Public Performance Rights

What are Public Performance Rights (PPR)?

Copyrighted films (and most of them are) are not automatically licensed for public performance. Public Performance Rights (PPR) are the legal rights to publicly show a film or video. The Federal Copyright Act (Title 17, U.S. Code) requires PPR for public viewing of copyrighted media outside of the regular curriculum. A PPR license needs to be obtained before you are able to begin promoting your event. This applies to both streaming video and to DVD/Blu-Ray/VHS copies. 

Do I need PPR to show Library films?

The following are allowed for any film or television program in the Library's physical or streaming collections without obtaining PPR:

• individual viewing
• home viewing with family and friends
• classroom viewing
• viewing in small groups, such as in a group study room

PPR are required to show copyrighted works in situations other than those listed above, including:

• film festivals
• meetings, programs, and events on campus
• movie nights or events sponsored by student groups

What if my screening is free or just for the Emerson community, not the general public?

This does not matter. If the film is copyrighted and your showing is not limited to a specific course in their designated classroom space and at their usual meeting time, you must secure public performance rights. Student org events, group screenings for students from multiple classes, and similar events are all public performances. Emerson College student organizations must work with SEAL to obtain PPR, as outlined in the Leadership Handbook.

How do I obtain PPR?

1. Check if the Library has PPR for film you wish to show: use the link in the left-hand navigation, Library Holdings with PPR for details on how to find these items.
2. If the Library does not have the PPR, you must purchase them from the copyright owner via a rental fee paid to an authorized distributor film rental company (see companies below). Fees will vary depending on the film.
   • Criterion Pictures, USA
   • Kino International
   • The Motion Picture Licensing Corporation
   • Movie Licensing USA
   • New Yorker Films
   • Swank
3. When inquiring about PPR, have the following information on hand:
   • Your name and the name of your organization
   • Where and to whom you will show the film
   • How your organization will pay for the rights to show the movie
   • Contact information for your organization
   • Whether or not you need a copy of the film

Student organizations must work with SEAL to obtain PPR for their events. See the Student Leadership Handbook for details.