Public Performance Rights for Non-Feature Video/DVDs
When feature and non-feature videos or DVDs are played in a "domestic" setting, such as a home, only a home-use license is required. However, when a non-feature video or DVD is shown in a "public" setting, such as a school, then a public performance license is necessitated. When ordering a non-feature video or DVD for use in a school setting, your invoice to the supplier should specify that you are acquiring public performance rights to use this item in a school setting.
Public Performance Rights Licensing for Feature Films
In order to show feature films legally in a classroom, a school or school division must acquire a public performance rights license.
In Canada, two companies hold the majority of non-theatrical public performance rights for feature films: Audio Ciné Films (ACF) and VEC/Criterion. Their site licenses cover feature films borrowed from public libraries or purchased, rented or borrowed from retail stores, and allows for legal use in a classroom. The cost of the license is determined on a per student basis. Each company represents different studios and video producers.
Another good reference tool on public performance rights for films and videos is the Children's Video Service website found at http://www.cvsinc.ca. Review Doughlas Askinson's article Legal and Ethical Considerations Concerning the Use of Audiovisual Materials in Public Performance Situations.
Audio Ciné Films
- Represents Alliance Atlantis, Walt Disney Pictures, Universal Studios, MGM Studios, United Artists, Nickelodeon, Miramax, Pixar, and more.
- License covers video from rental stores and public libraries, and purchased (in Canada) home-use video/DVD.
- The ACF license does not cover VHS/DVD purchased from the USA. Video/DVD can be purchased from Canadian subsidiaries, i.e. Blockbuster.ca or Amazon.ca, as long as the studio is included in the ACF license.
- ACF rents feature films and pre-release VHS/DVD for school fund raising. Price determination is based upon use (i.e. numbers of students and whether admission will be charged).
Visual Education Centre (VEC) / Criterion Pictures
- Represents Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Lions Gate, Sony Pictures, Dreamworks, Paramount Pictures and more.
- Covers video/DVD from rental stores and public libraries, purchased (in Canada) home use video/DVD and video/DVD borrowed from friends or students. The key element is that the video/DVD is legally manufactured, which excludes all self-produced video/DVD.
- Criterion accepts VHS/DVD purchased from the USA as long as the studio is included in the Criterion license.
- Criterion offers an entertainment license that allows schools to rent feature films directly and charge admission for fund-raising.
For more information on public performance licensing of feature films for your school or division, contact:
ACF: 1-800-289-8887
http://www.acf-film.com
VEC/Criterion: 1-800-668-0749
http://www.criterionpic.com