Sunday, June 3, 2012

The MPAA...and What it Has to do with the Music Industry


           The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc., MPAA, was created by a group of movie producers and distributors in 1922 with the intent to create a more positive appearance for the film industry.  By the late 1960s, Jack Valenti became President of the MPAA.  The Association created The Production Code, or Hays Code, to invoke self-censorship.  According to mpaa.org, it mandated that all films be reviewed for material deemed as “offensive” prior to their release.  When Valenti had become President, adjustments were made to this Code because he “founded the voluntary film rating system giving creative and artistic freedoms to filmmakers while fulfilling its core purpose of informing parents about the content of films so they can determine what movies are appropriate for their kids.” (mpaa.org, History).
            A major program in place is the protection of creative works.  MPAA has established Public Awareness Campaigns to prevent and decrease movie theft.  “Often these efforts are focused on the creation of local, targeted initiatives that combine legislation, the dedication of law enforcement and a consumer awareness campaign to curtail film theft and raise awareness about the problem in cities, states, and countries around the world.” (mpaa.org, Public Service Announcements).  The website brings to light to Rogue websites which traffic stolen information or products over the Internet. This is very important to the music industry because part of the film’s project is to develop a soundtrack.  So, just as movies are stolen from the Internet, the music is as well, each time a movie is illegally downloaded.  That is another opportunity for the artist, in addition to the actors, producers, and directors, to not receive residual income for their work.  We realize the much is affected by stolen property: jobs, compensation and safety (i.e. malware). 
            Other programs in place raise awareness is Camcorder Laws, Copyright Infringement, the different types of Content Theft, and education, and also a link to view tv shows and movies legally.  Apparently in forty-one states, cam-cording a federal felony.  I do believe, these programs are very positive not only for the film industry but the music industry as well.  As a direct correlation with my industry, the initiatives from the coalitions and preventative measures seem to enhance the awareness of illegal activity, thus limiting the opportunities of theft.  I will continue to follow up on the programs the MPAA have in place.  I found it very interesting with the magnitude of steps being taken. (mpaa.org; Camcorder Laws, Rogue websites).
           
Reference:
Motion Picture Association of America. (2011). Mpaa.org. Retrieved June 3, 2012, from http://www.mpaa.org/contentprotection/public-service-announcements
            http://www.mpaa.org/about/history

© 2011 Motion Picture Association of America, Inc.  All rights reserved.

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