When you want to show a TV program, video, or film or when you want to broadcast or perform music (whether it's live or recorded), you have to consider the rights of those who own the copyright to the work you want to use.
Copyright owners have certain rights, which are commonly known as public performance rights (PPR). When you're using a film, video, or TV program for teaching or educational purposes, this is often considered a fair use under U.S. copyright law. In 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 license--to show the work.
Under U.S. copyright law, copyright owners have certain "public performance rights," such as the right to
There are exceptions to these exclusive rights, allowing faculty, students, and others to use audiovisual works to meet nonprofit, educational needs.
In general, any time you plan to show a film, video, or TV show to the public, you must first seek permission to do so from the film’s copyright owner(s). The film’s format or whether or not you are charging admission does not matter: you still need to seek permission. This permission comes in the form of a license from the rights holder called a PPR (public performance rights) license.
There are some exceptions to this rule:
U.S. Copyright Office. Copyright Law of the United States and Related Laws Contained in Title 17 of the United States Code. Washington, DC: Library of Congress.
U.S. Copyright Office. Copyright Basics (Circular 1). Washington, DC: Library of Congress.
U.S. Copyright Office. Fair Use. Washington, DC: Library of Congress.
Explore. Discover. Create.
24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263 Phone: 310.506.7273Copyright © 2022 Pepperdine University