According to the Federal Copyright Act, copyrighted materials like movies can only be used for a public performance if they’re properly licensed. However, neither the rental nor purchase of a movie carries the right to exhibit it outside of one’s home. So how can you get your movie licensed to show it?
The Office of Student Life has an agreement with the two main licensing agencies to ensure that our campus receives the best rates for licensing films. When your organization is ready to obtain a quote, please email the Office of Student Life (studentlife@uah.edu) and they will secure the quote on your behalf. When emailing to request a quote, please include the following information:
Name of RSO
Contact Person
Name of Movie
Date of Viewing
Location of Viewing
Number of Students Expected to be in Attendance
Movie licensing varies in cost from $200 - $1,000 per license (the older the film, the cheaper the license tends to be).
What exactly is a public performance?
A public performance is a movie that is shown outside of someone’s home. Fees collected for public performance licensing compensate the copyright owners and the men and women who work on a film from start to finish.
Who does copyright law apply to?
This law applies to everyone, regardless of:
Whether admission is charged.
Whether the institution is commercial or nonprofit.
Whether a federal, state or local agency is involved.
What year the movie was produced.
This means colleges, universities, public schools, public libraries, day care facilities, parks, recreation departments, summer camps, churches, private clubs, prisons, lodges, businesses and more all must properly license movies to show them publicly.
Do we need a license even if we don’t charge admission? What if someone owns the movie?
Yes. A license is required for all public performances regardless of whether admission is charged. The rental, purchase, lending or download of a movie does not provide the right to exhibit it publicly outside the home unless the screening is properly licensed.
If I purchased a license to show a movie, can I show that movie whenever I want?
Unfortunately, no. Licenses are valid for a specific, designated time frame. There are no annual licenses available to colleges and universities.
A small group is having a gathering or a club meeting. Do we still need a license?
Yes. A license needs to be obtained regardless of the number of people attending the screening if the movie is being shown outside the home.
What are the restrictions of the license for my movie?
Your order is for a limited license to exhibit only during the agreed upon time at the specified place. No movie or any portion thereof may be copied or duplicated in any manner. Violation of this is subject to the penalties set forth in the Federal Copyright Act.