Charles Rivkin, the chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, was paid $3.1 million in salary and bonus in 2019, a 37% jump from the prior year.
Rivkin’s salary was revealed in the organization’s annual tax filing. According to the document, Rivkin was paid $2 million in base salary plus $1.1 million in bonus compensation.
Rivkin took the helm of the film industry’s preeminent lobbying organization in September 2017, succeeding former Sen. Chris Dodd. Dodd was paid $3.9 million in his final year with the organization.
The organization recently extended Rivkin’s contract for an additional three years through the end of 2023.
Rivkin received a $250,000 bonus in 2018, which reflected the partial year of work in 2017. The 2019 bonus reflected his first full year on the job, in 2018.
The second-highest paid employee in 2019 was Steven Fabrizio, the general counsel who was fired in August 2019. Fabrizio was arrested after allegedly coercing a woman he met on...
Rivkin’s salary was revealed in the organization’s annual tax filing. According to the document, Rivkin was paid $2 million in base salary plus $1.1 million in bonus compensation.
Rivkin took the helm of the film industry’s preeminent lobbying organization in September 2017, succeeding former Sen. Chris Dodd. Dodd was paid $3.9 million in his final year with the organization.
The organization recently extended Rivkin’s contract for an additional three years through the end of 2023.
Rivkin received a $250,000 bonus in 2018, which reflected the partial year of work in 2017. The 2019 bonus reflected his first full year on the job, in 2018.
The second-highest paid employee in 2019 was Steven Fabrizio, the general counsel who was fired in August 2019. Fabrizio was arrested after allegedly coercing a woman he met on...
- 12/1/2020
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Nudity in film has been around as long as the movies themselves — you just have to know where to look. Starting with the hedonistic pre-Code Hollywood all the way through the power-checking #MeToo moment, Danny Wolf’s comprehensive new documentary “Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies” unpacks the political, artistic, and social landscapes that allowed nakedness to happen, or not, on the big screen. , especially those with a predilection for depravity, and should send even the most learned moviegoer home with plenty of material to revisit or discover anew.
“Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies” opens with the idea that Hollywood, way back when, was far less prude than it is now — “the Sodom of the pacific,” one critic says — dating all the way back to D.W. Griffiths’ problematic early movies. But before the Hays Code made nudity in films a moral concern through its censorship guidelines,...
“Skin: A History of Nudity in the Movies” opens with the idea that Hollywood, way back when, was far less prude than it is now — “the Sodom of the pacific,” one critic says — dating all the way back to D.W. Griffiths’ problematic early movies. But before the Hays Code made nudity in films a moral concern through its censorship guidelines,...
- 8/18/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Matt Bennett has stepped down from his role as executive vice president of communications at the Motion Picture Association of America.
“We thank Matt for the many contributions to the MPAA’s global advocacy and content protection missions. Matt has been a valued colleague, and on behalf of our organization and our Members, we wish him all the success in his future endeavors,” an MPAA spokesperson told TheWrap.
Bennett left his position two weeks ago and accepted a position as a spokesperson for his alma mater, American University, a source confirmed.
Also Read: MPAA Chief: 'We've Heard About the Demise of Theaters for Over a Century'
Bennett was appointed to the position in 2016 by Chris Dodd, replacing Laura Nichols. He had previously served as the senior vice president and D.C. practice lead for Racepoint Global, an international public relations firm. There, he designed strategic campaigns to advance public policy priorities.
“We thank Matt for the many contributions to the MPAA’s global advocacy and content protection missions. Matt has been a valued colleague, and on behalf of our organization and our Members, we wish him all the success in his future endeavors,” an MPAA spokesperson told TheWrap.
Bennett left his position two weeks ago and accepted a position as a spokesperson for his alma mater, American University, a source confirmed.
Also Read: MPAA Chief: 'We've Heard About the Demise of Theaters for Over a Century'
Bennett was appointed to the position in 2016 by Chris Dodd, replacing Laura Nichols. He had previously served as the senior vice president and D.C. practice lead for Racepoint Global, an international public relations firm. There, he designed strategic campaigns to advance public policy priorities.
- 6/14/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Matt Bennett, the executive vice president of communications at the Motion Picture Association of America, has left the organization.
Known as a megaphone and lobbyist for Hollywood’s major players in Washington, Bennett vacated the top spot weeks ago and has taken a job as spokesperson for American University.
“We thank Matt for the many contributions to the MPAA’s global advocacy and content protection missions. Matt has been a valued colleague, and on behalf of our organization and our Members, we wish him all the success in his future endeavors,” a spokesperson for the group told Variety.
Bennett was appointed by former MPAA Chief Senator Chris Dodd in 2016, who himself was succeeded by TV executive Charles Rivkin in April 2017. Change has been percolating within the group. This year Joan Graves, the longtime chair of the MPAA’s ratings board, retired after 30 years. Kelly McMahon took her place.
Members of the trade group include Netflix,...
Known as a megaphone and lobbyist for Hollywood’s major players in Washington, Bennett vacated the top spot weeks ago and has taken a job as spokesperson for American University.
“We thank Matt for the many contributions to the MPAA’s global advocacy and content protection missions. Matt has been a valued colleague, and on behalf of our organization and our Members, we wish him all the success in his future endeavors,” a spokesperson for the group told Variety.
Bennett was appointed by former MPAA Chief Senator Chris Dodd in 2016, who himself was succeeded by TV executive Charles Rivkin in April 2017. Change has been percolating within the group. This year Joan Graves, the longtime chair of the MPAA’s ratings board, retired after 30 years. Kelly McMahon took her place.
Members of the trade group include Netflix,...
- 6/14/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Joan Graves watched thousands of movies during her three-decade career at the MPAA’s ratings board before turning over the top job May 3 to Kelly McMahon, an MPAA lawyer. That also was the day that Graves, 77, watched her final movie submitted for a rating: Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (rated R).
Graves was a full-time mom and heavily involved in volunteering when a friend of hers, Richard Hefner, who ran the ratings board at the time, asked her to become a rater in 1988. Here she recalls some highs and lows.
What She'll Remember
► ...
Graves was a full-time mom and heavily involved in volunteering when a friend of hers, Richard Hefner, who ran the ratings board at the time, asked her to become a rater in 1988. Here she recalls some highs and lows.
What She'll Remember
► ...
- 5/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Joan Graves watched thousands of movies during her three-decade career at the MPAA’s ratings board before turning over the top job May 3 to Kelly McMahon, an MPAA lawyer. That also was the day that Graves, 77, watched her final movie submitted for a rating: Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (rated R).
