Want to show a movie? Know the law!
A movie may be shown ONLY for educational purposes stated in a class syllabus
that is held in a classroom setting or a separate place devoted to instruction
where the attendance is limited to the instructors, students and guest lecturers.
Unlawful “public performance” consists of having a “movie night”
in a residence hall lounge or public place without obtaining rights to the
movie. THIS IS ILLEGAL! (Even for an educational program!) Public performances
can only be used for “systematic instructional activities.” One
such clause: “Companies, organizations and individuals who wish to publicly
exhibit copyrighted motion pictures and audiovisual works must secure licenses
to do so…Any willful infringement of this right ‘for purpose of
commercial advantage or private financial gain’ is a Federal crime.
Never fear! To obtain further information on copyright laws and movie rights,
call Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. at 1-800-876-3344
to talk to the Allegheny College representative. Most movie rights run between
$200 & $500 AND they send you the movie! If you do not obtain movie rights,
you risk serious consequences with the law that may lead to jail or payment
of up to $25,000.
(Fliers promoting your program can be grounds for charges!!)
Please note, this is a quick interpretation for you. You can find a full
copy of the law in the Student Activities Office.
Have more questions? Contact Student Activities at 332-2754 or Swank Motion
Pictures, Inc. at 1-800-876-5577.
