Motion Picture has changed greatly over time. Thomas Edison shared his short film with the public called “The Kiss”. This was one of the first films ever shown to the public in 1896. It was produced at the first US movie studio called the Edison Studios. It was extremely short and in black and white.

Then there was the “classical era” (1920’s-1940’s) this is when there was an integration between production, distribution, and exhibition of films. During this time there were major film studios referred to as the “Big Five.” MGM, Fox, Paramount, RKO, and Warner Bros Studios were running the game. These studios still produce films and are widely known in Hollywood. Almost all films were being produced through these studios and they brought in the audiences. As time passed these studios flourished during WW2 and The Depression as they held monopolies in the film industry. During the 1960’s and the 1970’s historical films such as “The Graduate,” “The Godfather,” and “Dirty Harry.”

During the 1960’s five of the seven major Hollywood studios changed ownership and there was a merger. They made the studios an offer they couldn’t refuse.

Throughout history many things have changed in the motion picture industry including ratings. Movies now get ratings which are a form of censorship. The people who rate the movies are claimed to be parents but in the movie “This Film Is Not Yet Rated” it shows us that we don’t really know who exactly is rating the films. The rating scale goes as followed ” G: General audiences – All ages admitted. PG: Parental guidance suggested – Some material may not be suitable for children. PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned – Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. R: Restricted Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. And worst of all NC-17, where anyone under 17 is not allowed. ”

The movie talked about how gay films depicting sex where much more likely to get an NC-17 rating. NC-17 ratings can crush the producers and directors of a film. They often will have to cut scenes in order to appeal to get a better rating. NC-17 films are not in theaters as long and limit the audience who can watch which can impact the profit made from a film. Not only that, but ratings are a form of censorship telling people what movies are “okay” for parent’s to show their children when in reality the parents should be able to make that choice themselves.