MCLC: permission to screen films (2,3,4,5)

[Denton, Kirk]

MCLC LIST
From: luying chen (chen at stolaf.edu)
Subject: permission to screen films (2)
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My college did not feel comfortable to publicize the screening of a
certain film until we have a written contract with the distributor. When
all emails/faxes failed, what I did was calling the distributor. It may
take you several calls and follow-up emails, etc, but in the case of
"Gimme Kudos," this approach worked. It really is a very time-consuming
process.

Good luck.

Luying Chen

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From: kirk (denton.2 at osu.edu)
Subject: permission to screen films (3)

Isn't there a difference, from a legal perspective, in showing a film in
class and screening it for a more general public audience? I think so. I
believe the original query concerned the former. Frankly, and maybe I
shouldn't say this publicly, I've never given a thought about screening
films in a classroom setting. Should I have?

Kirk 

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From: Leung Wing-fai <wingfai.leung at gmail.com>
Subject: permission to screen films (4)

http://www.bfi.org.uk/education/teaching/using_film_in_schools.pdf
 
Please see the above guide that contains a section giving advice from the
British Film Institute about using films in schools. Although yours is in
the US context and instruction in higher education, I believe the
copyright laws are similar and there are limited exceptions allowing the
screening of legally obtained films in the classroom.

Dr Leung Wing-Fai

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From: ying kong <kongying1 at hotmail.com>
Subject: permission to screen films (5)

Hello again,

Thanks for all the suggestions. I tried some phone numbers listed on the
cover. Here are several answers:

1. DVDs sold in Mainland China can only be shown in China inspite of the
DVD having English subtitles.  If they are shown outside China, it is
illegal but it is not within the DVD producers' right to give permission
for educational purposes outside China.
2. For educational purposes, DVDs are allowed to be shown only in the
classroom.
3. Some companies are only given the right to manfufacture DVDs. They do
not have the right to transfer copyright.
4. One company even was surprised by my request....

As most of you have suggested, I will screen the films only in class
with no public advertisements. Thanks again for sharing your ideas.

Best regards from

Ying Kong