When you want to show a movie, TV show, or other audiovisual material in public and you’re not a public library or an educational institution, it can be tricky to know exactly what you need as far as public performance rights. In fact, the screening of any copyrighted audiovisual content outside of viewings in private homes requires a license for public performance.
Regardless of whether you wish to schedule a screening at a church, assisted living facility, business, or any other industry (including non-profit groups), that organization will need to secure a license to show movies in public, which means an Umbrella License from the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC).
What is an umbrella license?
The MPLC website states that “With the Umbrella License you can show unlimited movies, TV, and other audiovisual content with the assurance of copyright compliance.” With more than 1,000 rights holders, including Walt Disney Studios, Marvel, DC, Warner Bros., Paramount, Sony, HGTV, Universal, and many more, you’ll never run out of titles. (Be aware that every title from every studio may not always be available. MPLC keeps an updated list of titles at the bottom of their rights holders page.)
On the MPLC website, you can find a list of approved industries to see if your organization qualifies for an Umbrella License. Clicking on a particular industry will take you to an online application. You can also find a phone number if you wish to speak to someone directly. Upon inquiry, MPLC will provide you with a license fee quote.
How much is an umbrella license to show movies?
Licensing costs vary according to the type of industry as well as other factors including the number of attendees, your location, the audiovisual content being screened, and more. For audiences of less than 200, the price will generally be much lower than for larger crowds of 1,000 or more.
Regardless of your industry—even for nonprofit groups—all exhibitions must be free of charge to your audiences. Even if your event is not strictly open to the public (clubs, summer camps, etc.), you will need an Umbrella License. MPLC will also provide you with guidelines including how you may promote your event(s).
Why do I need an umbrella license?
You may be thinking, “The movie I want to show is scheduled to air on a channel (or streaming service) my organization already subscribes to. So I don’t need a license!”
Not so fast. While cable and satellite packages allow for public performance rights for some of their content (usually live sporting events), not everything is covered. The Umbrella License takes the guesswork out of your event planning and keeps you out of trouble with the Federal Copyright Act. Purchasing the license also means you are supporting the artists and creators of the films, television shows, and other audiovisual content you enjoy and want to share with others in your organization. Failure to comply with the copyright laws can mean serious fines for illegal exhibitions starting at $750 and potentially running up to $150,000 for each infraction. For more general information, check out the FAQ page on the MPLC website.
Once your license has been purchased, you are free to schedule your screening(s), but it is up to you to provide your own source of viewing material: any legally obtained means such as a DVD or Blu-ray, downloaded or streaming content, as well as broadcast, cable, or satellite television.
Bottom line: You need a public performance rights license if you wish to show any type of copyrighted audiovisual content to your group, organization, or industry. And it’s not as difficult as you might think. The Umbrella License allows you and your viewers to enjoy the benefits of the programming you wish to show by supporting those who created it and complying with copyright laws. You can find much more information on the MPLC website.
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