Motion Picture Association of America

William Hays founded the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) in 1922 to support, protect, and regulate film to discourage government involvement in the production and distribution of films. Hays’ efforts primarily focused on raising support against government censorship, but he is also known for the Motion Picture Production Code, or “Hays Code,” which enforced acceptable and unacceptable content for films. Originally known as the), Eric Johnston changed the organization’s name to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) in 1945 after succeeding Hays as president. In 1968, the MPAA under the next president, Jack Valenti, implemented many changes including removing the Hays Code, increasing artistic freedoms for filmmakers, and updating the film rating system to a standard still implemented as of 2021.

In 2019, chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin restructured and rebranded the organization as the Motion Picture Association (MPA). The MPA currently works to reduce online piracy, collaborate with online streaming services, and expand the accessibility of films internationally.

Source:

“Who We are.” Motion Picture Association. 2020. Accessed February 01, 2021. https://www.motionpictures.org/who-we-are/#our-history