It’s becoming more common…
- Churches host special event movie nights.
- Pastors use movies to enhance sermon points.
- Sunday School teachers and childcare workers often use Videos to educate and entertain the kids.
- Youth leaders show the latest movies.
- Educators use films to train and inspire.
- The media staff insert movie scenes to energize announcements.
But all of these church workers may be, unknowingly, breaking the law.
What’s The Big Deal?
Most of us probably ignore that copyright warning at the beginning of the movie. But it’s there to remind people of the importance of abiding by the copyright law. Pre-recorded motion pictures and other audiovisual works (including DVDs, Blu-rays, online streaming and digital downloads) are authorized for personal, private use only.
Special permission must be granted for any public performance—and that includes churches. The Federal Copyright Act of 1976 stipulates that violations can result in substantial fines, up to $150,000 per infringement.
The Church Video License
Now, there’s an affordable, convenient solution. Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) and Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) have partnered to create Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI) and the Church Video License, which offers blanket copyright coverage for titles from 3,000+ producers.
