Empirical Study on the Practice of the Rating of Films Distributed in Cinemas Television DVD and Videocassettes in the EU and EEA Member States

"... ratings legislation and practice with respect to audiovisual works across the European Union (“EU”) and European Economic Area (“EEA”) Member States ... The main aims of the assignment are: 1. To identify the economic impact of this ratings heterogeneity, and 2. To uncover any confusion that it may cause, particularly in parents, teachers, or others responsible for minors. ... • define two representative Samples of 50 films each • establish the individual ratings for each film in each territory across each distribution channel • draw conclusions on the impact of ratings heterogeneity on the distribution costs of films, circulation within the internal market, and confusion in the market • provide an overview of existing legislation and practice • examine attempts to harmonise ratings legislation within EU and EEA Member States and the possible need for co-ordination, with special regard to self-regulation. The assessment of the two Samples is to provide a practical illustration of how the different ratings systems affect the distribution of cinematic works across all media channels (cinema, video/DVD, and television) throughout the EU and EEA. The Samples allow different systems to be compared across and within territories. ..."