Graves was a full-time mom and heavily involved in volunteering when a friend of hers, Richard Hefner, who ran the ratings board at the time, asked her to become a rater in 1988. Here she recalls some highs and lows.
What She'll Remember
► ...
Graves was a full-time mom and heavily involved in volunteering when a friend of hers, Richard Hefner, who ran the ratings board at the time, asked her to become a rater in 1988. Here she recalls some highs and lows.
What She'll Remember
► ...
- 5/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
After an eventful morning at the annual theater convention CinemaCon — which included a surprise award presentation to the retiring MPAA ratings czar Joan Graves, who climbed up a flight of stairs to the stage from the audience and then dramatically fell on her head midway down, resulting in a bruised forehead, stitches, and a brief hospital stay — Nato and MPAA chiefs John Fithian and Charles Rivkin met with the press. And at the end of the meeting, Fithian was fuming that most of the questions were about streaming behemoth Netflix, and not about the record 2018 box office.
Yes, ticket sales and attendance were up among all genders and ethnic groups. And among the year’s top worldwide grossers in the annual CinemaCon sizzle reel were action-heavy comic-book epics “Aquaman,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Venom,” “Black Panther,” “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” “Deadpool 2” and animated “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” music movies “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,...
Yes, ticket sales and attendance were up among all genders and ethnic groups. And among the year’s top worldwide grossers in the annual CinemaCon sizzle reel were action-heavy comic-book epics “Aquaman,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Venom,” “Black Panther,” “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” “Deadpool 2” and animated “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” music movies “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,...
- 4/2/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
After an eventful morning at the annual theater convention CinemaCon — which included a surprise award presentation to the retiring MPAA ratings czar Joan Graves, who climbed up a flight of stairs to the stage from the audience and then dramatically fell on her head midway down, resulting in a bruised forehead, stitches, and a brief hospital stay — Nato and MPAA chiefs John Fithian and Charles Rivkin met with the press. And at the end of the meeting, Fithian was fuming that most of the questions were about streaming behemoth Netflix, and not about the record 2018 box office.
Yes, ticket sales and attendance were up among all genders and ethnic groups. And among the year’s top worldwide grossers in the annual CinemaCon sizzle reel were action-heavy comic-book epics “Aquaman,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Venom,” “Black Panther,” “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” “Deadpool 2” and animated “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” music movies “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,...
Yes, ticket sales and attendance were up among all genders and ethnic groups. And among the year’s top worldwide grossers in the annual CinemaCon sizzle reel were action-heavy comic-book epics “Aquaman,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Venom,” “Black Panther,” “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” “Deadpool 2” and animated “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” music movies “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,...
- 4/2/2019
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Longtime Motion Picture Association of America executive Joan Graves is recovering after a fall from the stage at CinemaCon.
Graves fell and suffered a head injury Tuesday morning at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas after receiving an award for her career as chair of the MPAA ratings board. MPAA CEO Charles Rivkin had highlighted last year’s golden anniversary of the MPAA film ratings program, attributing much of its success to Graves, MPAA senior vice president and chairman of the classification and ratings administration.
After a tribute reel and her own remarks, Graves fell while walking down the steps to exit the Colosseum stage. The audience gasped audibly, and took a brief break from programming while medics attended to Graves. She insisted the program resume, with remarks from National Association of Theater Owners President and CEO John Fithian.
MPAA spokesman Chris Ortman tweeted out information about the incident: “Thank...
Graves fell and suffered a head injury Tuesday morning at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas after receiving an award for her career as chair of the MPAA ratings board. MPAA CEO Charles Rivkin had highlighted last year’s golden anniversary of the MPAA film ratings program, attributing much of its success to Graves, MPAA senior vice president and chairman of the classification and ratings administration.
After a tribute reel and her own remarks, Graves fell while walking down the steps to exit the Colosseum stage. The audience gasped audibly, and took a brief break from programming while medics attended to Graves. She insisted the program resume, with remarks from National Association of Theater Owners President and CEO John Fithian.
MPAA spokesman Chris Ortman tweeted out information about the incident: “Thank...
- 4/2/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
MPAA senior vice president Joan Graves, who was responsible for assigning movie ratings for 30 years, is recovering after a fall from the stage at CinemaCon.
Graves fell and suffered a head injury Tuesday after receiving an award for her career as chair of the MPAA ratings board at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. After being attended to for a few minutes by medical staff, she told National Association of Theatre Owners chief John Fithian to go on with his speech on the state of the industry, as staff continued to treat her next to the stage.
Graves was escorted to a side room in the theater’s lobby as Fithin’s speech concluded.
Also Read: MPAA Chief: 'We've Heard About the Demise of Theaters for Over a Century'
Graves is feeling “okay” and is in good spirits, said an MPAA spokesperson, who added that the medics tended to her...
Graves fell and suffered a head injury Tuesday after receiving an award for her career as chair of the MPAA ratings board at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. After being attended to for a few minutes by medical staff, she told National Association of Theatre Owners chief John Fithian to go on with his speech on the state of the industry, as staff continued to treat her next to the stage.
Graves was escorted to a side room in the theater’s lobby as Fithin’s speech concluded.
Also Read: MPAA Chief: 'We've Heard About the Demise of Theaters for Over a Century'
Graves is feeling “okay” and is in good spirits, said an MPAA spokesperson, who added that the medics tended to her...
- 4/2/2019
- by Tim Molloy and Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Despite the rise of streaming and the new threats against the theatrical release window, MPAA president Charles Rivkin told movie theater industry execs at CinemaCon that cinemas are “in it for the long game.”
“Since that first Nickelodeon theater opened in Pittsburgh in 114 years ago, we’ve been hearing about our demise for more than a century,” Rivkin said.
“Color pictures – they were definitely going to kill the movies. Then it was TV. Then basic cable. Expanded cable. The internet. The smartphone. 24-hour programming. Video games in every pocket. And yet – as Edna Mode, that wonderful animated character in ‘The Incredibles’ put it so well: ‘Here we are.'”
Also Read: MPAA Ratings Guru Joan Graves Recovering After Fall From CinemaCon Stage
Rivkin also explained why Netflix is now a member of the MPAA, becoming the first streaming company to join the organization that was originally created for motion picture studios.
“Since that first Nickelodeon theater opened in Pittsburgh in 114 years ago, we’ve been hearing about our demise for more than a century,” Rivkin said.
