The motion picture production and distribution industry consists of movie producers, actors, directors, technicians and agents. Although movie stars tend to make political contributions based on ideological concerns, the production industry as a whole uses its cash for more practical purposes.

Among the concerns that motivate these interests are international trade rights and copyright protection. In recent years, illegal downloading of movies has become so widespread that top film companies have launched their own anti-piracy campaigns. Those initiatives are limited, however, and the industry has turned to the federal government for help. [Read more Background]