Motion Picture Association (MPA)

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) is an American trade organization that represents the interests of the major Hollywood film studios. Th...

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) is an American trade organization that represents the interests of the major Hollywood film studios. The MPA was founded in 1922 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

History

Motion Picture Association was founded in 1922 as the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) by a group of film industry leaders, including Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, and Will H. Hays. The organization was established to promote the interests of the film industry and to help establish a code of conduct for the production and distribution of films.

In 1945, the MPPDA changed its name to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and began to focus more on lobbying and advocacy on behalf of the film industry. In the 1950s, the MPAA developed the Production Code, also known as the Hays Code, which set guidelines for the content of films released in the United States. The code was in place until the late 1960s, when it was replaced by the current rating system.

In 2012, the MPAA changed its name to the Motion Picture Association (MPA) to reflect the changing nature of the film industry and the organization's expanded focus on issues such as intellectual property protection, online piracy, and content rating.

Criticism and Controversies

The MPA has faced criticism and controversy over the years for a number of reasons. One of the main criticisms of the organization is that it is too closely aligned with the major Hollywood studios and does not adequately represent the interests of independent filmmakers.

The MPA has also been criticized for its role in the development and enforcement of the film rating system, which some argue is too strict or overly censored. In particular, the MPA has faced criticism for its handling of films with controversial or mature themes, such as violence, sexuality, and drug use.

The MPA has also faced controversy over its efforts to combat online piracy, which have included lobbying for stricter copyright laws and working with internet service providers to block access to pirated content. Some have argued that these efforts have infringed on free speech and internet freedom.

Despite these criticisms, the MPA continues to play an important role in the film industry and is widely respected for its efforts to promote the interests of the major Hollywood studios and protect intellectual property rights.