We've done limited showings of movies in the past and we're about to add it as a montly feature starting in 2006.  We use Swank for most mainstream films--there are restrictions re: publicizing beyond your members base, location if it's not on your site, the rental fee can be a flat fee per film or a percentage of the door depending on how you're doing the contract based on how many showings you're projecting and the numbers in the seats--they want whichever comes out the highest.  They offer VHS and DVD for most films--you really want to test the film in it's entirety--esp. if it's DVD on the equipment you will actually use--taking it home and viewing doesn't mean it won't glitch on your screen.

For more arty, humanities or educational films: PBS, Films for Humanities and others offer them for sale and rental with an educators performance fee rights included in the fee. 

If you're trying for a film Swank doesn't have access to or an indie film you usually work through the filmmakers directly, their booking agents/managers--if they've arrived at the point to having that, the di the studio that released it or the distribution company to put you in touch with the right entity.  Dealing with studios or distribution firms is usually labor intensive to connect with the correct department/person that understands what you're requesting and has the non-profit fees, etc. at their fingertips. 

Daphne Holmes
Director of Education and Community Outreach
Louise Wells Camron Art Museum
 

--- Pat Whalen <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

From: Pat Whalen <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 15:28:55 -0500
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Movie series

I work at the New York State Museum in Albany, NY ( www.nysm.nysed.gov )
where I help coordinate public programs. We too are talking about doing
a film series, and I am seeking guidance about these same kinds of
things. There is a site that you might want to check out that we've done
business with in connection with past events called www.swank.com    It
sounds like some kind of an adult site, but it actually is the site of a
business that owns the rights to numerous mainstream films. In exchange
for a modest fee, swank allows educational institutions to give public
screenings. I will be following this discussion with interest. Please
feel free to contact me offline. - Pat Whalen

>>> [log in to unmask] 12/28/05 3:13 PM >>>

We would be interested in this too.....how do you get the licensing 
permission in the USA, and how do you get the film?

We are trying to do a similar thing.
Thank you.
Maggie Harrer


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