How does US film classification work

A.� Film classification in the States is quite different to the UK. Moves are rated as follows:

G - General Audience (suitable for all ages)

PG - Parental Guidance Suggested (some material may not be suitable for very young children)

(G13 - Parents Strongly Cautioned (matieral may not be appropriate for children under 13)

R - Restricted (under 17s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

�NC17 - No one under 17 is permitted in the auditorium.

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Q.� Who decides on the film's classification

A.� The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) is similar to the British Board of Film Classification. It is the voice and advocate of the American motion picture industry.

It was founded in 1922 and has broadened its mandate over the years to reflect the diversity of the expanding film industry. On its board of directors are the chairmen and presidents of the seven major producers and distributors of motion pictiures and television programmes in the States; these include Walt Disney, Sony Pictures, Metro Goldwyn-Meyer, Paramount Studios, Twentieth Century Fox, Universal Studios and Warner Bros.

Its international counterpart, the Motion Picture Association, was founded in 1945 after World War 2 to re-establish US films in the world market and to respond to the rising threat of protectionism resulting in barriers restricting the importation of US films. The Motion Picture Association has expanded to cover a wide range of foreign activties in diplomatic, economic and political circles. Its headquarters are in Los Angeles, California.

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Q. Is the association's main role classification

A.� The MPAA has a major role in cinema classification and home viewing. But it is also spearheading a campaign against video piracy. The movie industry reckons it loses around $3 billion a year because of video piracy. During the 1999 release of Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace pirate copies of the film (created by using camcorders in US theatres) flooded the Asian market place while the film was still in US theatrical ditribution. It meant viewing figures were significantly down and the home video retailers suffered too. The MPAA and MPA have introduced a raft of legislation to combat the threat.

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For more details about the US film classification system, under the current President and Chief Executive Officer, Jack Valentis, try their offices at 15503 Ventura Blvd, Encino, California 91436, or call (818) 995 6600

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By Katharine MacColl