“Color pictures – they were definitely going to kill the movies. Then it was TV. Then basic cable. Expanded cable. The internet. The smartphone. 24-hour programming. Video games in every pocket. And yet – as Edna Mode, that wonderful animated character in ‘The Incredibles’ put it so well: ‘Here we are.'”
Also Read: MPAA Ratings Guru Joan Graves Recovering After Fall From CinemaCon Stage
Rivkin also explained why Netflix is now a member of the MPAA, becoming the first streaming company to join the organization that was originally created for motion picture studios.
- 4/2/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Motion Picture Association of America CEO Charles Rivkin helped wake the early-morning crowd at the start of CinemaCon 2019 on Tuesday — by simultaneously welcoming a digital disruptor into his Hollywood lobby and reassuring theater owners that moviegoing isn’t really going anywhere.
Addressing theater chain and indie cinema owners from around the world at the Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Rivkin celebrated record-breaking 2018 box office milestones like Disney’s personal best in the U.S. and worldwide, thanks to Marvel hits like “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War.”
Rivkin cautioned that continued success in the legacy movie theater business hinges on the awareness that “audiences are evolving. So you must adapt quickly to deliver what consumers want. That industries are evolving, new players enter the market nearly every day.”
One of those dominant players, Netflix, now sits at the table with studios Universal, Paramount, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., and Disney in the MPAA.
Addressing theater chain and indie cinema owners from around the world at the Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Rivkin celebrated record-breaking 2018 box office milestones like Disney’s personal best in the U.S. and worldwide, thanks to Marvel hits like “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War.”
Rivkin cautioned that continued success in the legacy movie theater business hinges on the awareness that “audiences are evolving. So you must adapt quickly to deliver what consumers want. That industries are evolving, new players enter the market nearly every day.”
One of those dominant players, Netflix, now sits at the table with studios Universal, Paramount, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., and Disney in the MPAA.
- 4/2/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
MPAA CEO and chairman Charles Rivkin today continued to tubthump the huge 2018 box office year, sharing lessons he learned in his first year at the job and that “our industry and our partnership is in for the long game.”
“Success depends on evolution and growth, so you must adapt and deliver what consumers wants,” said Rivkin, adding that Netflix’s addition to the MPAA is way of “working together.”
In regards to the three valuable lessons he learned in his first year, he said, “audiences are hungry for content, and appreciate seeing themselves on the screen,” trumpeting how diversity ruled with films like Crazy Rich Asians. Also, “Our industry knows how to put creativity to work, to enhance the viewing experiences.”
He also spoke about how the Ace Coalition to battle piracy is growing. “Pre-release piracy can reduce box office at 19%,” said Rivkin, sharing how they’re vying to crack...
“Success depends on evolution and growth, so you must adapt and deliver what consumers wants,” said Rivkin, adding that Netflix’s addition to the MPAA is way of “working together.”
In regards to the three valuable lessons he learned in his first year, he said, “audiences are hungry for content, and appreciate seeing themselves on the screen,” trumpeting how diversity ruled with films like Crazy Rich Asians. Also, “Our industry knows how to put creativity to work, to enhance the viewing experiences.”
He also spoke about how the Ace Coalition to battle piracy is growing. “Pre-release piracy can reduce box office at 19%,” said Rivkin, sharing how they’re vying to crack...
- 4/2/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
’All we ask is movies be given their time to reach their full potential audience in theatres before heading to the home.’
National Association Of Theatre Owners (Nato) head John Fithian told attendees on the second day of at CinemaCon on Tuesday (2) that the worlds of streaming and theatrical reinforce each other.
“Theatrical and streaming are two completely different experiences and have their time and place,” said Fithian at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. ”Streaming and theatrical don’t just coexist; they reinforce each other.”
The Nato head struck a realistic note when he addressed the future of the business.
National Association Of Theatre Owners (Nato) head John Fithian told attendees on the second day of at CinemaCon on Tuesday (2) that the worlds of streaming and theatrical reinforce each other.
“Theatrical and streaming are two completely different experiences and have their time and place,” said Fithian at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. ”Streaming and theatrical don’t just coexist; they reinforce each other.”
The Nato head struck a realistic note when he addressed the future of the business.
- 4/2/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
’We are all stronger advocates for creativity and the entertainment business when we are working together.’
Charles Rivkin struck a typically upbeat note for a head of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) in his state of the nation address at CinemaCon on Tuesday (2), trumpeting 2018 box office, the ongoing fight against piracy, and noting the addition of Netflix to the body’s member companies.
“We are all stronger advocates for creativity and the entertainment business when we are working together… all of us,” Rivkin told attendees at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The MPAA’s CEO...
Charles Rivkin struck a typically upbeat note for a head of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) in his state of the nation address at CinemaCon on Tuesday (2), trumpeting 2018 box office, the ongoing fight against piracy, and noting the addition of Netflix to the body’s member companies.
“We are all stronger advocates for creativity and the entertainment business when we are working together… all of us,” Rivkin told attendees at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The MPAA’s CEO...
- 4/2/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The MPAA has named Kelly McMahon to succeed Joan Graves as chair of the Classification and Rating Administration, the group that assigns film ratings.
Graves, a 77-year-old grandmother of two, retires next year after 30 years with the organization. The MPAA’s corporate counsel, McMahon, will succeed her after a transition.
“I look forward to working with Joan and Kelly to shape the future of the rating system and continue our mission of helping American parents make informed viewing choices for their children,” MPAA chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin said in a statement Thursday.
Cara was created by former MPAA president and CEO Jack Valenti 50 years ago this month. This voluntary program provided an alternative to government censorship of movies and was designed first and foremost to be a resource for parents, while simultaneously protecting the First Amendment, the rights of filmmakers, and the creative process.
Graves began her career as...
Graves, a 77-year-old grandmother of two, retires next year after 30 years with the organization. The MPAA’s corporate counsel, McMahon, will succeed her after a transition.
“I look forward to working with Joan and Kelly to shape the future of the rating system and continue our mission of helping American parents make informed viewing choices for their children,” MPAA chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin said in a statement Thursday.
Cara was created by former MPAA president and CEO Jack Valenti 50 years ago this month. This voluntary program provided an alternative to government censorship of movies and was designed first and foremost to be a resource for parents, while simultaneously protecting the First Amendment, the rights of filmmakers, and the creative process.
Graves began her career as...
- 11/16/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
Joan Graves, the longtime chairman of the movie ratings board, will step down in late 2019, the Motion Picture Association of America announced Thursday.
She will be succeeded by Kelly McMahon, who will serve as deputy chair of the Classification and Rating Administration board during the transition. McMahan, who has been vp and general counsel of the MPAA for more than a decade, will begin her new duties on Jan. 7.
