DePaul University requires a secured license from specified companies or proof of the ongoing licensing process for public movie showings. This applies to student organizations and university departments. It is a violation of copyright law to screen movies or TV shows without prior receipt of a license. Student Involvement can assist with obtaining a license for your upcoming event if needed.
No. Unless your student organization has secured the rights and license to the specific movie being screened. This includes DVDs and movies streaming on Netflix, Hulu, etc.
You may contact the movie vendor (smaller, independent films) directly or use one these vendors: Swank Motion Pictures, Inc., Criterion Pictures, and Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC)
The fees for the license and rental are determined by such factors as the number of times a particular movie is going to be shown, how large the audience will be as well as the current demand for the movie itself. Fees can vary and can become costly. Registered student organizations can apply for SAF-B funds to help defray the costs.
Student organizations will need about two weeks before the date of your screening to secure the public performance license and to be sent the actual video or DVD from an authorized licensing agent.
Submit the license via DeHub using the Movie License Form. Space cannot be held without the submission and approval of this form.
One of DePaul's license partners- Swank Motion Pictures- has developed this site that further reviews copyright laws. OSI is happy to assist with questions that may arise following review of the Swank site.
