How to get public performance license Do I need permission, and how do I obtain it? Jul 7, 2025 · How to Get a License to Show Movies in Public Understand the legal nuances of showing films to an audience. Step 2: Tell us about your business Answer a few simple questions about your business Step 3: Secure your blanket music license Pay online to secure your music license and for those that cannot, our licensing representatives will follow up to complete Music licenses through these major PROs range from $250-$2,000/per year for public performance licenses, while those who want to make an advertisement using a song could pay up to $50,000 for a synchronization license. Whether you're planning a concert, theater production, or street performance, understanding the process is essential. . This license is generally required for businesses or venues that play music in public settings, ensuring creators are compensated for their intellectual property. Step 1: Choose your license type Select your business type so we can customize the music performance license for your establishment or company. Anytime a movie is shown outside of a home setting, federal copyright law says you must have a public performance license. Dec 18, 2024 · We’ll walk you through why getting this license is essential, how to get the license and how business insurance can help protect you from common DJ liabilities. Swank Motion Pictures licenses public performance rights for motion pictures from many major studios. If you want to show the same film again, you’ll need to obtain a new license. We are going to break down the basics of public performance licenses and explain everything you need to know about them, without being a music business wiz. Aug 4, 2023 · Ever asked what is Public Performance Licensing? Learn their importance and why they are a key part of the music industry to this day. Why do I need permission to perform the music? I want to record or videotape a song or record. When performances come to life in public spaces, there are numerous considerations that help ensure everyone involved is treated fairly. What are the consequences of underreporting venue capacity or event frequency? How do regional variations affect performing rights fees? Performing Rights Fee Definitions Important performance license factors for venues, event organizers, and artists. You do not need to obtain a public performance license for Individual or home viewing, for films in the public domain, or viewing of films in an in person classroom during regularly scheduled Public performance rights from more than 5,000 rightsholders globally with only a few title exclusions Enjoy unlimited exhibitions without any reporting requirements Every live performing artist should know about public performance licenses, including when to get one and what it includes. Obtaining a performance license and paying the license fees ensures that composers and arrangers are fairly compensated for the use of their music and that they have the incentive to create new music. A BMI license saves you the time and expense of getting the permissions you need to play music in your business. This comprehensive guide explains how to navigate the licensing process and ensure you’re showing movies legally. Apr 12, 2025 · Obtaining a performance license is a crucial step for artists, event organizers, and anyone involved in public performances. If these men and women do not receive this hard-earned revenue through sources like licensing fees, they may no longer invest their time, research and development costs to create new movies. Here’s what you need to do. This license is obtained directly from the music publisher. Aug 5, 2025 · Learn about public performance licenses: what they are, why they're required for using copyrighted works publicly, and how to secure one. In this video, we'll walk you through the process of obtaining a public performance license. A public performance license in India is a legal requirement for individuals or organizations intending to publicly play, perform, or show copyrighted music, films, or other audio-visual content. For instance, for public movie screenings, it defines the bounds of public and what it entails. You are required to have a permit for some public performances. BMI collects license fees from each user of music BMI licenses, and distributes to its writers and publishers all the money collected, other than what is needed for operating expenses. PROs tend to base their music licensing costs on factors like the size of your company, your potential audience, and more. Additional licensing isn’t usually required for private events, like wedding receptions or corporate parties, because they are considered private use. We'll cover what types of licenses are available, how to apply for one, and what to expect along What is a public performance? What does the ASCAP license do? I bought the record or sheet music. Apr 15, 2025 · What a public performance license is, who needs it, and how it protects creators and users in public settings. When to get permission If you perform music in public, or play recorded music in public, such as at a club, restaurant, concert, on the radio, or streaming on the web, you might need to obtain a public performance license. Try movie programming in your library with a Single Event Public Performance License. Feb 16, 2015 · Public performance licenses allow the purchasing organization, be it a school, church, or library, to show films from any of the studios covered by the license at a specific location. This license is essential to ensure that the creators or copyright holders of the content are appropriately compensated for the use of their work. Jul 12, 2025 · Publicly showing a movie – whether in a school auditorium, a restaurant, a summer camp, or even a business break room – requires obtaining a public performance license. Privacy Policy Aug 29, 2024 · Understanding the Importance of Public Performance Licenses In the vibrant world of creative expression, the way art is shared profoundly impacts both the audience and the artists. A public performance license defines terms that you are supposed to keep in mind as you obtain the license. Obtaining a public performance license for a film is relatively easy and usually requires no more than an email or phone call. Feb 15, 2023 · The specific permits and licenses required for events in New York City can vary depending on the size, location, and nature of the event. Learn how to legally show movies, TV shows, or news in your business with a public performance license. All rights reserved. This guide provides a clear path to obtaining the necessary public performance license. Avoid copyright issues with our simple licensing solution. Jul 15, 2025 · The price of a public performance license fluctuates based on several details of the event. A performance license is required whenever an artist wants to perform a song by someone else live, in front of a public audience. Details of how the MPLC Public Performance License for movies works in practice. Nov 29, 2024 · Synchronization License Necessary if you are pairing music with visual elements (e. Jul 12, 2021 · Figuring out how to get public performance rights for movies is a step that requires understanding of copyright licensing and will certainly take some time. You can use any legal media when playing our rightsholders’ and films. Aug 19, 2025 · A public performance license is a legal authorization permitting the public use of copyrighted musical works. We work on behalf of the world’s top studios to license movie screenings for a variety of non-theatrical markets – including parks, businesses and more – so they can create entertaining, engaging and Learn more: How to get a public performance license for your DJ business. Sep 25, 2025 · H3 FAQ 10: How long does it take to get a public performance license? The time it takes to obtain a license can vary depending on the licensing organization and the complexity of your request. This license protects a showing of a title that is not covered by the annual license. The requirements, fees, and process for obtaining a permit depend on where the performance will take place. Use the company's search function to find whether they own the rights to the film you wish to show. The responsibility for obtaining the Works is that of Licensee, and the costs of acquiring the Works are to be borne solely by Licensee and are separate and distinct from the agreed public performance license fee. Public Performance of Sound Recording A license for the public performance of sound recordings grants the right to play or broadcast recorded music in a public setting, including radio stations, CBC, television music services, satellite radio, background music services, and non & semi-interactive webcasting. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and legal ramifications. May 5, 2022 · Feel free to reach out to SESAC to learn if a public performance license is right for you. What about sampling and remixing? What if you’re not playing other artists’ original tracks, but rather sampling, mixing, and chopping? Do you need a public performance license in this circumstance? The short answer? It depends. Some common companies that license public performance rights include: An Annual Public Performance Site License allows you to legally show as many movies as you want anywhere inside your library for endless entertainment. Master Use License If using a specific recording of a song, this license is required from the recording’s owner (usually the record label). Why does your business need a public performance license? Jun 26, 2009 · Do I need a license to play music in my establishment? Yes! When you purchase a CD, MP3 or similar product, you are granted the right to non-public performance of the material, such as at home or in your car. The ASCAP Music License is the most efficient and affordable way to ensure your business, venue, event, radio or television station uses ASCAP music legally. Music is considered intellectual property, and its creators are entitled to compensation for its use. – if it is intended to be “for personal private use only,” it can be used for public performance with the MPLC license. Oct 17, 2023 · Performance rights organizations are responsible for granting public performance licenses to those who apply for them. MPLC specializes in Blanket Licensing, which offers a legal and compliant way to show copyright-protected content in public. Movie licensing refers to purchasing the rights to display a movie to a public audience. The licensing fees collected for public performance licenses go towards compensating the people who work on a movie production from start to finish. You usually need a licence from PPL PRS to play live or recorded music in public - includes playing background music at your business, and staging live music or theatre productions. A primary factor is the license type, as a single-use license for one film has a different cost structure than an annual blanket license. A performance fee is the license fee paid to copyright owners in order to legally perform publicly copyrighted compositions. You can learn how to apply for a musician or performer permit. The following is a general list of permits and licenses that may be required for events in New York City, according to information provided by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and the New York City Police Department (NYPD Feb 24, 2025 · What is Music Licensing? When music is played publicly, whether via speakers, a jukebox, or a live performance, it is considered a public performance. 