Those responsibilities will include running the day-to-day operations of the ratings board as Graves prepares for her exit.
"Joan's contributions and dedication to the success and endurance ...
She will be succeeded by Kelly McMahon, who will serve as deputy chair of the Classification and Rating Administration board during the transition. McMahan, who has been vp and general counsel of the MPAA for more than a decade, will begin her new duties on Jan. 7.
Those responsibilities will include running the day-to-day operations of the ratings board as Graves prepares for her exit.
"Joan's contributions and dedication to the success and endurance ...
- 11/15/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Joan Graves, the longtime chairman of the movie ratings board, will step down in late 2019, the Motion Picture Association of America announced Thursday.
She will be succeeded by Kelly McMahon, who will serve as deputy chair of the Classification and Rating Administration board during the transition. McMahan, who has been vp and general counsel of the MPAA for more than a decade, will begin her new duties on Jan. 7.
Those responsibilities will include running the day-to-day operations of the ratings board as Graves prepares for her exit.
"Joan's contributions and dedication to the success and endurance ...
She will be succeeded by Kelly McMahon, who will serve as deputy chair of the Classification and Rating Administration board during the transition. McMahan, who has been vp and general counsel of the MPAA for more than a decade, will begin her new duties on Jan. 7.
Those responsibilities will include running the day-to-day operations of the ratings board as Graves prepares for her exit.
"Joan's contributions and dedication to the success and endurance ...
- 11/15/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Fewer appeals have been filed in recent years over ratings decisions rendered by the MPAA, according to a new report by the trade organization marking the 50th anniversary of the ratings system.
Introduced on November 1, 1968 by Jack Valenti in the wake of films such as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? causing a stir with their provocative content, the ratings system has assigned letters to 29,791 films as of September 30.
Of those nearly 30,000 films, 17,202 were rated R, while just 1,574 have been rated G for general audiences.
A total of 428 films since 1968 have appealed the initial ratings decisions, with fewer than 1% succeeding in getting the rating overturned. Some of the cat-and-mouse exchanges over films such as South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut, American Psycho and Natural Born Killers have attained near-mythic status in the industry and popular culture.
In 1984, the year that the PG-13 rating was introduced, 18 films (6% of the total number...
Introduced on November 1, 1968 by Jack Valenti in the wake of films such as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? causing a stir with their provocative content, the ratings system has assigned letters to 29,791 films as of September 30.
Of those nearly 30,000 films, 17,202 were rated R, while just 1,574 have been rated G for general audiences.
A total of 428 films since 1968 have appealed the initial ratings decisions, with fewer than 1% succeeding in getting the rating overturned. Some of the cat-and-mouse exchanges over films such as South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut, American Psycho and Natural Born Killers have attained near-mythic status in the industry and popular culture.
In 1984, the year that the PG-13 rating was introduced, 18 films (6% of the total number...
- 10/29/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Mark Harrison May 18, 2017
For a family-friendly film, Toy Story 3 is steeped in horror. With spoilers, we take a look...
This article contains spoilers for Toy Story 3.
In August 2010, a couple of months after Toy Story 3 was released in Us cinemas, the chair of the MPAA Classification and Ratings Administration admitted that they might have made a mistake in giving the film a G rating.
Speaking on industry podcast The Business, Joan Graves said that based on feedback they had received from parents since the film's release, Toy Story 3 should have been given a PG rating “at least”, because of a climactic scene in which Woody, Buzz and friends find themselves sinking into an incinerator like rubbish. Graves went on to say that the film changed their approach to animated family films, and that they would no longer give these movies “the benefit of the doubt” in...
For a family-friendly film, Toy Story 3 is steeped in horror. With spoilers, we take a look...
This article contains spoilers for Toy Story 3.
In August 2010, a couple of months after Toy Story 3 was released in Us cinemas, the chair of the MPAA Classification and Ratings Administration admitted that they might have made a mistake in giving the film a G rating.
Speaking on industry podcast The Business, Joan Graves said that based on feedback they had received from parents since the film's release, Toy Story 3 should have been given a PG rating “at least”, because of a climactic scene in which Woody, Buzz and friends find themselves sinking into an incinerator like rubbish. Graves went on to say that the film changed their approach to animated family films, and that they would no longer give these movies “the benefit of the doubt” in...
- 5/10/2017
- Den of Geek
Sarah Kate Ellis, the president and CEO of GLAAD shot off a letter to the MPAA Chairmen Chris Dodd and Classifications and Ratings Administration (Cara) head Joan Graves saying that the R-rating imposed by the board for TWC’s transgender-themed movie 3 Generations “sends a dangerous message to this already marginalized community” of transgenders. The ratings board slapped 3 Generations with a R-rating earlier this month due to language and some sexual references. TWC said…...
- 4/18/2017
- Deadline
Director James Gray and the producers of The Lost City of Z have lost an appeal to overturn an R rating for "brief violence" in the film.
The period adventure drama, from Amazon Studios, is set to hit theaters April 21 via Bleecker Street. Gray and Dede Gardner of Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment appeared before an appeals panel this week in Los Angeles to argue in favor of a friendlier PG-13 rating.
Joan Graves, chairman of the Classification and Rating Administration, represented the ratings board, which upheld the R rating.
Lost City of Z, which stars Charlie...
The period adventure drama, from Amazon Studios, is set to hit theaters April 21 via Bleecker Street. Gray and Dede Gardner of Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment appeared before an appeals panel this week in Los Angeles to argue in favor of a friendlier PG-13 rating.
Joan Graves, chairman of the Classification and Rating Administration, represented the ratings board, which upheld the R rating.
Lost City of Z, which stars Charlie...
- 1/12/2017
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Cara Appeals Board has decided to uphold the R rating for Michael Moore‘s “Where to Invade Next.” Moore rejected the rating the MPAA assigned to the documentary for “language, some violent images, drug use and brief graphic nudity.” He represented the appellant Eleven Foot Pole, and Joan Graves, Chairman of Cara, represented the ratings board. According to USA Today, Moore lashed out against the MPAA in November. Also Read: Michael Moore Rejects R Rating for Political Documentary 'Where to Invade Next' “I believe there is always a political underlying thing with the MPAA,” Moore said during...
