I agree with others who have responded.  You still need to check with the 
movie distributer.

While some places will allow you permission to do it at no charge, you are 
always better off to ask.  The consequences of not outweigh the small amount 
of time to inquire.

Ideally, you should check prior to any publicity.  If the company sees it 
advertised as being shown before contacting them, they may deny rights 
because you did not follow the proper channels.

Many will say, "I am just a small organization.  How would they know?"  You 
would be surprised.  Anything listed on the internet can get you in lots of 
hot water.  Many companies routinely check for their copyrighted material on 
the web.

Usually an educational event is not considered the same as classroom use.  
Even with music.  All music used in exhibits and in programs must have 
permission from the publisher.  

The best advice is to never assume.  Always ask!

cmm
Christina M. Myatt
Theatrical Programming Coordinator
Putnam Museum
1717 West 12th Street
Davenport IA 52804
563.324.1054 ext. 207 (phone)
[log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: Cindy Gardner <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 10:10:51 -0600
Subject: Showing movies to the general public and copyright laws

> Our director of education has the following questions and we hope
> that 
> members of this list who better understand the copyright laws can
> help 
> us know what we need to do.  Thanks in advance for your time.
> 
> If we are a not-for-profit organization and show a movie to the
> general 
> public as a part of an educational program, are we breaking any 
> copyright laws?  We don't charge an entrance fee to the museum or a
> fee 
> for viewing the movie.  What is anyone's experience with this? Do we 
> need to approach the copyright holder? Does anyone know the
> "official" 
> rules or legal repercussions on this?
> 
> -- 
> Cindy Gardner, Field Services Curator
> Old Capitol Museum of Mississippi History
> Mississippi Department of Archives and History
> P.O. Box 571
> Jackson, MS 39205-0571
> Telephone: 601/576-6901
> Facsimile: 601/576-6981
> Email: [log in to unmask]
> 
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