We'll be viewing them as a drive-up style in our parking lot.
2007-03-30 19:18:14 · 12 answers · asked by cleansawhisl 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I really don't know. The best way to be sure would to contact the company that made the movie and get an okay. I think they do that for charity.
2007-03-30 19:25:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how the movie was purchased.
When you purchase a copy of DVD or video tape, you get a license as part of that purchase. The license allows specific things. Most spell it out right up front -- example "This video is licensed for private home viewing only".
Money (or free viewing) has nothing to do with it. The sole issue is whether what you are doing is authorized under the license.
Copyright laws protect more than just making copies. It also protects against unauthorized use, including use beyond the scope of the applicable license. So, unless the license includes the type of activity you describe, it would be an unauthorized (and hence illegal) use.
2007-03-31 03:02:24 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you buy or rent a DVD movie, it does not include the rights to public performance. Paid public performance is not required, any public display will do. Look carefully at the wording of the warnings posted at the start of the show, that says it all. By the way, it is not difficult to get performance rights generally because the shows are out of theaters when the DVD are sold, contact the studios. they charge based on the number of people watching, with certain minimums. if you must have free, then have members of the congregation use a camcorder and make your own shows. can't be any worse than karaoke.
2007-04-02 22:15:14 · answer #3 · answered by lare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to the people who say Yes, it's illegal. As long as you rented the movie or you bought it, or it was borrowed from a library, or other person who obtained it legally, AND you are not charging a fee from people to view it, it is NOT illegal.
Disregard the answer about large gatherings. DUH! It's a church. Ofcourse you're allowed to have large gatherings. The true story of the church was not that they were showing the game on a large screen, it was that the church was planning on charging admission to cover the cost of refreshments and the large screen rental. THAT is what was illegal about it.
2007-03-31 03:05:14 · answer #4 · answered by alat32 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is.
Even though you are not showing them for profit, the thing I remember most is that the films are for home viewing only.
Also, I'll refer you to the recent case of the NFL vs. the church that wanted to show the game on their projector screen. Basically, the NFL pitched a fit that the screen was larger than 55 inches. No. No joke.
2007-03-31 02:30:35 · answer #5 · answered by Madame Gato 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably, since it is probably a video you cribbed from TV.
If you are actually renting a film, that gets shown thru a real projector, and you have the paperwork to prove it, yes you can show that film.
You need a contract.
2007-03-31 02:23:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is if they sell tickets it would be an infringement. If this is a free event used to bring people together, it is not. You may want to speak with your local police department and neighbors to be sure that you do not need a permit for a large gathering.
2007-03-31 02:43:36 · answer #7 · answered by patricia 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i woudlnt worry about it. any film company that is gonna press charges against a church for a free movie night, would get bad publicity. in other wrods, I seriously dobut anyone is going to pursue any law suits against you.
2007-03-31 03:08:49 · answer #8 · answered by lady26 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO. As long as you obtained the movie legally, ie:rental or purchase, it's perfectly legal to show it for free. If you were to charge admission, it would be illegal.
2007-03-31 02:28:24 · answer #9 · answered by Chris S 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no, movie makers do not mind if churches use them for the members.
2007-03-31 02:26:41 · answer #10 · answered by neoconfire 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