The Importance of the Motion Picture Association of America

MPAA or otherwise known as the Motion Picture of America is an important Association within the film and motion picture industry.  The MPAA was created in 1922 by Samuel Goldwyn, Louis B Mayer and Joseph Schenck and at that time was called Motion Pictures Producers and Distributors Association of America.  The purpose of starting that organization at that time was to resist the government censorship of American Films and to create a better image in the public for the industry as a whole.  At that time silent films were the majority and they wanted to protect and safeguard that role. (Mpaa.org 2011)

The MPAA evolved in the 1960’s along with the United States, which was confronting women’s rights, civil rights and labor movements.  The MPAA was facing a different type of industry, which was frank and open and had to come up with a rating system, which would evolve with the changes.  Former Senator Chris Dodd who is now the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer now heads the MPAA.  The MPAA assists the industry in the film rating which allows viewers to understand the content that they will be viewing at the same time trying to balance the viewpoints and artistic freedoms that the artist utilizes to express themselves.

G rating or General audiences allows all ages to be admitted and does not contain nudity, sex, violence and would not offend younger viewers and parents that brings them to the theaters as well. 

PG rating or Parental Guidance suggests that some content would not be suitable for children to view.  These pictures may contain brief nudity, some foul language and depictions of violence and parental guidance is necessary.

PG-13 rating may be inappropriate for children under the age of 13 that could contain drug use, violence, and expletive language.  More than one expletive language would require a higher rating such as an R rating.

R rating or Restricted is for movies that state that children under the age of 17 would need to be accompanied by a parent.  These pictures would contain adult images, drug abuse, sexually oriented nudity and more.

NC-17 rating or No One 17 and under Admitted is a movie that a no one under 17 is admitted and is recommended as an adult content.

These ratings have assisted the growth of the movie industry by informing the public the kind of images or content that would be displayed.  This helped the artistic community continue making films with creative expressions and allowing them to utilize their freedom of speech. The MPAA is also concerned about assisting in the passing of laws that protect copyright and works also help prevent illegal tapings of films in many states.  They also promote viewing and supporting real shows from legitimate websites and purchasing DVD’s from authentic sources, which helps the industry, grow as a whole.