Public Performance
Movie Licensing
Understanding the legal requirements for showing a movie to the public — and how to secure the rights you need for your event.
You need a license for
- Events in public parks, schools, or community centers
- Apartment complex resident events
- Corporate or employee gatherings
- Any event open to the public — even if free
You don't need a license for
- Private screenings in your own backyard
- Small gatherings of family and close friends
According to the U.S. Copyright Act, a public performance license is required whenever a movie is shown in a public place or to a substantial number of people outside the normal circle of family and friends.
You DO require a license for
- Events in parks, schools, fields, or community centers
- Apartment complex resident appreciation events
- Corporate events or employee gatherings
- Any event open to the general public, even if admission is free
You DO NOT require a license for
- A private showing in your own backyard for a small group of family and social acquaintances.
Consumer media like DVDs, Blu-Rays, or subscriptions to services like Netflix and Disney+ are sold with a "Home Use" license only. This license explicitly restricts viewing to private, personal settings. The FBI warning at the beginning of most movies addresses this, prohibiting public exhibition. To show the same media to a public audience, you must purchase a separate Public Performance License.
Obtaining a license is a straightforward process managed by dedicated licensing agencies. These companies represent major film studios and grant legal permission for public screenings. The primary agencies for most popular films are:
- Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. — Represents Disney, Warner Bros., Sony, Paramount, and others.
- Criterion Pictures USA — Represents 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, and others.
- Angel Studios — Represents their catalog of independent films.
You can secure a license by visiting their websites. The cost is typically based on factors like the movie title, audience size, and whether admission is charged.
No. The legal responsibility to secure the appropriate public performance license rests solely with you, the client hosting the event. Desert Air Cinema's role is to provide the projection equipment and technical services. While we are happy to guide you through the process, the license must be obtained by you prior to the event date.
For an additional fee, Desert Air Cinema can obtain licensing for your event — handling all aspects and reporting to the studios on your behalf. Contact us at (520) 719-5895 to inquire about this service.
Yes. A license is required for all public screenings, regardless of whether an admission fee is collected. The law considers it a public performance if the audience is beyond your immediate family and social circle, making the event's price irrelevant to the copyright requirement.
A standard single-event license is valid for a one-time showing only and must be used on the specific date listed on your agreement. If your event is postponed due to weather or other circumstances, you must contact the licensing agency directly to request a date change for your license.
Adhering to copyright law is a legal and ethical obligation that protects the work of creators, artists, and distributors. It ensures that these individuals and companies are compensated for their intellectual property. Failure to secure the proper license before a public screening constitutes copyright infringement and can lead to significant legal penalties and fines.
Ready to book your screening?
Once you've secured your license, we'll handle everything else — equipment, setup, and a flawless show under the desert sky.