Movie ratings are decided by a full-time Rating Board known as the Classification and Rating Administration (CARA). The board operates under the MPAA and the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO), and is comprised of 10-13 parents who view the movies, discuss them, and then vote on an appropriate selection from the established ratings: G, PG, PG-13, R, or NC-17. The board members vote on the ratings based on their best opinions of what average American parents like themselves would rate the movie according to the content elements in the movie and based on the ratings guidelines, which give a general description of each rating and its meaning.
The MPAA Chairman chooses the Chairman of the Rating Board, thus insulating the office from influence and pressure from the film industry. Board members’ qualifications basically consist of being parents with enough intelligence and sensitivity to thoughtfully consider each work and decide which rating would be most appropriate in order to help other parents determine if the movie would be suitable for their children.
The rating process is voluntary, so filmmakers and producers do not have to submit their movies to receive a rating. Films can be edited and resubmitted to receive a new rating, and a rating may also be appealed. The program is funded by fees charged to the producers and/or distributors for the rating of their films.
* To learn more about the Rating Board, visit the official CARA website.