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:

Your report will be reviewed by our moderation team and escalated to the Co-op board if necessary.

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