So I noticed that this is all well and good if you are showing the movie on from the original format, say the original DVD in a DVD player. Is there an easier way to get permission, possibly even blanket permission, to convert the video to a digital file and stream it from an inside server at the school to a computer over a network? Everything I am seeing says you have to get permission on each video to do that, and that kind of stinks. Considering where technology is going these days, it would be nice if there was a provision for this type of thing in the licensing. Thoughts?
Do you like to get paid for the work you do? Well, so do the writers, actors, producers, grips, ect of movies.
Did you know when you buy a movie from Walmart for your home viewing, you are actually paying a royality in the cost of the purchase? Same is true when you rent a video from Blockbustes.
The FBI and Warnings that play at the beginning of the DVD says that the use of the DVD is for "home use only".
A public appearance license is required when showing movies outside of your home, regardless if it is for a school, church or non-profit. Fines for not getting a license can be up to $250,000.
For indoor showings of movies contact:
MPLC
Movie Licensing USA
OKAY--I love getting to the bottom of the well. And since I'm there so often I know how to get out!
There is a "one time" license and a "site license" that runs for the year. If you have a "site license" (i.e. your school has the license as rlaneww states above) then your PTO is covered for showing movies for movie night. (They kind of become a movie theater).
Since my school doesn't have a site license--I still have to get the license. I'm glad I know all this and now can tuck it into my "useless information" file. Maybe it'll get me a "green wedgie".
The schools in the district have been purchasing their own licenses for several years now.
The reason Movie Licensing USA would know whether you are licensed are
not is because we are the only company authorized by these major motion
picture studios to offer this type of blanket coverage to K-12 schools
and the studios no longer handle this for themselves anymore. For
instance, if you called Walt Disney Pictures today to get permission to
show Finding Nemo for your next movie night, they would refer you back
to Movie Licensing USA.
You are correct movies shown for Family Movie Nights DO NOT fall
under the educational exemption and would require that you purchase the
license.
You purchased a one-time license today which is good for one movie for
one showing only.
The annual or multi-year license is a site based, blanket license and
covers unlimited showings inside the school by anyone on campus,
regardless of whether they are affiliated with the school or not.
Me again--this seems a bit contradictory so I've gone back and asked if the school has a license, can the PTO show a movie where non students attend?
I'll let you know. This is like unwrapping something real slow like.
d
hmmm-so having posted that...I'm looking at the exemption I thought covered this...it reads
The Educational Exemption, also called the "face-to-face teaching exemption," is a precise activity which allows the legal use of movies in certain types of teaching. In order for a movie to be considered an "Educational Exemption," all criteria must be met:
A teacher or instructor is present.
The showing takes place in a classroom setting with onlythe enrolled students attending.
The movie is used as an essential part of the core, current curriculum being taught. (The instructor should be able to show how the use of the motion picture contributes to the overall required course study and syllabus.)
The movie being used is a legitimate copy, not taped from a legitimate copy or taped from TV.
If you are uncertain about your responsibilities under copyright law, consult your school's legal copyright representative.
Perhaps if the county has a license--you're still good. I'm going to email the licensing company and see what they say. Maybe the issue is just having the night in the name of the school vice the PTO. I'll let you know what I find out.
thanks
d
