Please do not come at me for this, because someone who doesn't know about show biz and the MPAA has to learn eventually.


At the Crosby Washdown, Annie and Clarabel were getting cleaned off from their messy Danger Word game. Their robotic arms had been detached earlier to avoid any water damage, with Thomas and the two coaches deciding to only use them when watching their new TV back at their shed.

Ellen stood outside, taking in the fresh air, as Thomas offered her a chance to explore a bit more of Sodor before her departure to LA. With a gentle puff, the blue engine shunted his coaches through the washroom shed and to the small water tower, which sprayed them with a refreshing stream of water.

"This is a new one," Ellen remarked, watching as the water sprayed over the coaches, causing them to sparkle in the sunlight. The sound of the water and the occasional cheerful whistle from Thomas made the moment feel like a peaceful conclusion to her time on the island. She smiled, knowing that this trip would be one to remember.

"This is where we engines get washed after we get all messy," Thomas explained, proudly puffing his chest out as he stood nearby.

"It's not just engines anymore," Annie quipped, her voice full of dry humor. The water stopped spraying, and the two coaches, though still wet, were already looking much cleaner.

Some workmen set up ladders on each side of Annie and Clarabel, carrying sponges and extra-large scrub brushes, each brimming with suds. The sound of the scrubbing filled the air as they carefully cleaned off the remaining grime from their playtime adventures. The peaceful atmosphere was a welcome change after the excitement of the day.

Ellen, standing by and watching the process, smiled. "Well, it looks like you two got quite the experience," she said, glancing over at the coaches. "But it seems like you're handling it just fine."

"All part of the job!" Clarabel replied cheerfully, despite the water still dripping from her frame.

As the workmen climbed up the ladders to the right height, they began scrubbing Annie and Clarabel with the large, soapy brushes. The soft, rhythmic scrubbing felt oddly soothing, and both coaches couldn't help but giggle at the sensation.

"Hee-hee! Oh, that tickles!" Annie laughed, as the sudsy brush glided across her sides.

Clarabel joined in, her laughter filling the air. "I don't think I've ever been this clean in my life!" she giggled, the feeling of the scrubbers on her being unexpectedly pleasant.

Ellen chuckled along with them. "I never thought I'd see the day when two coaches were this entertained by getting scrubbed down."

Thomas, who had been waiting patiently nearby, let out a soft puff of steam. "It's a good thing you two are so adaptable," he teased with a playful wink.

The workmen continued scrubbing, making sure that every inch of Annie and Clarabel was spotless. The sound of water splashing and the gentle laughter of the coaches filled the air as the final touches were put on their clean-up.

"Alright, looks like you're all ready for the rest of the day," one of the workmen said with a satisfied smile.

Annie and Clarabel beamed, looking almost sparkling as they were finally rinsed off. They exchanged a grin, ready for their next adventure—though, this time, they might take a little longer to get dirty again.

As they made their way to the Sodor Airport, Thomas was still curious. "So, what other studios are there besides Warner Bros?"

Ellen grinned and began, "Well, for movies, there's Universal Pictures, of course. They're behind some of the biggest blockbusters, like Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and The Mummy. They're all about big, exciting adventures."

"Sounds fun!" Annie responded.

"Definitely. Then there's Paramount Pictures, who've been around for over a century. They brought us Indiana Jones, Transformers, and Mission: Impossible. They're known for those action-packed films with big, larger-than-life stories."

"Wow, that's a lot of action!" Clarabel exclaimed.

Ellen nodded, "You bet! And then there's 20th Century Fox, who made movies like Avatar, Titanic, and X-Men. At the time, Avatar was the biggest movie ever, pushing the boundaries with its 3D and CGI technology. Fox was huge for bringing those epic, visually stunning movies to the big screen."

"Sounds like they know how to make a splash!" Thomas whistled.

"They sure do," Ellen agreed. "And, of course, there's Disney, who not only has animated classics like The Lion King and Aladdin, but also makes live-action hits like Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney also had just bought Pixar by 2010, which gave us Toy Story 3 and Up."

"That's a lot of magic," Annie said, impressed.

