MPAA ratings survey Film critics My name is Christopher Sheid, and I am conducting a survey on the MPAA ratings system for a research class at Valparaiso University. You've probably already seen my Viewer's Survey, and if you responded, thank you. You can go ahead and delete this now, unless you happen to be a film critic. I'm not sure if any film critics (newspaper, TV, magazine or whatever) subscribe to this listserve, but on the advice of my professor I thought I would give it a shot. The following survey concerns the MPAA's rating system and its effectiveness, particularly the new NC-17 rating. That rating is supposed to allow filmmakers to release their films without cutting for an R. Has it improved filmmakers' freedom in the theater? The following survey is bare bones, so as not to take up much time; however, it is fairly self-explanatory. I must reiterate that this is for film critics. To ensure the validity of the results, please include your name and the publication for which you work. Anyone else wishing to fill out a similar survey may complete the Viewer's Survey also included on this listserve. If you, a critic, have already filled out the viewer survey, please fill this one out and let me know that you filled out another one. I can keep the names of those surveyed so that I can toss out any duplicates. The following questions may be answered on a scale of 1 = strongly agree, 2 = agree, 3 = neutral, 4 = disagree and 5 = strongly disagree. Feel free to add any additional comments. Thank you for your time and cooperation. 1. The NC-17 film rating serves its purpose as 1 2 3 4 5 a way for directors to show their films uncut. 2. The MPAA rating system is a form of censorship. 3. The MPAA system, overall, is effective in informing parents of a film's content and suitability for children. 4. Any ineffectiveness in the NC-17 rating is due, at least in part, to film companies' refusal to release them for fear of lower profits. 5. Any ineffectiveness in the NC-17 rating is due, at least in part, to limited advertising possibilities and unwillingness of theater owners to run NC-17 films. 6. I would approve of a system in which a film's contents are listed, but the film is given no formal rating. (I.e. "This film contains graphic violence, sexual situations and drug use.") 7. I would approve of a system in which a film's potentially harmful effects on children are listed for, parents, but no one is prevented from seeing the film. (I.e. "This film contains violence possibly damaging to children ages 3-7. V:3-7" 8. I would approve of the removal of any sort of rating system. 9. I would approve of a system where both R-rated and NC-17 films would be available in select theaters. 10. I agree that children should be legally prevented from seeing film denied them by the ratings board. So as to avoid unnecessary traffic on the listserve, please send your responses to my e-mail address at C460SHEID. You may just send responses to the questions above, or you may elaborate. Any additional comments would be welcome. Thank you for your time and cooperation.