MPAA

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and its international counterpart, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) serve as the voice and advocate of the major motion picture, home video and television industries, domestically through the MPAA and internationally through the MPA. Today, these associations represent not only the world of theatrical film, but serve as leaders and advocates for major producers and distributors of entertainment programming for television, cable, home video and future delivery systems not yet imagined.

Founded in 1922 as the trade association of the American film industry, the MPAA has broadened its mandate to reflect the diversity of an ever changing and expanding industry. The initial task assigned to the association was to stem criticism of American movies, which were then silent, and to restore a more favorable public image for the motion picture business. Today, the association advocates for strong protection of the creative works produced and distributed by the industry, fights copyright theft around the world, and provides leadership in meeting new and emerging industry challenges.

MPA

Today, U.S. films are shown in more than 150 countries worldwide and American television programs are broadcast in over 125 international markets. This complex audiovisual industry is represented globally by the Motion Picture Association.

The MPA's name was changed from the Motion Picture Export Association of America to the Motion Picture Association in 1994 to more accurately reflect the global nature of audiovisual entertainment in the international marketplace.

Since its early days, the MPA has expanded to cover a wide range of foreign activities falling in the diplomatic, economic, and political arenas. The Motion Picture Association conducts these activities from its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and from offices in Los Angeles, California; Brussels; São Paulo and Singapore.