Copyright and Screenings

The Federal Copyright Act requires that movies and TV shows shown outside of a private home setting be properly licensed. This means that virtually all movies or TV shows have an additional cost associated with them known as a licensing fee. Even if you own a personal copy of the movie or TV show, this fee must still be paid. Please note that customer agreements for streaming services like Netflix or Hulu prohibit public screening of movies and shows via their service. Failure to obtain a license could result in heavy fines.

If you’re a student planning on screening a movie or TV show, submit the form below. Please note that not all movies and TV shows are available to be licensed for public screening – submit this form early to avoid planning an event/program around something you can’t screen.

There are some movies for which Ladd Library has already procured the public screening license. Please contact Christopher Schiff, Music and Arts Librarian, at cschiff@bates.edu for more information. Be advised that 99% of these movies are documentaries.

For more information on copyright law and screenings on campus, check out the Swank Copyright Law Guide.

Submit a request to screen a movie or TV show here.

General Policies
Club & Org Policies