The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has introduced a new tariff for short films made by students or first time filmmakers affiliated to a recognised funding scheme.

The aim is for films of up to 40 minutes to receive a theatrical rating at a reduced tariff.

The student short film tariff is available at £50+VAT for films of up to 20 minutes and £100+VAT for films of 20 to 40 minutes.

The film can be either fiction or non-fiction, but cannot be a trailer, advert or music promo and it must have been created through a recognised funding scheme or training initiative, no more than two academic years prior to the date of submission to the BBFC.

David Cooke, director, BBFC said: “We have seen an increase in the number of requests for short films, created as part of film studies or funding schemes, to be submitted for classification.

“We’re careful to advise students about seeking Local Authority permission to screen their short films in local cinemas, but many would like to receive an official classification and black card for their film.

“We hope by introducing a reduced tariff for these short films we can meet this demand and enable those studying film, or receiving funding to make films, to secure wider theatrical distribution for their work.”