The Lovers' Guide
Encyclopedia
The Lovers' Guide is a sex and relationships advice brand, produced by Lifetime Productions International Ltd, which launched with the release of the first Lovers' Guide video in 1991. Presented by the sexologist Dr Andrew Stanway, and produced by Robert Page (Lifetime Group)
and William Campbell,this became the only non-fiction film to top the UK video charts; it sold 1.3million copies in the UK and went into 13 languages and 22 countries around the world. The release caused controversy. While the BBFC
(British Board of Film Classification) granted the title an 18 certificate
, which we would now understand to be a license for general UK distribution, this was technically merely advisory and the producer, Robert Page
, faced charges of obscenity, which were subsequently dropped.
The Lovers' Guide is distinct for using explicit video material to illustrate the instructional points being made. While the explicit nature of the visual content would usually warrant an R18 certificate
in the UK, restricting sales to licensed sex shops, all Lovers' Guide videos and DVDs have been granted 18 certificates. The brand commands a considerable degree of respect. “Sexy, sensual, moral and responsible” is how one national UK newspaper, The Independent
, summed up its approach.
Lovers' Guide products have so far expanded to ten further DVDs, a book, an encyclopaedia, two CD-ROMs and cassettes and CDs of the soundtracks. It has also been shown on encrypted television. These have been produced, distributed and retailed with partners such as W.H. Smith, Woolworths, Carlton, Bloomsbury, Warners, Sony and Universal. The brand also has its own dedicated website http://www.loversguide.com/.
Robert Page (Lifetime Group)
Robert Page MA is best known for having created The Lovers' Guide in 1991, when the British Board of Film Classification allowed him to make an explicit adult sex education title for release on video...
and William Campbell,this became the only non-fiction film to top the UK video charts; it sold 1.3million copies in the UK and went into 13 languages and 22 countries around the world. The release caused controversy. While the BBFC
British Board of Film Classification
The British Board of Film Classification , originally British Board of Film Censors, is a non-governmental organisation, funded by the film industry and responsible for the national classification of films within the United Kingdom...
(British Board of Film Classification) granted the title an 18 certificate
18 certificate
The 18 certificate is issued by the British Board of Film Classification to state that, in its opinion, a film, video recording, or game should not be seen or purchased by a person under 18 years old....
, which we would now understand to be a license for general UK distribution, this was technically merely advisory and the producer, Robert Page
Robert Page
Robert Page may refer to:*Robert Page , British filmmaker; created Lover's Guide*Robert Page , Canadian New Democratic Party politician*Robert Page , American politician, U.S...
, faced charges of obscenity, which were subsequently dropped.
The Lovers' Guide is distinct for using explicit video material to illustrate the instructional points being made. While the explicit nature of the visual content would usually warrant an R18 certificate
R18 certificate
The R18 certificate represents a film or video classification given by the British Board of Film Classification . It is intended to provide a classification for works that are within British obscenity laws, but exceed what the BBFC considers acceptable for its 18 certificate...
in the UK, restricting sales to licensed sex shops, all Lovers' Guide videos and DVDs have been granted 18 certificates. The brand commands a considerable degree of respect. “Sexy, sensual, moral and responsible” is how one national UK newspaper, The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
, summed up its approach.
Lovers' Guide products have so far expanded to ten further DVDs, a book, an encyclopaedia, two CD-ROMs and cassettes and CDs of the soundtracks. It has also been shown on encrypted television. These have been produced, distributed and retailed with partners such as W.H. Smith, Woolworths, Carlton, Bloomsbury, Warners, Sony and Universal. The brand also has its own dedicated website http://www.loversguide.com/.
Lovers' Guide programmes
- The Lovers' Guide, 1991
- The Lovers' Guide: Making Sex Even Better, 1992
- The Lovers' Guide: Better Orgasms, 1993
- The Essential Lovers' Guide, 1995
- The Lovers' Guide: Secrets of Sensational Sex, 1999
- The Lovers' Guide: What Women Really Want, 2002
- The Lovers' Guide: Sexual Positions, 2003
- The Lovers' Guide: Sex Play, 2004
- The Lovers' Guide: Satisfaction Guaranteed: 7 Secrets to a Passionate Love Life, 2005
- The Lovers' Guide Interactive, 2008
- The Lovers' Guide 3D: Igniting Desire, 2011