- 12/3/2015
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Concerned parents aimed a fusillade of fury at “Fifty Shades of Grey,” but it didn’t come close to the storm touched off by the similarly R-rated “The Wolf of Wall Street,” according to the head of the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) ratings board. “ opened on Christmas Day and a lot of people wrongly assumed that it was a family film and brought the kids. Some even brought the grandparents,” Joan Graves, the head of the MPAA’s Classification and Rating Administration board, told TheWrap Tuesday. “Most of the complaints we heard about ’50 Shades’ came before it was.
- 3/4/2015
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
Penalized with an R rating for harsh language, the Ivan Reitman-directed Kevin Costner starrer Draft Day appealed, and the Classification and Rating Appeals Board today gave it a PG-13. Costner plays a general manager trying to figure out what to do with the top pick in the NFL draft. If there wasn’t room for a few choice cuss words in that high-pressure event, it wouldn’t be believable football. Cara Chairman Joan Graves represented the ratings board, and Reitman and Lionsgate’s Erik Feig successfully appealed the call on the field. This is one of three movies in the offing for Costner, who should get a real career second wind after the football pic — which opens April 11 — Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and 3 Days To Kill. He pulled back in recent years but still holds the screen. Related: Hot Trailer: Kevin Costner In ‘Draft Day’...
- 1/8/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
“Draft Day,” Ivan Reitman’s upcoming film about the NFL draft, is now PG-13 after the Classification and Rating Appeals Board overturned its previous R rating on Wednesday. Following the appeal over the Classification and Rating Administration’s restrictive rating due to “brief strong language,” the sports drama was ruled appropriate for ages 13 and up due to “brief strong language and sexual references.” See video: ‘Draft Day’ Trailer Stars Kevin Costner as Gm of NFL’s Cleveland Browns (Video) Joan Graves, Chairman of Cara, represented the ratings board in the dispute, while Reitman and Lionsgate’s president of production, Erik Feig,...
- 1/8/2014
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
Chances are not many teens have been clamoring to see Philomena, a drama opening Nov. 22 about an elderly Irishwoman (Judi Dench) who goes looking for a son she had to give up 50 years ago. But when The Weinstein Co. appealed to the Motion Picture Association of America to change the film’s rating from an R — which it had received for using the F-word twice — to a PG-13, the studio wasn’t just trying to broaden the movie’s audience or score free publicity.
“The argument was important,” says actor Steve Coogan, who co-wrote the film and costars with Dench.
“The argument was important,” says actor Steve Coogan, who co-wrote the film and costars with Dench.
- 11/23/2013
- by Josh Rottenberg
- EW - Inside Movies
Under increasing pressure over its threshold for violence in PG-13 films, the Motion Picture Association of America defended its often-criticized rating system on Wednesday.
A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center and the Ohio State University recently published in the medical journal Pediatrics found that gun violence in the most popular PG-13 releases since 1985 has tripled in frequency. The number of scenes featuring gun violence in PG-13 films, the study found, has come to rival or even surpass the rate of such sequences in R-rated movies.
The association’s ratings board is no stranger to criticism, but the study...
A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center and the Ohio State University recently published in the medical journal Pediatrics found that gun violence in the most popular PG-13 releases since 1985 has tripled in frequency. The number of scenes featuring gun violence in PG-13 films, the study found, has come to rival or even surpass the rate of such sequences in R-rated movies.
The association’s ratings board is no stranger to criticism, but the study...
- 11/14/2013
- by Associated Press
- EW - Inside Movies
Director Alexander Payne and Paramount Pictures have failed to win an appeal to the MPAA’s rating board to have the R rating given to their film Nebraska overturned. The MPAA said Thursday that its Classification and Rating Appeals Board has upheld the R rating given to the movie for “some language.” Photos: 'Nebraska' in Cannes: Nicole Kidman, Ang Lee Step Out for Alexander Payne's Premiere Payne and Stephanie Ito, head of postproduction at Paramount, appeared before the appeals board to argue their case, while the MPAA was represented by Joan Graves, Cara’s chairman. Nebraska, which stars Will Forte and
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- 7/18/2013
- by Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nestled among the listings of the many, many panels that made up the SXSW Film and Interactive festivals this year was an unexpected name -- Joan Graves, the Senior Vice President of the MPAA and Chairman of the Classification and Rating Administration and the only member of the ratings board whose identity is made public. Graves does not do many interviews, and the MPAA itself has always kept its process partially shrouded in secrecy -- so much so that the name of the event, This Panel is Not Yet Rated, could serve as a nod to the 2006 Kirby Dick documentary "This Film Is Not Yet Rated," in which a private investigator was hired to figure out who, exactly, the people were who determined what gets a PG-13 versus what gets an R. Graves appeared on the panel with filmmaker Vincenzo Natali, whose "Haunter" was making its world premiere at the festival; Travis Stevens,...
- 3/14/2013
- by Alison Willmore
- Indiewire
Horror film critic and FEARnet's authority on all things cinema, Scott Weinberg will be one of the guests at this year's South By Southwest Festival in Austin, and has been invited to speak on two panels – tackling topics very close to the hearts of horror movie fans everywhere. “This Panel is Not Yet Rated” (Sunday, March 10, 3:30-4:30 pm): Scott will join in a discussion on the topic of violence in movies, public opinions and regulations on the subject, and how it impacts filmmakers and audiences alike. This panel will focus in particular on the movie ratings process, with Joan Graves the Chair of the Classifications and Ratings Association appearing at SXSW for the first time. Director Vincenzo Natali (Splice) will also be speaking, as well as Travis Stevens, CEO of Snowfort Pictures (Big Ass Spider). “Film Critics vs. The World” (Monday, March 11, 12:30-1:30 pm):...
- 3/6/2013
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
After weeks of dispute over the rating for the documentary "Bully," the MPAA and the Weinstein Co. have come to an agreement. The film will now have a PG-13 rating.
The rating for "Bully" has been the topic of much controversy. The movie, which documents the teen bullying problem in the U.S., had originally earned an "R" for what the MPAA believed to be coarse language. Producers were unwilling to budge on editing, and on March 26, they announced that they would release the film unrated. As a result, theater operators were in the position to determine who would be allowed to see the movie.
But it appears that negotiations were ongoing. The Weinstein Co. tells the AP that with the removal of just three expletives, the MPAA gave the film the desired PG-13 rating.
"I feel completely vindicated with this resolution," director Lee Hirsch says in a statement. "While...
The rating for "Bully" has been the topic of much controversy. The movie, which documents the teen bullying problem in the U.S., had originally earned an "R" for what the MPAA believed to be coarse language. Producers were unwilling to budge on editing, and on March 26, they announced that they would release the film unrated. As a result, theater operators were in the position to determine who would be allowed to see the movie.
