What are Public Performance Rights?

📅 Sep 25, 2025 ⏱ 6 min read Legal Basics

Audience watching a film screening in a theater

Public performance rights govern screenings beyond private, at-home viewing.

When Do You Need Public Performance Rights?

If you're planning to show a movie outside your home—and invite anyone beyond your immediate family or a few close friends—you likely need what's called Public Performance Rights (PPR). These rights apply to a wide range of events, venues, and organizations. Let’s break down the most common scenarios where a movie license is legally required.

Community Events (Libraries, Parks, Fundraisers)

Hosting a movie night in a library, local park, or during a neighborhood fundraiser? Even if your event is free to attend, it still qualifies as a public performance, and yes—you need a license.

Real Example: The City Library of Santa Clara held an outdoor summer film series. Despite being a free community event, they legally licensed every movie to avoid copyright issues and potential fines.

Venue type: Public, nonprofit setting
Audience: Larger, open to the public
License required even if no admission is charged

Pro Tip: Partnering with local schools or businesses can sometimes allow you to split licensing costs or gain access to a shared annual license for multiple community events.

Schools, Colleges & Universities

Educators often assume that any use of film in class is fair game. That’s partly true—but it depends on the context. If the screening is strictly for face-to-face teaching and closed to outsiders, you’re usually covered by an exemption. But for school-wide events or orientation nights, a license is required.

Fact: According to MPLC, over 90% of campus film screenings fall outside the “teaching exemption” and must be licensed.

Curriculum-based use? No license (in most cases)
Recreational or extracurricular event? License required

Pro Tip: Some colleges budget for umbrella campus licenses annually—check with student affairs or the campus legal office first.

Churches and Religious Gatherings

Faith-based organizations often show films to create community or enrich worship. Any public screening—even in a church setting—requires permission.

Example: A youth group shows a Christian-themed drama at a retreat. Even nonprofit religious events must obtain licenses unless the film comes with church-friendly permissions.

Pro Tip: Services like CVLI offer annual church video licenses covering many titles for one flat fee.

Corporate or Business Events

If your business plans staff movie nights, team building, or client events, you cannot legally stream or play a movie without a commercial-use license.

Scenario: A startup streams a popular film in their lobby during a celebration. Without a license, the company is exposed to serious copyright liability.

License needed for internal or client events
Streaming from personal accounts (Netflix, Prime, etc.) is still illegal

Pro Tip: Businesses can negotiate annual or multi-use licensing deals for recurring events.

Film Festivals or Independent Screenings

Whether it’s a small indie night or a full festival, every screening must be licensed—even for student films.

Real Example: A nonprofit festival licensed all student documentaries—even with verbal permission—to cover legal bases.

Permissions must be written
Factor licensing costs into your budget
Indie distributors may offer flexible models

Pro Tip: For small titles, contact filmmakers directly—many offer free or low-cost licenses for good causes.

When You Don’t Need a License

Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption

If you're showing a movie as part of classroom instruction in a nonprofit educational institution, there's a legal exception you can rely on—the Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption under U.S. Copyright Law (Section 110(1)).

The teaching occurs in a classroom or similar place, not online or remote
The audience consists only of enrolled students
The movie is legally obtained (not a bootleg copy or unauthorized download)
The screening is for instructional—not entertainment—purposes

Example: A high school English teacher screens Romeo + Juliet to discuss Shakespearean adaptations. No license required—this qualifies under the exemption.

Pro Tip: Showing the movie in an auditorium or livestreaming it to distance learners invalidates this exemption. Stick to physical, in-class instruction only.

Small Private Gatherings at Home (Clarified)

If you're watching a movie at home with a few friends or family members, you typically do not need a license. This falls under “private home viewing,” which is permitted under most streaming services’ terms and U.S. copyright law.

A limited audience of people you personally know (not the general public)
Hosted in a private residence—not in a community center, gym, or park
No tickets sold, donations collected, or public advertising promoted

Example: You invite seven friends over for a movie night using your Netflix account in your living room. Totally fine—no license needed.

Important: As soon as you move your screening to a backyard with an open invitation or start charging admission—even on private property—it may be considered a public performance, and a license would be required.

Public Domain or Open License Films

Some films are in the public domain or released under Creative Commons or open licenses, allowing them to be legally shown in public without a license.

Check verified databases like PublicDomainMovie.net or the Internet Archive
Look for formal declarations about public domain or open licensing
Always review the specific license terms, especially under Creative Commons

Example: A library hosts a free screening of Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid (1921)—a verified public domain film. No license needed.

Pro Tip: Don’t assume an old film is public domain. Some works from the 1930s or ‘40s are still protected. Always double-check the copyright status.

Fair Use Myths & Misconceptions

Many people believe “educational use” or “nonprofit status” automatically qualifies as fair use. This is a common myth.

