions Exposure of breasts, including partial Poses such as hands on the hips, gripping of hair in conjunction with a sexually suggestive facial expression Images of touching oneself in a sexual manner, such as stroking the legs or holding/gripping the breasts Suggestion in facial or bodily expression of an orgasm Images of suggestive undressing, such as pulling down a bra strap or knickers Ads which draw undue attention to body parts, such as breasts or buttocks, in a sexual way Ads which show people in poses emulating a sexual position or alluding to sexual activity Overtly sexual lingerie such as stockings, suspenders or paraphernalia such as whips and chains.

Facing the Press or Facing the Music?…Lord Hunt is appointed Chairman of the Press Complaints Commission

Read more PCC Watch at MelonFarmers.co.uk

See article from pressgazette.co.uk

Former Conservative Cabinet Minister David Hunt (Lord Hunt of Wirral) has been named as the next chairman of the Press Complaints Commission. Current PCC chair Peta Buscombe had been expected to complete her three-year-term as head of the press watchdog and step down in the New Year. But it was announced today that Lord Hunt will take up his new role as of Monday. The PCC is currently under huge scrutiny with the whole system of press self regulation under review as a result of the phone-hacking scandal. The regulator is expected to be radically reformed, and may even be abolished and replaced with a new body, once the Leveson Inquiry has finished its deliberations. David Hunt said: I am delighted I shall be leading the crucially important process of wholesale regeneration and renewal of the system of independent self-regulation of the press. My job is to ensure we create in due course an effective, genuinely independent standards body, which enjoys the overwhelming respect and support of the media, our political leaders and the general public. Throughout my political life I have fought for freedom of expression; and a free press is the distinctive and indispensable hallmark of any truly free, civilised society. I have no desire to live in a country where the legitimate, lawful investigative activities of the press are fettered at the whim of politicians. That would not be freedom at all. Those who work for newspapers or their digital off-shoots are, however, rightly bound by the law of the land, just like everyone else. They should also abide by recognised standards of professionalism, consideration and common decency.