In 1922, the heads of Hollywood's major studios formed the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association of America, or MPAA, to govern production and prevent government censorship. President Will Hays placed strict limitations on filmmakers; banning criticisms of religion, "lustful" kissing, "suggestive" dancing, child birth and other behaviors deemed immoral. "Immoral" films were not distributed. In 1968, MPAA President Jack Valenti created the contemporary ratings system which advises parents about the content of films rather than removing objectionable films from circulation. The MPAA is also heavily involved in protecting intellectual property and finding legal means for audiences to enjoy movies at home.
Established in 1933, the Screen Actors Guild, or SAG, is a labor union for actors in film, television, video games and new media formats. The guild works to improve working conditions, protect its members from unfair labor practices, increase compensation and expand work opportunities. It also honors achievements in film and television acting with the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the only industry awards exclusively for actors.
A film's director guides the artistic and dramatic aspect of a film or television production and is in charge of its cast and crew. Founded in 1936, the Director's Guild of America is a labor union protecting the creative rights and financial interests of directors, assistant directors, production managers, stage managers and production assistants in film, television and new media.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is probably best known to movie audiences for the annual Academy Awards. However, honoring each year's best films is only part of the Academy's mission. It also promotes film education, research, preservation and history. Academy projects include media literacy, grants for film students and festivals, museums, libraries and archives.
The American Film Institute, or AFI, was established in 1967 to educate future filmmakers, honor past artists and preserve American film history. AFI offers education through the AFI Conservatory, preserves films through its AFI Archives and Catalog of Feature Films and investigates new technologies through AFI Digifest. Other programs include the 100 Years/100 Movies, AFI's Night at the Movies and the AFI Awards. Its Life Achievement Award is considered one of the highest honors in the film industry.
Before a movie or TV show is made it begins as a script by a talented writer. The Writers Guild of America is a labor union representing writers in film, television, news, documentaries, animation and new media. It protects intellectual property, determines proper credit, promotes legislation to protect writer's rights, collects payments for reuse of media and supports education for members and the public.