Student organization screenings of films or TV shows require licensing to comply with laws governing copyright.
Deadlines
- Confirm event space reservation at least 30 working days before the event.
- Submit Atlas registration at least 10 working days before the event.
- Send proof of Public Performance License to sole-events@mit.edu at least 5 working days before the event (if applicable).
Policies
- Public Performance Licenses are required for all film and TV screenings.
- Commercial content is copyright-protected and cannot be shown publicly without a license.
- Licenses are required even for restricted screenings within student groups.
- Violations may lead to disciplinary and legal action.
Preferred Vendors
- Kanopy: Access films with Public Performance Rights (PPR)—no additional license needed.
- Swank Motion Pictures and Criterion Motion Pictures provide Public Performance Licenses for screenings of films and television programs. If the copyright owner of the requested film or program grants your request for a screening, there is generally a fee of $300-$1,000 to obtain the Public Performance License required to screen the film. If the copyright owner denies your request, you will not be able to screen the film.