Summary: Though the MPAA often rates more than 700 films per year, the number of rating disputes rarely reaches the double digits. This year however eight films have already appealed their ratings and it's not even April. Has the MPAA lost touch with modern culture or are filmmakers beginning to push the boundaries with edgier content? Ethan Noble, of Motion Picture Consulting (http://www.motionpictureconsulting.com/), helps guide filmmakers and studios through the ratings process. Noble, who recently tried to appeal the restrictive rating on the documentary "Bully", provides an overview of the MPAA's rating system and tells us whether it needs to be fixed. Speaking of the MPAA, they released their annual report on the motion picture industry. Moviegoing may have declined 4% in North America, but overseas revenue grew more than 5% and is booming in markets such as China and Japan. We previously predicted that Broadway shows such as "Sister Act" and "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" would close by now. Despite playing to half empty theaters and consistently losing money, they are still running night after night. What gives? We also cover the week's top entertainment news including why YouTube is censoring Madonna, some record ratings for AMC and the retirement of a legendary Disney animator. 'John Carter' Will Cost Disney $200 Million In Operating Losses http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/john-carter-cost-disney-millions-301704 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/john-carter-cost-disney-millions-301704) MGM Takes A Loss On ‘Dragon Tattoo’ And Seeks Better Terms For Sequels http://www.deadline.com/2012/03/mgm-takes-a-loss-on-dragon-tattoo-and-seeks-better-terms-for-sequels/ (http://www.deadline.com/2012/03/mgm-takes-a-loss-on-dragon-tattoo-and-seeks-better-terms-for-sequels/) New ‘Dragon Tattoo’ DVD Is Real, Really http://www.deadline.com/2012/03/new-dragon-tattoo-dvd-is-real-really/ (http://www.deadline.com/2012/03/new-dragon-tattoo-dvd-is-real-really/) Global Box Office Hit $32.6 Bil In 2011, Fueled By Exploding International Growth http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/global-box-office-china-international-growth-326-303324 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/global-box-office-china-international-growth-326-303324) Legendary Animator Glen Keane Leaves Disney http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/legendary-animator-glen-keane-leaves-disney (http://blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/legendary-animator-glen-keane-leaves-disney) Broadway Musicals Hang On For Payoffs Beyond Weekly Gross http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/21/theater/godspell-sister-act-and-priscilla-push-through-the-winter.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/21/theater/godspell-sister-act-and-priscilla-push-through-the-winter.html) 'The Walking Dead' Season 2 Finale Shatters Its Own Record Ratings -- Again http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/walking-dead-season-2-finale-ratings-301516 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/walking-dead-season-2-finale-ratings-301516) 'Mad Men' Returns To Record Ratings With Season 5 Premiere http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/mad-men-season-5-premiere-ratings-jon-hamm-304182 (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/mad-men-season-5-premiere-ratings-jon-hamm-304182) Variety For Sale! (Because It Can’t Compete With Deadline Hollywood) http://www.deadline.com/2012/03/variety-for-sale-because-it-cant-compete-with-deadline-hollywood/ (http://www.deadline.com/2012/03/variety-for-sale-because-it-cant-compete-with-deadline-hollywood/) Apple Sells 3 Million New iPads In 3 Days http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-03-19/apple-ipad-sales/53655716/1 (http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-03-19/apple-ipad-sales/53655716/1) Madonna's 'Girl Gone Wild' Too Raunchy For YouTube http://www.vulture.com/2012/03/madonna-girl-gone-wild-too-raunchy-for-youtube.html (http://www.vulture.com/2012/03/madonna-girl-gone-wild-too-raunchy-for-youtube.html)