"Exactly," Ellen replied. "Sony Pictures also has a huge impact, with Spider-Man, Men in Black, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. And don't forget DreamWorks, which gave us Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Madagascar."

Thomas thought about it for a moment. "Sounds like there are a lot of places where the magic happens."

Ellen laughed. "Definitely. And that's just scratching the surface. The movie world was full of competition, creativity, and new ideas."

"Ah, I must ask, what exactly is Blu-ray?" Annie inquired, her curiosity piqued.

Ellen chuckled softly. "Ah, right, Sodor's still catching up on movies and technology," she said, smiling at Annie. "So, Blu-ray is a high-definition optical disc format. It's like a super-clear version of DVDs, but it holds way more data, so movies look much sharper and crisper. You get better color, better sound, and the kind of detail that makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action."

Annie tilted her head, intrigued. "So, it's like having a window into another world?"

"Exactly!" Ellen replied. "The picture and sound are so clear, it's like you're watching the movie unfold in front of you in real life."

"I think movies and TV have me more interested than ever," Clarabel remarked, her curiosity piqued.

"It should," Ellen chuckled. "And let's not also forget some of the movie production companies that Sony owns—Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, and Screen Gems."

"Huh. Never heard of those," Thomas mused, looking a bit confused but intrigued.

"Well, Columbia Pictures is one of the oldest movie studios around," Ellen explained. "They've made classics like Ghostbusters and The Karate Kid. TriStar's known for hits like Jumanji and The Mask of Zorro, and Screen Gems—well, they're famous for thrillers and horror, like Resident Evil and Underworld."

"Underworld?" Annie asked curiously.

"Yeah, Underworld," Ellen nodded. "It's a vampire and werewolf action movie series. Lots of fights and supernatural stuff. It's pretty popular for fans of that genre."

"Sounds like quite the adventure," Thomas said, intrigued by the variety of movies Ellen was describing. "A lot to look forward to!"

"Here's the thing, though," Ellen began thoughtfully, "not every movie is appropriate for every age group."

"What does that mean?" Clarabel asked, looking puzzled.

"Well, in America, we have this system called the Motion Picture Association of America, or MPAA," Ellen explained. "They give movies ratings to help people know which ones are appropriate for different ages."

Clarabel and Annie nodded, interested.

"Let me explain a bit," Ellen said. "The first rating is G, or 'General Audience.' That means the movie is safe for everyone—no scary moments, violence, or strong language. For example, Toy Story is rated G. It's perfect for little ones and their families."

"Then there's PG, or 'Parental Guidance,' which means the movie is generally okay for kids, but parents might want to be cautious. It could have some mild language or brief intense scenes. A movie like Shrek might have this rating. It's a family movie, but there might be a couple of moments that have some adult humor."

"Next is PG-13—'Parents Strongly Cautioned.' This rating is for movies that might have some violence, language, or mature themes. Spider-Man or Pirates of the Caribbean might have a PG-13 rating. It's a good fit for kids 13 and older, but younger kids should probably avoid it."

"Then, there's R, which means 'Restricted.' This means the movie is meant for adults. It might have strong language, violence, or other adult content. A good example would be something like Underworld. It has action and a darker tone, so it's not meant for younger audiences."

"And the last one is NC-17, which means 'No One 17 and Under Admitted.' These are movies that have very mature content, and they're not meant for kids at all. It's very rare to see this rating, but it's for films with explicit content."

"So, these ratings are there to help people figure out what kind of movie is best for them based on age," Ellen concluded. "It's all about knowing what's in a film so you can make an informed choice."

"Oh, dear. I don't think Sir Topham Hatt would be happy if we were to watch movies with an R or NC-17 rating," Thomas remarked with a hint of concern.

"I think we'd be better off with the G to PG-13 movies," Annie agreed

"Your choice," Ellen said with a chuckle, "But hey, it's all about knowing what fits for you."

Clarabel, curious, asked, "But why do people even watch movies that are rated R or NC-17? Those seem a bit too much for us!"

Ellen smiled thoughtfully. "Well, some people enjoy movies with more intense stories, deeper themes, or complex characters that are meant for older audiences. Movies with an R or NC-17 rating usually deal with things like strong language, more violence, or mature subject matter. Some people just enjoy that kind of drama or action, while others may find the storylines more relatable or thought-provoking. But, you're right, it's definitely not for everyone!"

