Introduction
According to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), movie rating involves movie production and editing to suit viewing for children and persons of a given age segment. In America an independent group of parents rate movies putting into consideration the content and relevant theme of each film (Attanasio 342). These parents rate film and movies as they think the American parents would rate the same films. However, according to the motion picture association of America, the writers or filmmakers should have the freedom to put their creativity and imaginations on screen. On the other hand, parents have the freedom to choose what their children should watch and what they not
Issues involved in rating movies
The Motion Picture Association of America has divided ratings into various categories. For example, in the current ratings, movies Rated G is suitable for all ages viewing, PG for Parental Guidance suggested, PG-13 for Parent strongly cautioned, R means restricted to the adult accompanying under 17, and NC-17 strictly restricted to persons above 17. In addition, films rated under parents strongly cautioned, some materials included in the film do suit viewing for children under age 13 because their Content knowledge may corrupt the minds of the children. In most instances, moves with themes intended to highlight certain themes under this category find gross misinterpretations in the face of their target audiences (Valenti 65).
The other category of rating of movies under the motion picture association of America is restricted. Under restricted the films are not suited for those children under the age of 17. If the under 17 is to watch the film they should be accompanied by a parent because the parent is to find out what the film rated under restricted includes. Finally, films comparable to the X genre in the contemporary MPAA approval feature under NC-17 with persons at age 17 and under are strictly prohibited from viewing.
The content of films and movies under this category are only suitable for the adult. Since the introduction of this rating in 1990, movies in this category have faced market rejection with newspapers declining to advertise movies with this rating (Topcik 401).
According to the motion picture association of America, the key issue in a rating of movies is to protect peoples’ creativity as well as expand consumer choice. The MPAA argues that copyrights protection motivates artists to produce better quality movies including music, videos, and theatre play. In essence, it nurtures the creativity of people in our society who wish to showcase their talents in various fields. Besides, it leads to economic growth and development through revenue generated from the various levies exerted on the production process. In the contemporary world, artists earn a living by the sale of their talents facilitated by the development of audio-visual technology. Therefore, like any other property such as land or vehicle their rights have to be protected (Shales 368)
The movies and pictures industry also contribute to economic development through huge returns obtained from the sale of concert tickets and related items stored in various devices. In addition, the MPAA promotes the development of technology because this supports the consumer end of film and video production. In this regard, MPAA primarily focuses on the development of gadgets with piracy inhibitors thereby protecting both consumers and produces (Sheinfeld 341).
MPAA works together with other actors to effectively deal with these issues. Its partner draws its members from various Technology and Communication Groups. In turn, this ensures that there is a law that protects copyright. This helps to reduce piracy and hence only the genuine products reach target markets. The law is clear on requirements applicable to films whether they are for selling or non-profit making (Sheinfeld 338).
Contravening of these laws may result in serious consequences such as a 5-year jail term for massive piracy and up to $250, 000 fines for exposing persons to movies and pictures that do not go with their age recommendations. In addition, to protect the rights of artists, the producer has to obtain a license to be able to perform publicly. Another issue involves the regulation of sources ((Valenti 62).
Generally, motion pictures emerge from both public and undisclosed sources. This normally causes conflict in the application of the law since various sources cause disharmony in the knowledge derived from product content. Other major issues concern the relationships between motion pictures and the resulting emotions they create in the lives of audiences (Valenti 65). Consequently, it becomes a major challenge to determine the position of films and videos about right or wrong movies when viewed by an audience of a certain age. Film casters have learned that motion pictures also move people’s emotions and therefore produce genres targeting particular emotions with varying intensities through various seasons and episodes (Sheinfeld 344).
Conclusions
So far, the rating of movies and pictures has found the confidence of many families and artists in America who comply with the regulation rules. However, agencies dealing with bodies formed to enact patent and copyrights still need to reconsider law enforcement so that they strictly observe ratings for particular ages. In addition, artists feel that some ratings hinder them from selling their films and videos to a certain targeted audience. Therefore, MPAA and Telecommunication groups need to revise such policies. With the advancement of audiovisual technology, video editing, and programming media, content from artists from different genres will ease film and video rating.
Works Cited
Attanasio, Paul. The Rating Game, In Robinson, William and Turker, Stephanie. Texts and contexts: a contemporary approach to college writing 4th edition. New York. 2008.Wadsworth Publishing. pp. 338-383.
Shales, Tom. Give Movie Raters A PG, For Pigheadedness, In Robinson, William and Turker, Stephanie. Texts and contexts: a contemporary approach to college writing 4th edition. New York. 1999. Wadsworth Publishing. pp. 367-371.
Sheinfeld, Lois. Rating: The Big Chill, In Robinson, William and Turker, Stephanie. Texts and contexts: a contemporary approach to college writing 4th edition. New York. 2008. Wadsworth Publishing. pp. 338-383.
Topcik, Joel. A Major Studio Tests The (Sexy) Waters Of NC-17, In Robinson, William and Turker, Stephanie. Texts and contexts: a contemporary approach to college writing 4th edition. New York. 2005.Wadsworth Publishing. p.401.
Valenti, Jack.The Motion Picture Association Movie Rating System, In Monaco, Paul. The Sixties, 1960-1969. Volume 8 of History of the American cinema. California. 2005. University of California Press. p. 65.