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The Film Advisory Board, Inc.

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The Film Advisory Board (FAB) Rating System began in 1974 when Elayne Blythe was the first to use the symbols (L / V / N / S – Language / Violence / Nudity / Sex). In 1975 these symbols were included in Film Advisory Board's "Articles of Incorporation" and are now widely used by other organizations. The FAB Rating System is the only "official" rating system other than the MPAA and was the "first" system to reveal contents - 1988. The ratings are meant to advise, not to censor.
The Film Advisory Board has six basic ratings
Description:
CHILDREN - Ages 10 and Under
Content Description: MPAA n/a
FAMILY - All Ages
Content Description:
In some cases, as in historical pieces, may state 'violence in battle scenes' or ' frightening for younger children'.
MPAA Equivalent: G
PARENTAL DESCRETION - Content Description Implies Age Suitablility
PD replaces M = Mature. Content Descriptions remain the same.
Content Description:
May state 'sexual innuendos / mild language / violence / substance abuse / some intense scenes'. MPAA Equivalent: PG
PARENTAL DESCRETION MATURE - Ages 13 and Over
PD-M replaces VM = Very Mature. Content Descriptions remain the same.
Content Description:
May state 'brief nudity / sexual situations / strong language / violence'.
MPAA Equivalent: PG-13
EXTREMELY MATURE - Ages 17 and Over
Content Description:
May state 'frontal nudity / sex / strong language / violence'.
MPAA Equivalent: R or NC-17 dependent upon content description.
ADULTS ONLY - Ages 18 and Over
Content Description:
May state 'explicit sex and language / erotica / extreme nudity'.
MPAA Equivalent: Equivalent to the 'X' rating for pornography. Content description may read 'male and female frontal nudity, explicit sex acts with penetration'.AO Rating Meaning Modified 3/03. Was originally listed as an equivalent to the MPAA's NC-17.
Additional Content Descriptions may include:
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Mild Language Strong Language Nudity
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Brief Nudity Violence Graphic Violence
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Violence in fight/war scenes Frightening for younger children
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Sex Erotica Sexual talk
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Implied sex Explicit sex Some sex scenes
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Sexual innuendos Substance abuse
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The Film Advisory Board Rating System for films is the only "Official" professional rating system other than the MPAA… so why are "Direct-to-video" production companies wasting time and money?
FAB's Rating System is COST and TIME EFFECTIVE with rating services based on running time…NOT negative costs! As an example, a 90 minute film rating cost just $1,000.00!
Our rating system is featured on Videos / Films / Tele-Features from:
TURNER HOME ENTERTAINMENT ~SHOWTIME NETWORKS INC. ~PRISM ENTERTAINMENT
FOX ~ LORBERHOLLANE CORPORATION CITY LIGHTS
QUEST ENTERTAINMENT ~ATLANTIC RELEASING CORP.~VIDMARK / TRIMARK
MUTUAL GENERAL FILMS~TRIBORO ENTERTAINMENT~ACTIVE HOME VIDEO
ACADEMY ENTERTAINMENT~CINETRUST~REPUBLIC PICTURES
INDY VIDEO ASSOCIATES~GOODTIMES HOME VIDEO~VIVID VISUALS VIDEO
IMPERIAL ENTERTAINMENT~MONARCH HOME VIDEO…AND OTHERS
CINEVEST ENTERTAINMENT
SENATE BILL #184 W. VIRGINIA PASSED MARCH 1990
Enr. Com. Sub. for S.B. No. 184] 2
5variety and number of movie video cassettes available
6to the consumer for home use has significantly
7increased. This growth in the marketplace has resulted
8in some film makers and distributors choosing not to
9be subject to the voluntary rating system, putting the
10consumer in the position of being without the
11 guidance of such rating system in making rental or
12purchase decisions. The Legislature believes that the
13public has a right to be informed about movie video
14cassette ratings or the lack thereof in making rental or
15purchase decisions.
§61-8E-2. Definitions
1In this article, unless a different meaning is plainly
2required:
3(1) "Business entity" means any sole proprietor-
4ship, partnership or corporation;
5(2) "Official rating" means an official rating of the
6Motion Picture Association of America and the Film
7Advisory Board, Inc.; and
8(3) "Video movie" means a video tape or video disc
9copy of a motion picture film.
§61-8E-3. Labeling of video movies designated for sale or rental; penalties.
1(a) No business entity in this state shall sell, offer
2for sale, rent, or offer for rent, any video movie which
3does not have visibly and legibly displayed on the
4cassette case or jacket, an official rating or, if the
5motion picture film has obtained no such rating, the
6designation "NOT RATED" or "N.R.".
7(b) Any business entity which knowingly violates
8the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be
9guilty of a misdemeanor and for a first offense
10conviction shall be fined not more than twenty-five
11dollars. A conviction for a second or subsequent
12offense shall subject the offender to a fine not to
13exceed one hundred dollars.