But it appears that negotiations were ongoing. The Weinstein Co. tells the AP that with the removal of just three expletives, the MPAA gave the film the desired PG-13 rating.
"I feel completely vindicated with this resolution," director Lee Hirsch says in a statement. "While...
- 4/6/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
The Weinstein Company and the MPAA have come to terms on a PG-13 rating for Bully, the timely documentary that would have been hamstrung by an R rating for objectionable language. TWC released it without a rating, which didn’t help matters. The compromise is that the film is shy a few cuss words, but retains a chilling scene depicting bullies in action. And the brouhaha has given the film a ton of free publicity and attention that documentaries rarely receive. A statement by MPAA ratings board chairman Joan Graves said this afternoon that The Weinstein Company resubmitted an edited version of Bully, and the board gave the new version a PG-13 “for intense thematic material, disturbing content, and some strong language – all involving kids.” Graves stated “the ratings system has worked exactly as it is supposed to” and emphasized the same process is available to all filmmakers. The MPAA...
- 4/5/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
17-year-old Katy Butler's campaign to change the 'R' rating of the movie Bully to 'PG-13' made major headway last week when her petition received more than 275,000 signatures. More than 200,000 of those were delivered by Butler to the Motion Picture Association of America's (MPAA) Los Angeles office last week, where Butler also met with Joan Graves, the MPAA's Head of Classification and Ratings Division.
Butler's mission has garnered the attention of many well-known public figures, sparking a national movement of people calling on the MPAA to drop the 'R' rating. Representative Mike Honda (D-Calif.) issued a bipartisan letter to the MPAA, which was signed by 20 additional Members of Congress and supports Katy's petition.
The high school student from Michigan is no stranger to bullying. After coming out as a lesbian in middle school, Butler was bullied so severely that she ended up with a broken finger after students slammed her hand in a locker.
Butler's mission has garnered the attention of many well-known public figures, sparking a national movement of people calling on the MPAA to drop the 'R' rating. Representative Mike Honda (D-Calif.) issued a bipartisan letter to the MPAA, which was signed by 20 additional Members of Congress and supports Katy's petition.
The high school student from Michigan is no stranger to bullying. After coming out as a lesbian in middle school, Butler was bullied so severely that she ended up with a broken finger after students slammed her hand in a locker.
- 3/12/2012
- by Carolyn Gregoire
- Huffington Post
When I first heard that the Weinstein Company had lost its appeal to overturn the R rating that the MPAA had given to Lee Hirsch's film Bully, I was taken back to 2005 when we opted for an appeal for our Iraq War film Gunner Palace after it also received an R for language. At the time, the war was raging in Iraq, young people were dying every day, coverage of the war was in decline and we thought it was imperative that high school students have access -- unrestricted -- to a film that could help them relate to the conflict. An R rating would make that impossible, not just in the immediate, but also in the future, because few school districts purchase R rated films for their libraries. So, I flew out to Hollywood with Andy Robbins who ran marketing for our distributor and screened the movie for...
- 3/9/2012
- by Michael Tucker
- Moviefone
Los Angeles — The Classification and Rating Appeals Board today overturned the R rating given to the movie Perks of Being a Wallflower. The Classification and Rating Administration (Cara) had assigned the movie an R rating for “teen drug and alcohol use, and some sexual references.” The film is now rated PG-13 “on appeal for mature thematic material, drug and alcohol use, sexual content including references, and a fight – all involving teens.” In the appeal brought by Summit Entertainment, the Appeals Board heard statements on behalf of Perks of Being a Wallflower from Erik Fieg, President, Production Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and Stephen Chbosky, Director, Screenwriter and Author of the book on which the film is based. The Classification and Rating Administration was represented by Chairman Joan Graves.
- 3/9/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
The battle over Bully’s R rating rages on. Katy Butler, a 17-year-old high school student from Michigan, delivered a petition (with more than 200,000 signatures) Wednesday to the Motion Picture Association of America’s office in Sherman Oaks, Calif.
Her message: Lower the MPAA rating of the upcoming Weinstein Company documentary from R to PG-13. Bully, a look at the rise of adolescent bullying in America, was rated R for “some language” — specifically for the f-word, which is used a reported six times in the film. An R rating means that adolescents under the age of 17 — the documentary’s intended...
Her message: Lower the MPAA rating of the upcoming Weinstein Company documentary from R to PG-13. Bully, a look at the rise of adolescent bullying in America, was rated R for “some language” — specifically for the f-word, which is used a reported six times in the film. An R rating means that adolescents under the age of 17 — the documentary’s intended...
- 3/8/2012
- by John Young
- EW - Inside Movies
New York — Fresh off his Oscar glory with "The Artist," there's no silence for Harvey Weinstein when it comes to his next film.
The famously bellicose producer is protesting the R rating received by a documentary his Weinstein Co. is releasing. "Bully," directed by Lee Hirsch, is an examination of school bullying that follows five kids and families over the course of a school year.
It received the rating, which restricts kids under the age of 17 from seeing it without an accompanying adult, because of six expletives. Weinstein claims such a rating restricts the very audience the film can most benefit: high school teens.
The Weinstein Co. appealed the decision, but the Motion Picture Association of America, which oversees movie ratings, declined to lower the rating to a PG-13.
"I find it outrageous," says Weinstein, who has long been renowned for his combativeness. "This is, on a personal level because of my own temper,...
The famously bellicose producer is protesting the R rating received by a documentary his Weinstein Co. is releasing. "Bully," directed by Lee Hirsch, is an examination of school bullying that follows five kids and families over the course of a school year.
It received the rating, which restricts kids under the age of 17 from seeing it without an accompanying adult, because of six expletives. Weinstein claims such a rating restricts the very audience the film can most benefit: high school teens.
The Weinstein Co. appealed the decision, but the Motion Picture Association of America, which oversees movie ratings, declined to lower the rating to a PG-13.
"I find it outrageous," says Weinstein, who has long been renowned for his combativeness. "This is, on a personal level because of my own temper,...
- 3/2/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Despite the R-rating given to the forthcoming movie "Bully" over its sometimes profane language, a multitude of people would really like teens not to be restricted from seeing the documentary about schoolyard bullying. How big a multitude? At this writing, more than 130,000. In his battle against the MPAA ratings board, which last week denied his appeal to soften "Bully"'s R to a PG-13, distributor Harvey Weinstein has found an unexpected ally in Ann Arbor, Michigan teen Katy Butler. The 17-year-old high school junior, who has not seen the movie but has suffered bullying herself, launched a petition at Change.org, urging the MPAA to reconsider. So far, more than 130,000 supporters have signed on, within three days of the petition's launch. In her explanation, Butler cites an incident where bullies slammed a locker door on her hand, breaking her finger. Of the film, due out March 30, she writes, "I can't...
