Student Organization Handbook
Films and Video Guidelines
Public showing of feature films are governed by The Federal Copyright Act*, as such, there are several considerations and guidelines for the inclusion of a feature film into your special event or function.
Please make sure you check with your Student Activities Office adviser for the latest copyright and film showing policies and guidelines.
Public showing include student-sponsored events to which the public (non-UW related students or employees) are invited, or for which a fee is charged. In general, the term public showing includes any area "outside of the home". Examples of University areas considered public:
- Residence Hall Lounges and meeting rooms
- Cafeterias
- Outdoor Areas
- Gymnasiums
- HUB and South Campus Center lounges and meeting rooms
- Classrooms not being used for a University recognized class
Obtaining Permission and Licenses
UW students and student organizations are responsible for obtaining appropriate permissions and licenses for the public performance of a feature film.
Movies shown in public must be obtained through a source authorized to distribute "licensed" copies. Typical consumer sources such as retail & rental sources or libraries do not provide copies that qualify for public showings. This policy also applies to "feature films" that have been downloaded from the internet, purchased or rented. The policy applies to UW students whether they are the person who obtained the feature film or the film has been obtained by someone else and is being used by the UW student.
Resources for obtaining, films, video or CDs
The Student Activities Office maintains contact information and lists of appropriate
sources for film, video or CD rentals for public showings. The Student Activities Office has information
and resources available to groups and individuals interested in publicly showing films.
Additional Resources available include
*The Federal Copyright Act (Title 17, United States Code, Public Law 94-553, 90 Stat. 2541)
Modified: September 16, 2008 |
