The Motion Picture Association of America

mpaa.org

         One of the most powerful organizations in the film industry is the Motion Picture Association of America. Formed in 1922, the MPAA was originally named The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association of America and was created to resist government interference with films and create an organized system of industry-led censorship called the Hays Code or The Production Code.

            The biggest change in MPAA’s history was in the late 60’s when the Hays Code underwent revisions adapt to our country’s changing social morals. In 1968 the rating system we know today was introduced to the film industry, which required each film to be reviewed and rated by the MPAA to inform parents about the content of a movie.  The key functions of the MPAA is best stated by them:

            “We are the voice and advocate of the American motion picture, home video and television industries, domestically and, through our subsidiaries and affiliates, internationally. We champion a healthy, thriving film and television industry by engaging in a variety of legislative, policy, education, technology and law enforcement initiatives. These efforts range from safeguarding intellectual property rights to using technology to expand consumer entertainment choices, to championing fair trade agreements and a secure future for artistic freedom of expression.“

            Even though the MPAA has been around for so long, many people feel that the association over-censor films and television shows and sometimes even restrict a movie from ever being released. In my personal opinion, I feel that the rating system we have is a great system, but there needs to be a slight change to what is acceptable for children to observe. I know that you must be aware of what children see, but I feel that the rating system should be directed at what is acceptable in our society as a whole.

            This association is definitely something that I, as a producer, must take into account when I am producing a film or television production. To accomplish this I need to completely understand my audience and be aware of who is going to observe my film. The MPAA is no doubt the most powerful organization in the entertainment industry. Without it, who knows what kind of films and television shows would be on the air. 

Sources: MPAA.org