SCC Movie or Documentary Screening Guidelines

SCC Movie/Documentary Screening Guidelines

Movie and documentary screenings serve as powerful tools for education, offering students at Santiago Canyon College (SCC) engaging ways to explore different cultures, historical events, social issues, and artistic expression. Films can complement traditional coursework by providing visual and narrative context to complex topics, making learning more immersive and impactful. However, in order to maintain legal and ethical standards, SCC must ensure that screenings comply with copyright laws. Proper licensing safeguards the rights of filmmakers while ensuring that the college remains compliant with legal requirements.

What to know before screening a movie for educational or recreational purposes:

The rental, purchase, or download of a movie—or access to a streaming subscription—does not grant the right to exhibit it publicly unless the screening is properly licensed. This legal copyright compliance requirement applies to all institutions, whether commercial or nonprofit, and whether admission is free or charged.

Anyone showing or screening a movie at Santiago Canyon College must obtain proper licensing to show movies publicly. Movie studios hold the copyrights to their films, and only authorized agents can grant licenses for screenings at educational institutions. Movies obtained from libraries or personal collections cannot be legally shown without the appropriate licensing.

What is a “Public Performance”?

A “public performance” occurs whenever a movie is shown outside of a private home. This applies to any screening on the SCC campus, whether in a classroom, a student lounge, or an event space, regardless of the number of attendees or whether admission is charged.

The “Education Exemption”

Under the “Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption,” copyrighted movies may be exhibited without a license only if all the following criteria are met:

• The screening takes place in an accredited, non-profit institution.
• A teacher or instructor is present and engaged in face-to-face teaching activities.
• The showing occurs in a classroom setting with only students enrolled in that course attending.
• The movie is an essential part of the required curriculum and directly contributes to the course syllabus.
• The movie being used is a legitimate copy, not a pirated or illegally recorded version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I Need a License if I’m Showing the Movie for Educational Purposes?

Yes, unless the screening meets all the requirements of the Education Exemption outlined above. Another option is to utilize an organization that allows their movies/documentaries to be shown or screened for free or without licensing.

Do We Need a License Even if We Don’t Charge Admission?

Yes, a license is required for all public performances, regardless of whether admission is charged.

What If a DVD, Streaming, or Equipment Supplier Says It’s Okay to Exhibit a Movie?

Most suppliers rent and sell movies for “Home Use Only” and cannot provide legal permission for public screenings. Unless you have written approval from the entity or person who is responsible for the distribution of the film, you cannot show or screen the movie without a proper license.

Who Is Responsible if a Movie Is Shown Without a License?

The venue management or institution where the movie is shown (in this case SCC) bears the ultimate responsibility for copyright infringement.

I Own the Movie. Do I Still Need a License to Show It Outside My Home?

Yes. Owning, renting, or downloading a movie does not grant public performance rights. This rule also applies to streaming content.

I Want to Show a Movie That’s Been Out on DVD for Many Years. Do I Still Need a License?

Yes. Copyright law applies regardless of a movie’s release date.

If I Purchase a License to Show a Movie, Can I Show That Movie Whenever I Want?

Licenses are for a specific, designated time frame agreed upon with the licensing provider.

A Small Group Is Having an Informal Gathering in Our Facility. Do We Still Need a License?

A license is required for any public screening outside of a private home, regardless of audience size.

How Do I Obtain a License?

To legally show or screen a movie on campus, you must obtain a public performance license from an authorized licensing agent or another approved provider. Licensing costs vary depending on the movie and the nature of the screening.

For more information on obtaining a license contact the licensing agents below:.

Criterion Pictures

• Movie screening licensing form  
• (800) 890-9494

Motion Picture Licensing Corporation

• Movie screening licensing form
• (800) 462-8855
• MPLC FAQs -  https://www.mplc.org/page/faqs

 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. 

• Movie screening licensing form
• (800) 876-5577

If I have more questions about the screening guidelines here at SCC, who can I speak to?

If you have questions about screening movies or documentaries, please feel free to reach out to SCC Librarian, Seth Daugherty by email or by phone at 714-628-5015.