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Library DVDs and Film Streaming

Use this guide to explore film and video streaming rights, copyright information, and more resources at Ringling and beyond.

Do I Need to Obtain Performance Rights?

                                       Yes                                                 

                                No                                     
  • If the screening is open to the public, such as showing to the community 
  • If the screening is in a public space where access is not restricted, such as in a public location
  • If persons attending are outside the normal circle of family and acquaintances, such as a club or organization, or showing a film for class but inviting others to attend
  • If privately viewing the film in your room with friends
  • If an instructor is showing the film to registered students in the course of teaching in the classroom 
  • If the library was purchased with public performance rights included
  • If copyright permission is obtained

How to Obtain Permission

Individuals and organizations are responsible for obtaining public performance rights for all non-exempt showings. There are two ways to obtain PPR, also known as permission or a license:

1.   Contact the copyright holder directly, or contact the distributor.  If the distributor has the authority from the copyright owner to grant licenses, to purchase public performance rights or to request permission for a particular public performance use, permission or license can be directly obtained.

2.   Contact the licensing service representing the particular studio or title (note - this will generally be required for all feature length films). Services vary in the types of licensing offered and the scope of materials represented. Some of the companies that provide (for a fee) public performance licenses are listed below:​

Contact research@ringling.edu for additional assistance in locating the appropriate licensing agent for your particular film.

What Is Copyright?

Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U. S. Code) to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works.

Copyright applies to nearly all intellectual and creative works, including, but not limited to: books, journals, magazines, photographs, art, music, sound recordings, computer programs, websites, movies, dance choreography, architecture, blog postings, images you post online and more.

Copyright May Vary

Different countries have passed different laws regarding copyright and copyrighted content. Because of this, be sure that if you use music or resources from international artists that you look at the copyright laws in that particular region.