It typically applies to excerpts, not full-length films
It favors commentary, criticism, or parody—not entertainment or convenience
Claiming educational purpose doesn’t automatically make it fair use
There’s no blanket exemption for nonprofits

Example: A church plays a full-length movie for youth group entertainment. Even if free and educational in nature, this is still a public performance and requires licensing.

Pro Tip: If you're uncertain, don’t rely on “fair use.” Consult an attorney or simply get a license—it's usually quicker, cheaper, and more reliable.

Licensing Vendors: Who to Contact and What They Offer

Swank Motion Pictures

Swank is one of the most widely-used movie licensing companies in the United States, especially for public performance rights outside a traditional theater setting. They represent major Hollywood studios like Universal Pictures, Warner Bros., Sony, and more.

Best For: Schools, colleges, libraries, parks and recreation events, and faith-based organizations.
Licenses for both indoor and outdoor public movie screenings
Extensive catalog of mainstream and educational films
On-demand movie programming suggestions and toolkits

Pro Tip: Swank now supports streaming licenses for virtual events—great for hybrid classroom or remote programming scenarios.

MPLC (Motion Picture Licensing Corporation)

MPLC specializes in umbrella-style licenses, granting unlimited access to screen content from covered studios without reporting each title individually. They're ideal when you want ongoing flexibility.

Best For: Businesses, corporate training, waiting rooms, places of worship, gyms, government buildings.
“Umbrella License” that covers thousands of titles from 1,000+ studios
No need to report individual showings
Annual and multi-year licensing options

Example: A dentist's office playing Pixar movies in the waiting room can remain fully compliant with an MPLC Umbrella License—no need to request title-by-title approvals.

Pro Tip: MPLC’s licenses don’t cover outdoor or promotional movie events, so double-check your event type before choosing them.

Criterion Pictures USA

Criterion Pictures is known for being the exclusive licensing agent for titles from 20th Century Studios (formerly Fox). They also carry a strong collection of educational and foreign titles.

Best For: Higher education institutions, academic libraries, film studies programs, and specialty film fans.
Licenses for public screenings of academic films and international cinema
Specific licenses for Canadian and U.S. institutions
Support for both physical and digital screenings

Statistic: Criterion Pictures USA represents over 25,000 unique titles, including major studio releases and award-winning independents.

Kino Lorber, Film Movement, and Other Niche Distributors

These smaller distributors are perfect for screening independent, art house, or foreign films that aren’t available through mainstream licensors.

Best For: Museums, indie film festivals, universities, community film clubs, and documentary screenings.
Flexible single-event and annual screening licenses
Critically acclaimed international films and documentaries
Direct-to-distributor negotiation opportunities

Pro Tip: Interested in showcasing an Oscar-nominated foreign film? Reach out directly to these distributors via email—many handle custom license requests, unlike the big agencies.

Vendor Comparison Table

Vendor	Best For	Type of License	Studios Covered	Outdoor Events?
Swank Motion Pictures	Schools, Libraries, Parks	Per-title License	Universal, Sony, Warner Bros., More	✔️
MPLC	Businesses, Churches, Gyms	Umbrella License	1,000+ Studios	❌
Criterion Pictures USA	Colleges, Universities	Per-title and Annual	20th Century Studios, Indie/Foreign	✔️*
Kino Lorber, Film Movement, Others	Film Festivals, Art House Events	Custom per-event or title	Independent & International Titles	✔️

Streaming Services: Can You Show Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc.?

Streaming Platform Terms of Use

It’s a common misconception: you pay for a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription—so you should be allowed to show a movie from that account at your event. Unfortunately, that’s not how licensing works.

Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video have clear terms of service that limit your use of their content to personal and private use only. Here’s what that means:

Personal use means the account holder and immediate family or friends watching at home.
Public display refers to any showing that falls outside your home or involves a broader audience — even if no money is charged.

Example: Netflix explicitly states: “The content we provide is for personal and non-commercial use only and may not be shared in public venues.”

So if you’re planning to stream a movie from your subscription at a school event, church group, fundraiser, or even a company training—you’re violating the platform’s agreement unless you’ve secured a separate license.

Official Positions on Public Display

To remove the guesswork, here’s a breakdown of where major streaming platforms stand on public showings:

Netflix: Offers limited public screening rights for select original documentaries. All other content is for private viewing only.
Amazon Prime Video: Does not offer public performance rights. All content is strictly for personal use.
Hulu: No public display rights. Subscription content is personal only.
Disney+: Personal/home usage only. No public showing allowed under standard terms.

Real-World Example: A public library in Iowa once streamed a Disney film from a personal Disney+ account during a summer program. The event was later flagged, and the library had to pay a fine and issue a public apology for copyright infringement.

Pro Tip: If the movie you want to show is available on a personal streaming platform and you’ve obtained a public performance license through companies like Swank or MPLC, always use their screening format (e.g., DVD or digital file). Never stream directly from your account—doing so may still violate streaming platform agreements.

