Films, videos, and television programs provide wonderful opportunities for learning, development, and entertainment and are a natural idea for student organization programming. However, you have to consider the rights of those who own the copyright of the material you want to use.
Generally, whenever you intend to show a film, video, or TV show outside the home to more than family and friends you must first seek the permission to do so from the copyright owner(s) in the form of a license called a PPR (public performance rights) license. For example:
If you show a film in any university space (including any classroom, lounge, or common area at the university). These spaces are considered “public” spaces, and showing the movie in these areas is the equivalent to showing them in a theater.
If you have used publicity to invite your audience to the showing. Because movie rentals are intended for private use, renting them does not provide you with the permission you need to have a public showing in which an audience is invited.
If you are charging admission for the showing or an event in conjunction with the showing (charging for a lecture that will accompany the film, for example.)
Copyright infringement is a serious offense under the law, and is also the equivalent of stealing from a film distributor. While it is important to abide by the law, it is also important that your organization represents itself well by getting permission to show any specific film.
Obtaining Licenses is YOUR Responsibility
Whatever the case, it is the responsibility of the student organization to obtain any necessary license for any events they are associated with. Obtaining the licenses can be easier than you think. To obtain the license for media you should:
Check with the UNO Criss Library. The library has purchased numerous rights to movies and will permit registered organization to borrow the rights. For more information, contact the library at 402-554-3206.
Conduct a web search. A good place to start is the Internet Movie Database . Search and select the film you want. From there, go to the “Company Credits” and look up “Distribution.”
If you still have trouble finding who distributes a film, you can call the Reference Library of the Motion Picture Academy (310.247.3036, extension 2200).
The following two companies contract films for public viewing:
Swank Motion Pictures, Incorporated
https://www.swank.com
1-800-876-5577
Criterion, USA
https://criterionpicusa.com
1-800-890-9494
Still Have Questions?
For other questions about copyright and obtaining licenses, please contact the Criss Library.