She then paused for a moment. "It's all about choice—what you're comfortable with and what kind of movie experience you want to have."

"Well, what about TV shows?" Annie asked. "What studios are there?"

"Good question!" Ellen replied with a smile. "First, let's start with the network channels. These are the main ones you can find broadcasting over the air in the U.S. without needing cable or satellite."

She began counting them off on her fingers. "There's ABC, the American Broadcasting Company. They're known for shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives. Then there's CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System, with classics like NCIS, The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men. NBC, the National Broadcasting Company, is home to some iconic shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation—and it also happens to air my show! I might be a little biased there," she added with a chuckle.

The coaches chuckled as Ellen continued. "And then there's Fox, which is famous for The Simpsons, Family Guy, and House."

Annie tilted her head thoughtfully. "And these network channels—they all produce their own shows?"

"Some do, but often they work with production studios," Ellen explained. "For instance, Warner Bros. Television produces shows that air across different networks, and so does Universal Television. Then you have studios like Sony Pictures Television that collaborate with networks to distribute their series."

"So, some studios make both movies and TV shows?" Thomas asked.

"Exactly!" Ellen confirmed. "It's all connected. And that's just the start! There are also cable channels and streaming platforms with their own studios, but the networks I mentioned are where a lot of it began. And hey, they brought my show to life, so I can't help but love 'em! There's also one studio that's NBC and Universal's parent company, and that's NBCUniversal," Ellen added. "They're a major force in both TV and film. NBCUniversal owns a ton of great networks, like Bravo, USA Network, and Syfy, along with the Universal Pictures film studio. So, they cover everything from TV dramas and reality shows to blockbuster movies like the Fast & Furious franchise and even Jurassic Park."

"Wow, that's a lot under one company," Thomas remarked.

"It really is," Ellen agreed. "It's all part of how media companies work—big parent companies like NBCUniversal oversee lots of smaller studios and networks that focus on specific types of programming or movies. It makes things pretty interconnected."

"Sounds like they have a little something for everyone," Clarabel noted.

"Exactly!" Ellen said with a grin. "And as I mentioned earlier, NBC also airs my show, so I'm especially grateful to them. They've been amazing partners over the years!"

Ellen chuckled at Annie's remark. "Yeah, I guess it does sound like an interesting name! Debmar-Mercury is a production and distribution company, and they're known for syndicating a bunch of popular shows. They partnered with Fremantlemedia and 20th Television—Fox's TV syndication arm—to distribute Family Feud. It's been around for decades, but Steve Harvey, the current host, has really taken it to a new level."

"That's fascinating," Annie said. "So they all work together to bring the show to audiences?"

"Exactly," Ellen replied. "Television production is often a collaboration between multiple companies. Fremantlemedia, for example, is a big player in the game show world. They also produce The Price Is Right . As for Debmar-Mercury, they distribute shows like The Wendy Williams Show and reruns of older classics. And 20th Television—well, they handle everything from syndicating shows to producing TV content for Fox."

"It seems like everyone has a hand in something," Clarabel said thoughtfully.

"That's the beauty of the entertainment industry," Ellen explained. "It's a team effort across studios, networks, and syndication companies to create and distribute shows people love."

"Anyways," Ellen continued, "Sony Pictures Television, along with CBS, produces game shows like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune."

"Oh, those sound fun!" Clarabel chimed in. "What are they about?"

"Well, Jeopardy! is a quiz show where contestants answer in the form of a question. For example, if the clue is, 'This is the blue engine who lives on Sodor,' the correct response would be, 'Who is Thomas?'" Ellen explained with a playful smile.

Thomas chuckled. "I think I'd win at that one if it's all about Sodor!"

"And Wheel of Fortune?" Annie asked.

"That one's all about spinning a giant wheel to win money and solving word puzzles, kind of like Hangman but on TV," Ellen explained. "Both shows have been on air for decades and are among the most popular game shows in history."

"Sounds like people must love trying their luck and testing their knowledge," Clarabel said thoughtfully.

"They do," Ellen agreed. "And these shows are just some of the amazing things Sony Pictures Television and CBS have brought to screens everywhere."

