Content Policy
Guidelines for filmmakers and content creators
Last Updated: January 31, 2025
Introduction
BLOXoffice is a filmmaker cooperative built on principles of creative freedom, transparency, and community governance. Our content policy is designed to protect filmmakers' rights, maintain legal compliance, and foster a safe, respectful environment for all users.
As a cooperative, we believe in empowering independent filmmakers to share their stories without unnecessary gatekeeping. However, we must maintain certain standards to protect our community and comply with the law.
Acceptable Content
BLOXoffice welcomes a wide range of film content, including:
- Independent Films: Narrative features, documentaries, experimental cinema
- Short Films: Films under 40 minutes
- Series and Episodic Content: Web series, mini-series, serialized storytelling
- Student Films: Work from film school students and emerging filmmakers
- Animation: 2D, 3D, stop-motion, and mixed-media animation
- Music Videos: Narrative music videos with proper music licensing
- Educational Content: Tutorials, behind-the-scenes, film analysis
Prohibited Content
The following types of content are strictly prohibited on BLOXoffice:
Illegal Content
- Content that violates local, state, federal, or international law
- Depictions of illegal activities (drug use, violence, criminal acts)
- Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or exploitation of minors
- Content promoting terrorism or violent extremism
- Content that facilitates human trafficking or exploitation
Adult/Sexual Content
- Pornography or sexually explicit material
- Non-consensual sexual content or "revenge porn"
- Content sexualizing minors in any way
Note: Artistic nudity and sexuality in the context of narrative storytelling (similar to R-rated or unrated films) is permitted if clearly labeled and age-gated.
Harmful Content
- Content that incites violence, hatred, or harassment
- Graphic violence or torture shown for shock value
- Content promoting self-harm or suicide
- Hate speech targeting race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability
- Doxing or sharing private information without consent
Intellectual Property Violations
- Content you don't own or have rights to distribute
- Pirated or bootlegged films
- Unauthorized use of copyrighted music, footage, or imagery
- Trademark infringement
Spam and Deceptive Practices
- Duplicate submissions or mass uploads of low-quality content
- Misleading titles, descriptions, or thumbnails (clickbait)
- Content created solely to manipulate search rankings
- Impersonating other filmmakers or studios
Submission Requirements
Technical Standards
- Video Quality: Minimum 720p HD resolution; 1080p or 4K strongly recommended
- Audio Quality: Clear, professionally mixed audio; no excessive distortion or background noise
- File Format: MP4, MOV, MKV with H.264 or H.265 codec
- Subtitles/Captions: Encouraged for accessibility; required for non-English dialogue
Legal Documentation
Filmmakers must provide:
- Chain of Title: Proof of ownership and distribution rights
- Talent Releases: Signed agreements from all on-screen talent
- Music Licenses: Sync licenses or proof of royalty-free/original music
- Location Permits: If applicable for recognizable private property
- E&O Insurance: Errors & Omissions insurance (recommended for feature films)
Content Ratings
Filmmakers must self-rate their content using the following guidelines:
- G / PG: Suitable for general audiences / parental guidance suggested
- PG-13: Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13
- R: Restricted - mature themes, language, violence, or sexuality
- Unrated/NR: Not rated by MPAA or equivalent
Note: Age-gating will be automatically applied based on your rating. Misrepresenting your film's rating is a violation of this policy.
Bonus Features and Supplemental Content
Filmmakers are encouraged to provide bonus features to enhance the viewer experience. Bonus features and supplemental content can be added to a movie that has previously been minted on BLOXoffice. The bonus and supplemental material do not have to be uploaded at the time of the movie/series initial submission.
Examples of bonus content:
- Behind-the-scenes footage and making-of documentaries
- Director's commentary tracks
- Deleted scenes and alternate endings
- Cast/crew interviews
- Concept art and storyboards
- Blooper reels
Bonus content is subject to the same content policy guidelines as the main feature.
Merchandise Policy
Filmmakers can create and sell NFT-serialized merchandise related to their films (posters, props, collectibles). Merchandise sales follow the revenue split as governed by the Co-op.
Merchandise must:
- Be directly related to your film
- Not infringe on third-party intellectual property
- Be accurately described (no misleading product claims)
- Comply with consumer protection laws
Content Moderation Process
Admin Review
All submitted films undergo an initial admin review for:
- Compliance with prohibited content guidelines
- Verification of legal documentation
- Technical quality assessment
- Accurate metadata and content rating
Approval Timeline
- Most submissions reviewed within 5-7 business days
- Expedited review available for time-sensitive releases
- Filmmakers notified via email of approval or requested changes
Flagged Content Review
Content flagged by users or automated systems for potential policy violations will be reviewed by the Co-op board upon filmmaker's request. Filmmakers have the right to appeal moderation decisions.
Reporting Violations
If you encounter content that violates this policy, you can report it through our Content Violation Reporting Form:
You can also access our community moderation tools in the dashboard for more comprehensive reporting options.
All reports are logged in our audit system and reviewed by our content moderation team. We take policy violations seriously and investigate all reports promptly.
Consequences of Violations
Violations of this Content Policy may result in:
- Content Removal: Immediate removal of violating content from the platform
- Account Suspension: Temporary suspension of filmmaker account
- Account Termination: Permanent ban for severe or repeated violations
- NFT Freeze/Clawback: In extreme cases, NFTs may be frozen or clawed back (subject to Co-op board approval)
- Legal Action: Referral to law enforcement for illegal content
- Financial Penalties: Withholding of revenue for fraudulent or deceptive practices
Filmmakers have the right to appeal moderation decisions through our appeals process.
Appeals Process
If your content is rejected or removed, you may appeal by contacting appeals@bloxoffice.net within 30 days of the decision.
Your appeal should include:
- Film title and submission ID
- Explanation of why you believe the decision was incorrect
- Any additional documentation supporting your case
Appeals are reviewed by the Co-op board and you will receive a response within 14 business days.
Changes to This Policy
This Content Policy may be updated from time to time as our platform evolves and in response to community feedback. Major changes will be announced via email and on the platform.
Continued use of BLOXoffice after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
Questions about this Content Policy? Contact our content team:
Content Policy: content@bloxoffice.net
Appeals: appeals@bloxoffice.net
General Inquiries: info@bloxoffice.net