Motion Picture Association

Motion Picture Association
Motion Picture Association · Public domain · source
Name	Motion Picture Association
Founded	0 1922
Location	Washington, D.C., United States
Key people	Charles Rivkin (CEO)
Industry	Film industry
Predecessor	Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America

Motion Picture Association. The Motion Picture Association is a major trade association representing the principal Hollywood film studios. Founded in 1922 as the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, it is best known for administering the voluntary film rating system used in the United States. The organization engages in significant advocacy work, focusing on copyright protection, combating film piracy, and promoting open markets for its member studios' content globally.

History

The organization was established in 1922 by major figures like Will H. Hays, the former U.S. Postmaster General, in response to growing public and governmental concerns over content in silent films. Initially named the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, its early mission involved improving the industry's image and averting external censorship, leading to the creation of the Hays Code. Following the retirement of Eric Johnston in 1963, the association was renamed the Motion Picture Association of America, a title it held for decades before a rebranding in 2019. Key historical moments include its defense of the First Amendment during the Hollywood Blacklist era and its adaptation to challenges like the rise of home video and the digital revolution.

Organization and structure

The association is led by a President and CEO, a position held by notable figures such as Jack Valenti and currently Charles Rivkin. Its membership consists of the "Big Six" major film studios: The Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Netflix. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with significant operations in Los Angeles and offices worldwide. Its structure includes specialized divisions focusing on government relations, legal affairs, and anti-piracy enforcement, coordinating closely with affiliated groups like the Motion Picture Association – Worldwide.

Film rating system

In 1968, under the leadership of Jack Valenti, the association replaced the restrictive Hays Code with the voluntary Motion Picture Association film rating system. This system is administered by the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA), an independent division. The ratings, which include G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17, provide guidance on the suitability of film content for children. The criteria consider elements such as violence, sexual content, language, and drug use. This system has been influential, with similar models adopted by other organizations like the ESRB for video games.

Advocacy and activities

A primary function is vigorous advocacy for the intellectual property interests of its member studios. This includes lobbying the U.S. Congress and international governments for strong copyright law enforcement and trade policies. The association actively combats film piracy through legal action and support for agencies like the United States Trade Representative. It also campaigns against media market restrictions and advocates for the protection of creative industries in trade agreements such as the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement. Its annual reports on global box office and theatrical market statistics are authoritative industry resources.

International presence

The association operates globally through the Motion Picture Association – Worldwide, which manages six regional offices. These offices, located in key markets like Brussels, Singapore, and New Delhi, work to advance member interests in international forums including the World Trade Organization and World Intellectual Property Organization. A significant international counterpart is the Motion Picture Association – Canada, which handles Canadian ratings and policy. The global network focuses on opening foreign markets, influencing local content regulations, and coordinating anti-piracy efforts with entities like Interpol and local law enforcement.

Criticism and controversies

The association has faced sustained criticism from various groups. Advocates for freedom of speech, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, and filmmakers have often challenged the film rating system, arguing it can act as a form of censorship or economic penalty, particularly for films rated NC-17. Its aggressive lobbying for stricter copyright laws, such as the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), has drawn opposition from digital rights organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation. The organization has also been criticized for its close ties with the United States Department of State and for representing the interests of large conglomerates over independent filmmakers in global trade disputes.

Category:Film industry trade groups Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Entertainment industry in the United States