4 million musical works of all styles, so there’s something for everyone, and a BMI license will cover it all. , video projections or recorded media) within your performance. Gain permission to use music from hundreds of thousands of songwriters and composers from every genre imaginable. If you are using someone else’s copyrighted music, there is a moral and legal obligation to obtain their permission to do so. Most will have an option available to request a quote for obtaining the public performance rights to the film. What is a Public Performance License? Who is responsible for obtaining a Public Performance License? Watch to find out!If you have questions about music lice Nov 13, 2025 · If faculty want to license rights for shorter periods or time or for specific uses, they should contact their College's technology coordinator. Jul 31, 2025 · The responsibility to secure public performance rights lies with the individual or organization showing the film. A public performance license is an agreement between a music user and the owner of a copyrighted composition (song), that grants permission to play the song in public, online, or on radio. How To Get A Public Performance License? In this informative video, we'll guide you through the process of obtaining a public performance license, which is e A public performance license ensures money will be paid to the entire cast and crew who worked on a film from start to finish. Frequently Asked Questions What is public performance licensing? A performance license allows someone to show a movie outside of a home. While fees vary, they are generally between $200-400 per showing. Nov 13, 2025 · A public performance license is a formal agreement with the owners of a copyrighted musical composition that allows the license holder, such as a business owner, to play the composition publicly. It’s affordable, with unlimited exhibitions and, best A public performance license is a legal requirement for anyone who wants to play or perform copyrighted material—such as music, movies, or live performances—in a public setting. Venue Capacity The potential maximum audience for any single event at the location. Requiring the purchase of a public performance license ensures that the artists and businesses are fairly compensated for the work that they own the rights to. With access to thousands of movies, you’re able to design programs that encourage your patrons to celebrate, talk, catch up, learn something new and laugh together. May 25, 2023 · 2. A public performance is where a film or TV program is shown in a place where members of the public can see it outside of their own home. Jul 10, 2025 · A public performance license typically covers a single screening on a specific date and at a specific location. More specifically, the name of the license required is a public performance license. Show one of the best movies with this option from Movie Licensing USA. g. This includes broadcast television, DVD’s, satellite, cable TV channels or content streamed from the internet or a provider. There are two ways to do this: 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. Our Blanket License allows for public viewing of film, TV, and video content. Although you may have paid for a copy of the music, or are Aug 26, 2025 · Get clear on music licensing for live streaming and public performance rights, how to secure a public performance rights license and protect your streams from copyright issues. Understand its importance, application process, and legal requirements. Mar 28, 2023 · But besides mechanical licenses and sound recording licenses, there are also other types of licenses that are required when an artist wants to perform a song or parts of a song. The need for appropriate permissions is crucial in fostering a thriving Apr 20, 2021 · Contact these agencies to receive a public performance license before a DJ performance. Since groups of people are consuming the media, then a “group Jan 19, 2023 · Are you wondering how to license a movie for a public event, or are you unsure what movie licensing even is? Discover everything about movie licensing! Nov 5, 2024 · Explore everything about the Public Performance License in India. Swank helps spread the magic of movies beyond homes and theaters. However, each performance rights organization’s catalog is different, so one song that you want to use in a set might be under one organization while a different one is under another. Feb 6, 2024 · A public performance license is a legal authorization that allows you to play copyrighted music, films, or theatrical works in a public setting. Therefore, BMI acquires rights from writers and publishers and in turn grants licenses to use its entire repertoire to users of music. Copyright © 1999-2025 GoDaddy, LLC. Take note! Here's how to get one with information from Easy Song Licensing. Fees are determined by such factors as the number of times a particular movie is going to be shown, how large the audience will be and so forth. The Single Event Public Performance License is a limited license to exhibit only the agreed upon movie on the specified show date in your library. Nov 19, 2025 · You will need to obtain a public performance license if you plan to show a copyright protected film publicly at an event, gathering, or festival either, whether or not you are charging a fee for entry. Obtain a license online today at SESAC: Get a License, or schedule a consultation with a SESAC representative. BMI represents more than one million songwriters, composers and music publishers and over 22. After reading this article, every question you have about performance licenses will be answered in under 5 minutes. This license is essential because anytime you play copyrighted material outside of a personal setting, such as at an event or business establishment, it constitutes a public performance.