Time Warner Tobacco Depiction Policy
Time Warner has a fundamental interest in creating films that appeal to a wide array of audiences. When we develop films, we work with our creative talent to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that smoking is not depicted in our films unless there is a compelling creative reason to do so. Our practices currently include the following:
- Time Warner filmed entertainment companies do not enter into any product placement or promotion deals with tobacco companies for any of our films.
- Time Warner filmed entertainment companies endeavor to reduce or eliminate depictions of smoking and tobacco products/brands from all English-language motion pictures it produces and/or distributes in the United States rated G, PG, and PG-13 through vigilant communications with the creative team on films in which such depictions are contemplated unless (a) the depiction involves a character who is an actual historical figure known to have used tobacco products; (b) the depiction is warranted for reasons of compelling historical accuracy; or (c) the depiction is part of a conspicuous anti-smoking reference.
- Time Warner filmed entertainment companies endeavor to reduce smoking and tobacco depictions in all R-rated motion pictures it produces and/or distributes in the United States unless there are compelling creative reasons for such depictions.
- For movies produced outside the United States or where Time Warner’s business units’ influence over the content of films is limited (such as movies co-produced by Time Warner businesses and movies produced by others that are distributed by Time Warner businesses), Time Warner discourages the depiction of smoking where the company believes it is appropriate to do so.
Time Warner works hard to ensure that it conducts itself in a responsible, socially conscious manner, and remains sensitive to public concerns in this area as they develop and change over time.