Dear All,
I agree that consistency between vendors would be desirable and these
types of questions will become more complex as formats evolve from DVD/
PPR to digital licensing for campuses. My understanding of PPR has to
do with contractual definitions, actually, which probably vary from
lawyer to lawyer and from distributor to distributor. These, however,
are the ones that I have encountered over the years working at FMG
(many, many years ago) and now Kino Lorber, which I believe provide
clear guidelines.
"Non-Theatrical" is usually defined as a screening(s) to non-admission
paying audiences at non commercial venues, such as libraries,
colleges, universities, community centers, churches, synagogues, etc.
A Public Performance Rights license allows a non-profit institution to
purchase the PPR license, which is good for the life of the DVD, and
show the film for free to small groups (this could include inside of
a theater if admission wasn't charged and it was not advertised to the
public, more below) for an unlimited number of times.
A semi-theatrical exhibition can be determined by three criteria:
admission is charged; the screening is publicly advertised; more than
50 people are expected to attend. If two out of three of these
criteria are met, then a distributor can choose to ask for a one-time
exhibition fee. These criteria generally apply for festivals and for-
profit venues outside of traditional theaters. Sometimes the venue may
also ask to screen from a Digi Beta or HD cam, rather than a DVD,
adding a fourth criteria for a semi-theatrical license.
I hope this sheds some light or at least reassures this community that
there is logic/legal thought behind the various fees that the
distributors ask for.
Best,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Sheldon
Vice President
Kino Lorber, Inc.
333 W. 39th St., Suite 503
New York, NY 10018
(212) 629-6880
www.kinolorberedu.com
On Jan 24, 2011, at 11:07 PM, Jessica Rosner wrote:
I think that is just semantics. Nobody is selling films to theaters
for public performances. That is strictly rental. However MY can of
worms is why so many non theatrical licenses have a limit of 50
people. I have no idea why that number. I would think it would be
great if you get 100 people on a college campus to see a film. I
suspect it is meant to differentiate an "educational" showing from
one that might be part of regular student film series, but I have a
hard time imagining that is much of an issue these days with the
kind of films that are sold with PPR rights.
On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 10:46 PM, Wochna, Lorraine <[email protected]>
wrote:
Hi all,
Out of curiosity, not wanting to open pandoras box (it may be
inevitable)
When a vendor (ie, First Run) uses "non-theatrical public performance"
OR
When a vendor (ie, Film Media Group) uses "public performance allowed"
how are you defining "non-theatrical PPR" v. PPR.
thanks,
lorraine wochna
alden library
ohio university
athens OH 45701
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Jessica Rosner
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VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of
issues relating to the selection, evaluation,
acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current
and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It
is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for
video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between
libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and
distributors.
VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues
relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control,
preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and
related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective
working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication
between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and
distributors.
