Film licensing for Girlguiding UK
members
When you buy or rent a film to watch at home, the first thing
you see on the screen is a copyright notice. It informs you that
‘this film is for home viewing only’ and warns that you will be
breaking copyright law if you show it anywhere else. But sometimes
you want to watch a film at a unit meeting, at an event or on a
trip. What do you do?
Luckily, Girlguiding UK has it covered. We have arranged a
licence with the Motion Picture Licensing Company (MPLC) which
allows our members to show films without breaking any copyright
laws. There are some terms and conditions:
- films can be shown to members of Girlguiding
UK and members’ parents only
- you have to buy or rent the film legally – no
pirate copies
- you can’t charge any admission fees*
- you can’t advertise or publicise the film
screening to the general public.
* No fees may be charged to view the film. You
may include films as part of a larger event as long as the films
are not screened outdoors and the event involves no more than 200
attendees. Larger events and outdoor events have to be licensed
separately.
This licence covers films produced by many
major companies. Checking whether the film you want to show is
covered by the licence is very simple: just call or email the MPLC
(01323 649647 or ukinfo@mplc.com), and their advisers
will look it up for you. The list of companies covered changes
constantly so it is important to contact MPLC every time you show a
film.
You are still responsible for checking the age
rating on the film and making sure it is appropriate for your
group.