What makes showing a movie “public performance?”
Any showing of an entertainment-type movies outside the privacy of a home setting is a public performance.
Are there advertising guidelines?
You may send out letters or advertisements directly to students, staff and members of your organization. You can advertise a movie showing as long as the movie title and studio name are not used.
Example, "Come to Elementary School for a movie night starting at 5 o’clock in the evening."
We have been using movies for in-school activities for a long time. When did this start?
In the U.S. the showing of movies in schools has been a copyright law violation since 1970. Modern Sound Pictures, Inc. has been handling the distribution of movies for studios even before the law.
Can I borrow movies from a public library and use them legally for entertainment in a school?
No, not if the school itself doesn't have a license. A public library does not have authority to pass on copyright fulfillment to anyone. No other organization can pass on copyright fulfillment to you besides Modern Sound Pictures, Inc. or the studio that owns that copyright.
I thought schools were exempt from needing a license to legally use copyrighted movies.
"Educational Exemtion" copyrighted enetertainment movies may be shown in a school without copyright permission if the following are met:
1. A teacher or instructor is present for screening
2. The showing takes place in a classroom setting with only the enrolled students attending
3. The movie is used as an essential part of the core, current curriculum being taught. The movie cannot be for pure entertainment.
4. The movie being used is a genuine copy, not taped from a copy or the TV.
Where can I obtain the movie once I have a license?
Once the showing is licensed, you can show any movies from a video rental store, your school library or your personal collection.
Are there limitations to this License?
Outdoor showings are not allowed under our movie licensing agreements. The movies may not be altered, duplicated or
digitized to change the movie from its original production.
How do we get started with a movie showing?
It's simple! Just email us at:
movies@modernsoundpictures.com
Or call our toll-free number 1-800-228-9584
to speak with a knowledgable customer representative. Once in contact with us, we will send a simple contract to fill out with basic show information.
