ABOUT THE MPAA

Who are your members?
MPAA’s members are the six major U.S. motion picture studios:
The Walt Disney Studios
Paramount Pictures Corporation
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc.
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Universal City Studios LLLP
Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

What are the key functions of the MPAA?
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.

Where are your offices located?
Here is contact information for our major U.S. and international offices.

How can I find out about internships at the MPAA?
Right here.

How can I find out more about job opportunities at the MPAA?
Right here.

ABOUT MOVIE RATINGS

How can I look up a film’s rating?
It’s easy. Just visit www.filmratings.com and search the ratings database. Want free weekly email updates with ratings information on the latest films? Sign up today for Red Carpet Ratings.

Who decides the ratings?
Parents decide the ratings. An independent board of parents rates each film. Their job is not to determine if a movie is "good" or "bad," but to rate each film as they believe a majority of their fellow parents would rate the film — taking into account sexuality, violence, language and other factors. The purpose of the ratings system is to provide clear, concise advance information to parents about film content so parents can determine what movies are appropriate for their kids while preserving freedom of expression for filmmakers and the film industry. To learn more about the ratings system, please visit www.filmratings.com.

Who approves movie advertisements?
From the ad at the local bus stop to the trailers you see at the movies or online, every piece of advertising for a rated film must be approved by the Advertising Administration. Just like the movies themselves, our goal is to ensure the content is suitable for the audiences who see it. Find out more here.

How do I get my film rated?
Congratulations on your film. Please visit www.filmratings.com to begin the ratings process today.

What does each rating mean?
What exactly do G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17 mean? Here’s an explanation. Have questions about how to read a specific movie’s rating? Here’s a breakdown of how to read a rating.

How did this whole system come about in the first place?
The rating system exists to provide clear information to parents about the content of films and to allow filmmakers to bring their unique creative visions to life — free of government censorship. Here’s a brief history of the ratings system. You can find out even more by visiting www.filmratings.com.

ABOUT MOVIES & OUR ECONOMY

How much does film and television production contribute to the U.S. economy?
More than 2.4 million American jobs depend on the film and television industry. Nearly $180 billion is added to the U.S. economy annually and $15 billion in federal and state taxes thanks to the film and television industry. Curious about film and television production in your state? Check out our state-by-state statistics for more detailed information.

ABOUT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Why should anyone care about protecting movies from theft?
When the U.S. film industry succeeds, everyone benefits. It allows studios to take a chance on more risky movies, emerging screenwriters and unknown actors. It enables them to bring big budget productions to cities across the country and pour money into local economies. It also enables our industry to employ more American workers. The impact is clear. More jobs, more entertainment choices, more opportunities for the creative professions. Protecting that creativity from theft benefits everyone.

What is the MPAA doing to protect creative works?
To be effective, we know that we have to achieve two things: we have to be tireless champions of protecting creative works and intellectual property rights, and we have to be equally committed to clearing a path to diverse, legal choices for consumers to enjoy movies and TV shows when, where and how they choose. Toward that end, we are engaged in efforts ranging from aggressively pursuing those who illegally engage in the mass production and distribution of copyrighted film and TV shows, to championing intellectual property rights protections in new trade agreements, to promoting innovative consumer choices to enjoy movies and TV shows in flexible and hassle-free new ways. To accomplish all of that, we are working with many partners including consumers, policymakers, the law enforcement community, and the technology and communications industries.

How can I tell the difference between a legal site and a pirate site?
Sometimes it’s hard to sort out what’s legal from what isn’t when you’re looking for your favorite movies and television shows online. Click here for some quick tips on how to avoid illegal content online.

Where can I find TV shows and movies online?
Glad you asked! The filmmaking community is committed to embracing technology to deliver to consumers exciting and innovative ways to enjoy movies & TV shows in the digital environment. Here’s a summary of the many choices available to you. Make sure to check back from time to time, because the list is continually growing.

How do I register my movie title?
As filmmakers prepare to make their movie, they typically take action to secure the unique nature of the title of their film. Enter the Title Registration Bureau. The Bureau is a voluntary central registration entity for titles of movies intended for U.S. theatrical distribution, and it is intended to prevent public confusion over films with similar titles.

In order to register titles, filmmakers must subscribe to the Bureau's registry. There are currently almost 400 subscribers, including all of the major motion picture studios. Subscribers are bound by the Bureau's rules, which prescribe procedures for registering titles and handling any related disputes.