MPAA to make movie search engine

Currently unnamed site would let users search by film title and then provide links to options including purchasing theatrical tickets, buying or renting the DVD and legally downloading the pic.

All of the major studios are expected to support the site, which fits into the MPAA's overall strategy to fight online movie piracy.

According to a studio source, the new website is a response to research that found consumers sometimes have trouble differentiating between legal and illegal ways to watch and buy movies via the Net.

It's believed that the site will link to any legit partner. That could benefit Netcos ranging from Fandango to Netflix, Apple's iTunes and Sony's PlayStation Store.