MPAA and CARA: What Does it Mean for You?

The MPAA has a great deal of influence over the fimmaking process. Particularly CARA, the Classification And Rating Administration. These are the folks who decide based on a films content what rating to give it and why.

The reason Ratings are so vitally important in todays modern world of cinema is many a movie goer often choose movies to see based on ratings. Especially those who bring their kids to the movies. How many NC-17 films do you see in theaters? The truth is very few but why? While NC-17 is not defined as pornographic in nature its often associated with gratuitous nudity and violence. Not something everyone wants to spend $15 a ticket to see.

While a night on the town with your significant other might not result in an NC-17 or R rated film chances are you'll be seeing a PG-13 romantic comedy. If your seeking action and violence then you'll likely steer more towards an R rated film. A films rating can greatly affect who comes to see the film.

As a producer its important to keep in mind who might want to see your film. If you shoot a science fiction adventure you probably wont want an R rated version hitting the silver screen, but a toned back PG-13 version keeps the young audiences, who love Sci-Fi, flocking to the theaters.

The important thing however is not to let the ratings affect how you tell your story. Just because you pull out some of the more graphic scenes for the theatrical release doesn't mean your story has to suffer. Many top notch films have told their stories with grace and elegance, without excessive graphic scenes. Remember to be true to yourself and your story and the audiences will line up to watch it.