Streaming Platform Policy Overview

Streaming Platform	Public Showing Allowed?	Exceptions
Netflix	❌	Yes, for select documentaries (see list)
Amazon Prime Video	❌	None
Hulu	❌	None
Disney+	❌	None

Bottom line: Your streaming account isn't a public performance license. Always double-check with a licensing provider before including any film in your event programming—even if it's available to stream at home.

Legal Risks of Skipping a License

Real-World Examples of Legal Penalties

While it might seem harmless to show a movie at a community event without checking licensing rules, some organizations have paid a heavy price for that mistake.

Example: In 2016, a daycare center in California was fined $250,000 after publicly screening a Disney movie during a fundraising event. Even though they didn't charge admission, the event qualified as a public performance—and they hadn’t secured a license.

Example: A religious organization showed a Hollywood film during a Sunday outreach night. A social media post drew attention, and the studio issued a cease-and-desist order with a settlement threat. The issue was resolved, but not before legal and reputational costs mounted.

Possible Fines & Legal Consequences

Publicly exhibiting a copyrighted movie without the proper license is classified as copyright infringement under U.S. law (Title 17, U.S. Code). Here’s what can happen if you skip licensing:

Fines from $750 to $150,000 per infringement, depending on whether it’s “willful”
Cease-and-desist letters that may escalate to lawsuits
Reputational damage—especially for nonprofits, schools, or churches
Legal expenses—even if a settlement is reached out of court

Many organizations wrongly assume that having a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription allows them to share content publicly. It doesn't—streaming platforms are only for personal, private use unless specifically licensed.

Pro Tip: Studios don’t just go after ticketed events. Even free showings advertised on flyers or social media can be flagged if proper rights aren’t secured.

How to Respond If You’re Contacted About Compliance

If you’ve been contacted by a studio, licensing agency, or legal team regarding unauthorized screening, don’t panic—but take it seriously. Here's what to do:

Read the letter carefully. Identify if it’s a cease-and-desist, payment demand, or inquiry.
Do not delete evidence. Removing social media posts or event pages may worsen the situation.
Contact an attorney—preferably one with experience in intellectual property law.
Evaluate your options. Rights holders may offer reduced settlements if it’s a first offense.
Create a compliance plan for future events to avoid repeat issues.

Note: Studios and licensors actively monitor public events—especially those promoted online. Don’t assume small-scale events go unnoticed.

Key Takeaways

If you're planning on showing a movie outside your home—even if it's just your local PTA meeting or a cozy church gathering—it’s crucial to follow the legal pathway. Here’s what you need to keep in mind before your next screening:

Always secure a license before showing a movie publicly. A simple movie night at a park, library, or school qualifies as a “public performance.”
Know the difference between when a license is and isn’t needed. Private home viewings don’t require licensing—but public or organizational settings do.
Use verified vendors like Swank, MPLC, and Criterion Pictures. Start early—vendors often request title, audience size, date, and venue.
Streaming services are not exempt. Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime do not allow public showings under their standard terms.

Real-Life Example: In 2018, a community center streamed a Disney+ film for a neighborhood movie night, believing their subscription covered it. Two weeks later, they received a cease-and-desist letter and a $2,500 fine.

Stat to Know: According to MPLC, over 70% of unlicensed public screenings happen because organizers don’t realize it’s a violation.

Pro Tip: When evaluating vendors, ask if your license includes both indoor and outdoor usage. Some charge extra for outdoor, festival, or drive-in screenings.

Ready to stay compliant and keep your event stress-free? Download our free checklist for public movie screenings or contact a licensed vendor today to stay on the right side of the law.

Q1: Do I need a license to show a movie at a nonprofit fundraiser?

Yes, in nearly all cases, you need a public performance license to legally show a movie at a nonprofit fundraiser—regardless of whether you’re collecting money or not.

Why Even Free Events Still Require a License

Here's a common misconception: “As long as we don’t charge admission, we’re safe.” Not true. Under U.S. Copyright Law, the setting—not the admission—defines whether it's a public performance.

Showing a movie at a park, church hall, or school auditorium to the public qualifies as public performance.
Intent—fundraising, awareness, entertainment—doesn’t matter legally.

Real-Life Example: A small-town animal rescue group hosted a public movie night to raise donations. Despite good intentions, they were hit with a copyright violation fee after the event was flagged online.

Pro Tip: When applying for a license, mention that you’re a nonprofit. Vendors like Swank or MPLC may offer discounted rates for nonprofit and educational use.

Quick Checklist: Will You Need a License?

Showing the movie outside your private home?
Inviting people beyond family/friends?
Promoting a cause, raising awareness, or collecting donations?
Advertising the event publicly?

Final Thought: Getting a license is often much cheaper and easier than dealing with legal trouble later. Plan ahead, talk to a licensing vendor, and protect your nonprofit’s reputation.