- 2/29/2012
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
Weinstein may withdraw from MPAA ratings after body upholds R-rating for bullying documentary
Harvey Weinstein may pull the Weinstein Company's films from Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) classification, after the ratings administrator decided to uphold the R-rating handed to the Weinstein's new documentary, Bully.
Filmed during the 2009-10 school year, Lee Hirsch's documentary tells the stories of five high schoolers whose lives have been affected by bullying. Alex Libby, one of the students featured in the film, was among those arguing against the rating, which the film received due to frequent strong language. The R-rating will restrict anyone under the age of 17 from watching without an adult.
"I have been through many of these appeals, but this one vote loss is a huge blow to me personally," Weinstein told the Hollywood Reporter. "Alex Libby gave an impassioned plea and eloquently defended the need for kids to be able...
Harvey Weinstein may pull the Weinstein Company's films from Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) classification, after the ratings administrator decided to uphold the R-rating handed to the Weinstein's new documentary, Bully.
Filmed during the 2009-10 school year, Lee Hirsch's documentary tells the stories of five high schoolers whose lives have been affected by bullying. Alex Libby, one of the students featured in the film, was among those arguing against the rating, which the film received due to frequent strong language. The R-rating will restrict anyone under the age of 17 from watching without an adult.
"I have been through many of these appeals, but this one vote loss is a huge blow to me personally," Weinstein told the Hollywood Reporter. "Alex Libby gave an impassioned plea and eloquently defended the need for kids to be able...
- 2/24/2012
- by Henry Barnes
- The Guardian - Film News
The MPAA has given The Weinstein Company's (TWC) new anti-bullying documentary "Bully" an R rating, so the studio is fighting back, at least, for a PG-13 rating. According to their press release, "Bully" is an urgent and intimate look at Americas bullying crisis. Directed by Lee Hirsch, the R rating was given to "Bully" because of its strong language and therefore, it restricts children under the age of 17 from seeing the film unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
So, the kids, who Must really see the documentary are not even allowed to do so unless their parent or guardian are present. Isn't this a case of the MPAA bullying "Bully?"
Why? Because as a result of the MPAA rating, the film could not even be screened in U.S. middle and high schools "where it might otherwise reach a mass national audience of students and be used as a...
So, the kids, who Must really see the documentary are not even allowed to do so unless their parent or guardian are present. Isn't this a case of the MPAA bullying "Bully?"
Why? Because as a result of the MPAA rating, the film could not even be screened in U.S. middle and high schools "where it might otherwise reach a mass national audience of students and be used as a...
- 2/21/2012
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
"This Means War," Fox's comedy-action film starring Reese Witherspoon and Tom Hardy, will keep its R rating, the MPAA's appeals board ruled Thursday. Fox had asked the Motion Picture Association of America's Classification and Rating Appeals Board to give McG's movie a less-restrictive rating. Also read: Fox to Release McG's 'This Means War' on Valentine's Day After hearing statements from Ted Gagliano, president of feature post production for Twentieth Century Fox and from Joan Graves, who chairs the Classification and Rating Administration, the board upheld the R. The board ruled that the movie has "some...
- 1/26/2012
- by Joshua L. Weinstein
- The Wrap
By Jake Coyle, The Associated Press
New York — The Nc-17 rated "Shame" poses an intriguing test for the much-lamented rating and stands a chance of being one of the most notable adults-only releases since "Last Tango in Paris" or "Midnight Cowboy."
When Steve McQueen's film about a sex addict (Michael Fassbender) arrives in theaters Dec. 2, it will have already found enthusiastic debate at film festivals, largely laudatory reviews and a significant presence in the Oscar race, where Fassbender is considered a top contender for a best actor nomination.
Though most films tagged by the Motion Pictures Association of America with an Nc-17 rating either protest the decision or edit down to an R-rating, Fox Searchlight (which acquired "Shame" at the Toronto Film Festival) has accepted the Nc-17 as fair.
"We're releasing it not because of (the rating), but perhaps in spite of it," says Stephen Gilula, co-president of Fox Searchlight.
New York — The Nc-17 rated "Shame" poses an intriguing test for the much-lamented rating and stands a chance of being one of the most notable adults-only releases since "Last Tango in Paris" or "Midnight Cowboy."
When Steve McQueen's film about a sex addict (Michael Fassbender) arrives in theaters Dec. 2, it will have already found enthusiastic debate at film festivals, largely laudatory reviews and a significant presence in the Oscar race, where Fassbender is considered a top contender for a best actor nomination.
Though most films tagged by the Motion Pictures Association of America with an Nc-17 rating either protest the decision or edit down to an R-rating, Fox Searchlight (which acquired "Shame" at the Toronto Film Festival) has accepted the Nc-17 as fair.
"We're releasing it not because of (the rating), but perhaps in spite of it," says Stephen Gilula, co-president of Fox Searchlight.
- 11/23/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Los Angeles — Those extra expletives you're hearing at the multiplex these days aren't just echoes. PG-13 movies, officially allowed one non-sexual F-word per script, are making increased use of that allotment – and more – as filmmakers work the rules in a world where R-rated comedies full of both male and female trash-talk have become a summertime staple.
Recent PG-13 examples include F-bomb reactions to Ryan Gosling's abs in "Crazy Stupid Love," Bryan Cranston's boorish behavior in "Larry Crowne" and those rampaging robots in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."
"Filmmakers are certainly using it more often, taking advantage of it," says Joan Graves, head of the Motion Picture Association of America's Classification and Rating Administration.
Using the F-word outside of the R-rated world certainly isn't a new phenomenon. In fact, prior to the adoption of the PG-13 rating in 1984, the F-word would periodically pop up in PG movies. Even after...
Recent PG-13 examples include F-bomb reactions to Ryan Gosling's abs in "Crazy Stupid Love," Bryan Cranston's boorish behavior in "Larry Crowne" and those rampaging robots in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."
"Filmmakers are certainly using it more often, taking advantage of it," says Joan Graves, head of the Motion Picture Association of America's Classification and Rating Administration.
Using the F-word outside of the R-rated world certainly isn't a new phenomenon. In fact, prior to the adoption of the PG-13 rating in 1984, the F-word would periodically pop up in PG movies. Even after...