"Are there any other talk shows like yours?" Thomas asked curiously.

"Well... yes and no," Ellen replied with a smile.

"Yes and no?" Annie tilted her head, puzzled.

"Only three of them?" Clarabel added.

"Three talk shows that aren't quite like mine, and they air on The CW," Ellen explained. "Those are The Jerry Springer Show, Maury, and The Steve Wilkos Show."

"What makes them different?" Thomas asked.

"Well," Ellen began, "they're all more focused on personal conflicts and drama. The Jerry Springer Show is infamous for outrageous confrontations—fights, arguments, and stories you wouldn't believe could be real."

"Outrageous?" Clarabel asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yep, outrageous is putting it lightly," Ellen chuckled. "Then there's Maury, which dives into family conflicts and a lot of paternity tests. It's a mix of heartfelt moments and... let's say, a bit of chaos."

"Chaos doesn't sound like my cup of tea… if I drank any," Clarabel remarked.

Ellen nodded. "Fair enough. And The Steve Wilkos Show is hosted by a former security guard from Jerry Springer's show. He handles more serious issues like family protection and helping people in tough situations. It's a bit heavier but with some hopeful moments."

"That sounds intense," Annie said thoughtfully.

"It can be," Ellen agreed. "My show's a little different, though—it's more about fun, games, and celebrating people's stories. But hey, variety is the spice of TV!"

"That's a lot of thanks to give out," Clarabel remarked thoughtfully.

"It really is," Ellen agreed. "And at the end of movie credits, you'll often see a bunch of logos representing organizations and technologies involved in making or distributing the movie."

"Like what?" Annie asked, intrigued.

"Well, you already know about the MPAA," Ellen began. "But there's also SDDS, which stands for Sony Dynamic Digital Sound. That's a technology used for high-quality movie audio. Then there's Kodak Motion Picture Film—back when movies were shot on film, Kodak was one of the biggest names. DTS and Dolby Digital are also for sound, ensuring you get crisp and immersive audio in theaters."

"That's a lot of different things involved," Clarabel said with a raised eyebrow.

"Yep! And then there's IATSE, which is the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. That's the group that represents many behind-the-scenes workers like set builders, costume designers, and camera operators," Ellen explained.

"Wow, I didn't know so many people were involved in making a movie!" Annie said.

"Exactly," Ellen nodded. "And for TV shows, you might see a similar logo from the AMPTP, which stands for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. That's the group representing the production companies. And if you ever see animals in a movie, you'll also see the American Humane logo. They make sure the animals are treated well during filming."

"That's really nice to know," Clarabel commented. "I guess it's good to have all those people making sure everything goes smoothly."

"Definitely," Ellen agreed with a smile. "Every logo and credit represents someone who helped make the movie or show what it is, whether it's a technology, an organization, or the people working behind the scenes. It's all part of the magic."

"Does your show have any of those logos in its credits?" Thomas asked.

"Well, only one, like most TV shows," Ellen replied. "It's the IATSE logo. That's the group behind all the hard work on set, from lighting to props."

"That makes sense," Clarabel said. "So it's a way of saying 'thank you' to all the behind-the-scenes people."

"Exactly," Ellen agreed. "It's a way to acknowledge everyone who helps make the show happen, even if you don't always see them in front of the camera."

"Kind of like how everyone on Sodor has their role," Annie added. "From the engines to the station staff, everyone does their part."

"Exactly!" Ellen beamed. "Whether it's in the world of movies, TV, or on Sodor, it's all about teamwork!"
"I couldn't have said it any better," Thomas remarked.

"But anyway, at the end of most movies and TV shows, especially on discs, you'll see warnings about unauthorized reproduction and piracy," Ellen explained.

"Unauthorized reproduction?" Clarabel repeated, confused.

"Piracy?" Annie added, furrowing her brow.

Ellen nodded. "Yep! It's basically telling people not to copy, sell, or distribute the movie or show illegally without permission from the creators. Piracy, in this case, refers to illegally making copies of films or shows and sharing them without the proper rights."

"So, it's like stealing," Thomas said thoughtfully.

