I get a fair number of queries about whether or not it is permissible to show a film to a class of students. Film material usually contains a strict copyright warning along the lines of “This copyright work is licensed for private home use only. All other rights are reserved. Any unauthorised copying, editing, exhibition, lending, public performance or broadcast of this DVD is strictly prohibited.”

These notices often do not acknowledge that copyright laws contain exceptions which allow reuse of material – usually a limited or ‘fair dealing’ amount – for a certain purpose.

The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (CDPA) 1988 contains an exception for ‘Performing, playing or showing work in course of activities of educational establishments’. This permits the showing of sound recordings, films, or television and radio broadcasts within the university for the purpose of instruction. Therefore if the showing of a film is directly related to teaching, it would be permissible to screen to an audience made up of students and staff.

Showing films for other purposes such as for a movie night or film club, or for background viewing, requires a licence such as a Filmbankmedia licence.

If you have any queries about the copyright exceptions or licences, then contact YSJ’s Copyright & Licences Officer.