- 8/18/2011
- by AP
- Huffington Post
After all the backslapping and high-fiving that followed the MPAA's overturned Nc-17 rating [1] for Blue Valentine last week, it appears that the celebration may have been a little bit premature. We are now hearing rumblings about another unpleasant side effect that may result from the decision -- unpleasant, that is, if you happen to be a fan of horror movies. With the MPAA's 42-year-old rating system once again being called into question by people like Roger Ebert [2] among others, much of the criticism seems to stem from the fact that they are much more lenient on violence as opposed to sex. Now they have finally admitted that it's time to re-evaluate some of their policies, which unfortunately means that a crackdown on the horror genre probably lies ahead in the near future. According to Variety [3], the MPAA's ratings board is well aware of accusations of a double standard, and the...
- 12/16/2010
- by Sean
- FilmJunk
While the MPAA’s ratings board has been the target of much controversy and criticism lately, most of it has involved the group’s point of view on sexuality in movies. Violence in horror films has largely been given a pass; the likes of the Saw and Hostel sequels have gotten away with graphic violence under R ratings undreamed of back in the ’80s, when countless fright flicks had to lose the blood to get the R. A report over the weekend, however, suggests that might be changing.
Variety posted a story addressing the recent brouhaha over the Nc-17 applied to the troubled-relationship drama Blue Valentine, which The Weinstein Company successfully appealed down to an R. It was noted that some critics of the MPAA have claimed a double standard—scenes of intense but non-pornographic sexuality have been hit with Nc-17s, while anything goes violence-wise under the R. But now,...
Variety posted a story addressing the recent brouhaha over the Nc-17 applied to the troubled-relationship drama Blue Valentine, which The Weinstein Company successfully appealed down to an R. It was noted that some critics of the MPAA have claimed a double standard—scenes of intense but non-pornographic sexuality have been hit with Nc-17s, while anything goes violence-wise under the R. But now,...
- 12/14/2010
- by Dave
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
The Weinstein’s pocket book spoke louder than “decency” a week ago, when the MPAA issued Blue Valentine a Nc-17, a rating rarely given, and a rating that rarely sells tickets. After “revisiting” the film, the MPAA issued the rating unwarranted, and now Blue Valentine is R-rated.
Now, according to MPAA spokeswoman Joan Graves in a Variety article, the MPAA now has a “new look at what it means to be R-rated”. “[We're] taking steps to correct some of those issues. For instance, the MPAA plans to revisit its stance on horror pics, which have evolved considerably from spooky frights to torture porn. I do think the R has a very big envelope for that genre.”
We all know that studio’s love the horror genre for the fan base and the money they can potentially bring in, but they hate the issues with the MPAA, an organization that hates sex,...
Now, according to MPAA spokeswoman Joan Graves in a Variety article, the MPAA now has a “new look at what it means to be R-rated”. “[We're] taking steps to correct some of those issues. For instance, the MPAA plans to revisit its stance on horror pics, which have evolved considerably from spooky frights to torture porn. I do think the R has a very big envelope for that genre.”
We all know that studio’s love the horror genre for the fan base and the money they can potentially bring in, but they hate the issues with the MPAA, an organization that hates sex,...
- 12/13/2010
- by Jon Peters
- Killer Films
Faced with the MPAA's dreaded Nc-17 rating, film-makers voluntarily self-censor so as not to be ignored come Oscar time – but now they're fighting back
Blue Valentine director Derek Cianfrance had two nightmares as a child. One was that his parents would get divorced, the other that nuclear war would break out. The first happened when he was 20-years-old; this year it inspired a film, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The second hasn't happened yet. But when the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) gave Blue Valentine an Nc-17 rating for a controversial sex scene, a battle between the studios and the censors began that has only this week revealed a victor. "I was shocked", said Cianfrance at the London film festival in October, "because I think we really tried to respect the audience in this film. It's relatively tame I think, it's just intimate and it's emotional."
Harvey Weinstein,...
Blue Valentine director Derek Cianfrance had two nightmares as a child. One was that his parents would get divorced, the other that nuclear war would break out. The first happened when he was 20-years-old; this year it inspired a film, starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The second hasn't happened yet. But when the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) gave Blue Valentine an Nc-17 rating for a controversial sex scene, a battle between the studios and the censors began that has only this week revealed a victor. "I was shocked", said Cianfrance at the London film festival in October, "because I think we really tried to respect the audience in this film. It's relatively tame I think, it's just intimate and it's emotional."
Harvey Weinstein,...
- 12/10/2010
- The Guardian - Film News
'Blue Valentine' has gone from being described as having "explicit sexual content" to "strong graphic sexual content," which has given it a new R rating. The Classification and Rating Administration (Cara) switched the movie's rating from Nc-17 to R after the Weinstein Co. submitted an appeal, according to The Hollywood Reporter. One of sexual scenes in question portrays Ryan Gosling performing oral sex on Michelle Williams. "'Explicit' is usually only used to describe Nc-17 material,” Joan Graves, head of Cara, told THR. "'Graphic' means the sexuality is strong, even graphic in some areas, but seems to give the correct information to parents." 'Blue Valentine' follows a couple, Dean and Cindy, who are trying to save their marriage. During the course of one night, they are flooded with memories of their relationship, from their courtship to love lost in past and present moments in time. Ryan told Et,...
- 12/9/2010
- by TheInsider
- TheInsider.com
The MPAA has overturned the Nc-17 they slapped on "Blue Valentine," which will now receive an R rating, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film was originally given the more restrictive rating because of an oral sex scene between stars Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling. The softer R will ensure a much wider release for "Blue Valentine."
What caused the MPAA to overturn their original rating? No changes to the film itself were made, but to the description of the film. Turns out there's a difference between "graphic sexual content" and "explicit sexual content."
Joan Graves, head of the Classification and Rating Administration, explains how the different wording affects the decision: "'Explicit' is usually only used to describe Nc-17 material. 'Graphic' means the sexuality is strong, even graphic in some areas, but seems to give the correct information to parents."
Earlier this week the film's director, Derek Cianfrance, spoke with...
What caused the MPAA to overturn their original rating? No changes to the film itself were made, but to the description of the film. Turns out there's a difference between "graphic sexual content" and "explicit sexual content."
Joan Graves, head of the Classification and Rating Administration, explains how the different wording affects the decision: "'Explicit' is usually only used to describe Nc-17 material. 'Graphic' means the sexuality is strong, even graphic in some areas, but seems to give the correct information to parents."
Earlier this week the film's director, Derek Cianfrance, spoke with...
- 12/9/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
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