"Exactly," Ellen agreed. "It's like taking something that doesn't belong to you. And it can hurt the people who work so hard to make these shows and movies. "In the U.S., piracy is taken very seriously. If someone is caught, they could face some hefty penalties."

"Penalties?" Clarabel asked, her wheels slightly turning in curiosity.

"Yes," Ellen nodded. "For one, they could face fines. For example, someone could be fined up to $250,000 for distributing pirated content. That's a lot of money!"

"Wow," Thomas exclaimed. "That sounds serious!"

"It gets even worse," Ellen said, leaning in a bit. "If someone is caught doing it on a larger scale or for commercial purposes, they could face prison time — up to five years in some cases."

"Five years?!" Annie gasped. "For just copying a movie?"

"Yes," Ellen affirmed. "The law takes it really seriously because it hurts the whole industry — the people who make the films, the actors, the crew, and everyone involved. It's not just about the movie; it's about respecting the work of so many talented people."

"That sounds like a big warning to take seriously," Thomas said, a little concerned.

"It sure is," Ellen agreed. "And that's why, after the credits, you'll often see a reminder to respect copyrights and not engage in piracy."

"Good thing we're just here to enjoy the show!" Clarabel laughed.

"Exactly," Ellen grinned. "It's all about enjoying the hard work of everyone involved in creating the entertainment we love!"

Annie spoke up, her voice tinged with a bit of concern. "Now I'm feeling a bit worried… you know, about Dr. Herr and his team at MIT. What if the DVDs and Blu-rays they gave us weren't brand-new copies, but ones they had bought and used themselves? They obviously didn't make them, but would that be okay?"

Ellen smiled reassuringly. "That's actually perfectly fine, Annie. When someone buys a DVD or Blu-ray, they own that copy, and they're allowed to give it away or share it with someone else. As long as they're not making illegal copies or distributing them without permission from the copyright holders, there's no problem at all."

Annie sighed in relief. "Oh, good! I'd hate for them to get in trouble after doing something so generous for us."

"Don't worry," Ellen said warmly. "Dr. Herr and his team at MIT definitely know what they're doing. You're all set to enjoy your movies and shows without a care in the world."

Clarabel chimed in curiously. "But who gets involved in the law in the country you live in? I mean, who enforces those rules about piracy and copyright?"

Ellen nodded, appreciating the thoughtful question. "Great question, Clarabel. In the United States, several groups and agencies handle piracy and copyright law enforcement. One of the big ones is the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI. That's why you'll often see that little FBI anti-piracy warning at the beginning of DVDs and Blu-rays. They investigate cases of illegal distribution, counterfeiting, or large-scale piracy."

Thomas chimed in, "So they deal with things like those counterfeit DVDs and people making illegal copies to sell?"

"Exactly," Ellen replied. "But it's not just the FBI. There's also the Department of Justice, or DOJ, which prosecutes those cases when they go to court. And on the industry side, the MPAA works with studios and filmmakers to protect their content. They even have special teams that track down pirated material online."

Clarabel furrowed her brow. "It sounds like a big deal."

"It is," Ellen agreed. "Piracy can cost the entertainment industry billions of dollars each year, not to mention the impact it has on the people who work so hard to create movies and TV shows. It's why the warnings and protections are so strict—to keep everything fair and legal."

"Wow... we're really learning a lot about the motion picture world," Annie remarked.

"And one more thing," Ellen continued, "most DVDs and Blu-rays have disclaimers about the interviews, commentaries, and behind-the-scenes features included on the discs."

"Disclaimers?" Annie asked. "What for?"

"Well," Ellen explained, "those parts are usually considered the opinions and personal views of the people involved—actors, directors, or anyone else featured. They're not necessarily the views of the studios, distributors, or anyone else who worked on the project. It's basically a way to say, 'Hey, this is their perspective, not an official statement from the company.' It's a bit like a safety net."

Clarabel hummed thoughtfully. "So they make sure no one gets upset about something someone says behind the scenes?"

"Exactly," Ellen replied. "It's all about covering bases. You'd be surprised how many opinions can spark debates when it comes to entertainment!"

As Thomas neared the Sodor Airport, he asked one last question. "Do people read the warnings when they watch movies on discs?"

