Showing Videos in Class and on Campus - What You Need to Know
When you want to perform, display, or show a film, video, or TV program, whether it be as part of a course, at a group or club activity, at an organization event, or as a training exercise, you have to consider the rights of the those who own the copyright to the work you want to use. This consideration must be made regardless of who owns the video or where you obtained it. Copyright owners have certain rights, which are commonly known as public performance rights (PPR).
When you're using a film, video, or TV program in a classroom for teaching or educational purposes, such performance or display of the entire work may be allowed without permission under the face to face teaching exemption at 17 U.S.C. §110(1).
When showing a film in an online class, it may be considered fair use depending on how much of the film is being shown and for what purposes. If fair use does not apply, you will need a streaming license or view the film through a licensed streaming film provider.
In most other cases, especially when the film, video, or TV program is being shown as part of an event, you need permission--often in the form of a public performance rights (PPR) license--to perform or show the copyrighted work.
When you're using a film, video, or TV program in a classroom for teaching or educational purposes, such performance or display of the entire work may be allowed without permission under the face to face teaching exemption at 17 U.S.C. §110(1).
When showing a film in an online class, it may be considered fair use depending on how much of the film is being shown and for what purposes. If fair use does not apply, you will need a streaming license or view the film through a licensed streaming film provider.
In most other cases, especially when the film, video, or TV program is being shown as part of an event, you need permission--often in the form of a public performance rights (PPR) license--to perform or show the copyrighted work.
US Copyright Law defines school movies in two ways:
Educational
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Entertainment
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Do I Need Public Performance Rights?
NO -- you do not need public performance rights:
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YES -- you need public performance rights:
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How can I acquire a license to show a movie for entertainment?
It depends on the movie studio, but most major studios are represented by Swank Inc and a license can be purchased directly from their site. Schools can acquire a blanket license for the year (~$450) or a one-time showing for a specific movie ($120-$180). Please note that any public/entertainment showing of a movie in your building, even by outside organizations, must have the proper license. Also note that an indoor and outdoor events require different licenses - an outdoor event being more expensive.
It depends on the movie studio, but most major studios are represented by Swank Inc and a license can be purchased directly from their site. Schools can acquire a blanket license for the year (~$450) or a one-time showing for a specific movie ($120-$180). Please note that any public/entertainment showing of a movie in your building, even by outside organizations, must have the proper license. Also note that an indoor and outdoor events require different licenses - an outdoor event being more expensive.
Extra Resources:
Can You Show Netflix in Class?
Subscription services such as Netflix and Amazon have very detailed membership agreements that may forbid the streaming of subscribed content in a classroom or other public venue. When you agree to the terms of membership, you enter into a contract and the terms of that contract trump any applicable exception in copyright. Therefore, if the membership agreement with Netflix prohibits the showing of the film in a classroom, you are bound by the terms of that agreement even if the face to face teaching exception would otherwise allow it. |
Classroom Use of Videos
Showing a video or DVD in a face-to-face classroom environment is covered under an exception to the public performance right §110 (1) and is lawful. This is commonly called the Face to Face Teaching Exception. But it must meet the following criteria:
For more detailed information, see the following relevant laws and interpretations:
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Resources for Free and Legal Streaming Video:
Classroom Video
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BPL Kanopy
BPL's checkout limits are 6 per month in Kanopy.
Showing a film in class:
We encourage our films to be used for teaching purposes. If you are a student or faculty member, you are welcome to use a Kanopy film in your class. As long as there is access to Internet within the classroom, videos can be projected onto a large screen with minimal interference to resolution. Instructors can also create mandatory or suggested video playlists for students to watch on their own time from on or off-campus. Check out our guide on how to create playlists/clips. |
BPL Hoopla
BPL's checkout limits are 10 per month in Hoopla.
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