Can I show a film to my face-to-face class?
According to U.S. Copyright Law, film rights holders (usually producers or film distributors) require institutions to purchase public performance viewing rights (PPV) to show films - even at educational institutions. Licensing for PPV rights is not required for face-to-face classroom or teaching activities when viewing the film is part of the curriculum for a course as this falls under Fair Use. This is why you are generally allowed to show films in class.
There are some exceptions for showing films in class by specific streaming media providers that appear in their Terms and Conditions or Terms of Use: for example, these providers prohibit educational screenings of their content -
- Amazon Prime
- Hulu
- Spotify
Always check the terms and conditions of use or ask for help from the ACC Copyright Officer - courtney.mlinar@austincc.edu
What about showing a film over Zoom or another streaming platform for my online class?
Fair Use does not apply for online classes in the same way that it does apply to face-to-face classes. Streaming media providers expressly prohibit broadcasting films and music specifically in their Terms and Conditions or Terms of Use. A PPV or PPR license is required to play a film for your online class or at a college event. It is possible to rent a license for an event - ask for assistance from Courtney Mlinar, ACC Copyright Officer.
Library Services licenses streaming media for use in both face-to-face and online classes as well as public events such as Student Life Events. Films are available through the following library databases: