The Rating System and the MPAA
In the early 1900s, there were over 40 local, city, and state requirements that filmmakers had to tailor their movies to meet before they could be distributed. American censorship was at it's height, despite the first amendment guaranteeing freedom of speech. In 1922, the Motion Picture Association of America was born. Movies would be submitted for approval to the MPAA before their debut. The films had to meet the Hays Code, named after the first MPAA president William Hays.
"Only "correct standards of life" could be presented. No depictions of childbirth. No criticisms of religion. Forget about "lustful" kissing or "suggestive" dancing. Under the Hays Code, films were simply approved or disapproved based on whether they were deemed "moral" or "immoral.""
The Hays code was riddled with censorship, and many directors and filmmakers complained that it restricted their creative and artistic freedom. MPAA chairman Jack Valenti realized this, and with the help of the National Association of Theater Owners, comprised the rating system we know today. From then on, there was no approving or disapproving of movies, just a system based on parental regulation. This put the responsibility in the hands of the viewers, and took the pressure off filmmakers.
The MPAA also protected it's members from copyright infringement, or, others stealing their work and ideas without permission or patent. In the 21st century, the MPAA has had a recent crackdown against online piracy of movies. Illegally downloading films and TV shows is a common problem, and results in a lot of money lost to the industry. The MPAA tries to prevent this by shutting down different file sharing websites, like Pirate Bay and MegaUpload.
"Only "correct standards of life" could be presented. No depictions of childbirth. No criticisms of religion. Forget about "lustful" kissing or "suggestive" dancing. Under the Hays Code, films were simply approved or disapproved based on whether they were deemed "moral" or "immoral.""
The Hays code was riddled with censorship, and many directors and filmmakers complained that it restricted their creative and artistic freedom. MPAA chairman Jack Valenti realized this, and with the help of the National Association of Theater Owners, comprised the rating system we know today. From then on, there was no approving or disapproving of movies, just a system based on parental regulation. This put the responsibility in the hands of the viewers, and took the pressure off filmmakers.
The MPAA also protected it's members from copyright infringement, or, others stealing their work and ideas without permission or patent. In the 21st century, the MPAA has had a recent crackdown against online piracy of movies. Illegally downloading films and TV shows is a common problem, and results in a lot of money lost to the industry. The MPAA tries to prevent this by shutting down different file sharing websites, like Pirate Bay and MegaUpload.