"Not all the time," Ellen admitted with a chuckle. "Most of the time, those warnings only stay on the screen for a few seconds, and you can't pause to read them."

"Why not?" Annie asked, tilting slightly in curiosity.

"Well, it's partly because they're meant to be quick reminders, not something you're expected to study," Ellen explained. "They're also often part of the coding on the disc to play automatically before the movie starts. Most people are eager to jump straight into the film and don't pay much attention to them."

"So, people might miss the warnings altogether?" Clarabel asked.

"Pretty much," Ellen said with a shrug. "But they're still important to have there. Even if only a few people read them, it's a way for the studios to protect their work and remind viewers of the rules."

Thomas let out a thoughtful puff of steam. "Well, that's something to think about. It seems like a lot goes into making and showing movies and TV shows."

"It sure does," Ellen agreed as the Sodor Airport came into view. "Entertainment's a big world, and it's always evolving."

Thomas then came to a gentle stop at the Sodor Airport, steam hissing softly from his pistons as Ellen shared one final tidbit. "And here's something cool to wrap it all up," she began with a smile. "You know those logos you see for studios, like the ones I mentioned earlier? Sometimes, they'll create special variants of them that match the theme of the movie or show."

"Variants?" Annie repeated with interest. "Like, how different?"

"Well," Ellen said, leaning a little closer to the coaches as if sharing a secret, "they might change the colors, the music, or even the design to fit the mood of the movie. For example, a Universal logo might look darker or stormier for a dramatic film, or a 20th Century Fox logo might have extra effects for a sci-fi movie."

"That sounds fascinating," Clarabel said "So the logos can actually reflect the tone of the film itself? That's brilliant!"

Ellen nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! It's all about setting the right atmosphere right from the start. Sometimes, you don't even realize it's happening because it's so well done."

Thomas puffed thoughtfully. "I never knew logos could be so important! It's amazing how every little detail can change the whole feeling of something."

"Absolutely, Thomas," Ellen replied. "It's like when you pick the perfect music for a moment—just the right note can transform everything."

Annie chuckled. "I bet the team behind the logos has to be really creative. Do you ever get to create any of them, Ellen?"

Ellen grinned. "Well, I haven't designed a logo myself, but I've definitely had fun with some creative projects. Maybe I should give it a try sometime!"

As they spoke, Thomas gently pulled up to the station. The sound of the airport filled the air—planes taking off, people chatting—but for a moment, it was as if time had paused for their conversation on creative details.

Ellen stepped out of Annie, then looked at Thomas and his two coaches. "Thanks for having me here. It's been a fun adventure."

"Oh, I loved seeing your show. Even though Annie and I got messy on Danger Word," Clarabel replied.

"Be thankful you and Sir Topham Hatt won against me and Ellen!" Annie teased.

Thomas sighed, his wheels lightly tapping the ground. "It's a shame this will be your only time here…"

Ellen smiled warmly at him. "You know, Thomas, this isn't goodbye forever. I'll always have memories of my time here, and with your new TV, you'll watch me every weekday. You'll see me on the screen while I'm not around, but I'll always be here in spirit."

Annie and Clarabel looked at each other, then back at Ellen. "That's true," Annie said softly, "we'll be able to relive all the moments we've had today."

Thomas gave a little whistle. "And I'll keep puffing along, making new memories. But for now, I'll cherish these ones."

Ellen nodded. "Exactly, Thomas. It's not really about goodbyes. It's all about the time you spent together—and that's something no one can take away."

"She's right," Clarabel added with a smile. "The memories are what really matter."

Thomas gave a thoughtful puff, nodding. "Every moment counts, even if it's just for a little while."

Ellen gave them all a wink. "Exactly. And no matter where I am, you'll always have a front-row seat to the fun."

With a final wave, Ellen turned toward the airport terminal, ready to continue her journey, but the warmth of her visit would stay with them all. She opened the entrance door and paused, turning to the blue engine and his coaches with a smile. "Bye."

"Bye," they all said in unison.

As the door closed behind her, Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel's smiles slowly faded into quiet frowns. They sighed, staring down at the tracks beneath them, their thoughts lingering on the visit as the blue engine chuffed away.