FAQ

Do I need To Get A License To Show A Movie?

Yes! Remember the FBI warning that is on all of the DVDs you own? It states that the movie is for “Home Use Only”. Here’s what it means – If you are holding a private party in your backyard that will only be attended by friends and relatives, you can usually use any DVD you or your friends already own with no problems. If however you are hosting a corporate event or an event presented by an organization (yes, even your church or school) then you will have to acquire a public performance license.

Why Do I Need To Purchase A License?

The Federal Copyright Act (Title 17 of the U.S. Code) governs how copyrighted materials, such as movies, may be used. Neither the rental nor the purchase of a movie carries with it the right to show the movie publicly outside the home, unless the site where the movie is used is properly licensed for public exhibition.

Ownership of the movie and the right to use it publicly are two separate issues. The copyright holder retains exclusive public performance rights.

This legal copyright compliance requirement applies to schools, public libraries, daycare facilities, parks, recreation departments, summer camps, churches, private clubs, prisons, lodges, businesses, etc.

This legal requirement applies:

• Regardless of how the movies are obtained.
• Whether or not an admission fee is charged.
• Whether the facility or organization is commercial or non-profit.

Why Is Copyright Infringement A Concern?

The concept of “Public Performance” is central to copyright and the issue of protection for “intellectual property.” If an author, computer programmer, musician or movie producer does not retain ownership of his or her “work”, there would be little incentive for them to continue and little chance of recouping the enormous investment in time, research and development, much less profits for future endeavors.

MPAA Copyright Infringers Can Be Prosecuted

The Motion Picture Association of America and its member companies are dedicated to stopping film and video piracy in all its forms, including unauthorized public performances, illegal downloading, etc. The motion picture companies can go to court to ensure their copyrights are not violated.

Willful infringement for commercial or financial gain is a federal crime carrying a maximum sentence of up to five years in jail and/or a $250,000 fine.

Does US Copyright Law Apply To Bermuda?

Yes. But to be perfectly honest, the chances of getting caught in Bermuda are slim to none. However, we at Twilight Entertainment are NOT willing to take that chance. All it takes is one phone call for someone to report you or us!

If a public performance rights license is not obtained, the organization or venue where the movie is being shown can/will be held liable for copyright infringement by permitting movies to be used at their facility.

Are Churches, Non-Profits and Government Agencies Required To Obtain A License?

Yes. Copyright laws apply to all viewings of movies that take place outside the privacy of a home, regardless of the organization holding the event.

Are Schools Exempt From Obtaining A License?

Under the “Educational Exemption” copyrighted entertainment movies may be shown in a school without copyright permission only if ALL criteria are met:

• A teacher or instructor is present.
• The showing takes place in a classroom setting with only the enrolled students attending.
• The movie is used as an essential part of the core, current curriculum being taught. (The instructor should be able to show how the use of the motion picture contributes to the overall required course study and syllabus.)
• The movie being used is a legitimate copy, not taped from a legitimate copy or taped from TV.

How Much Does A License Cost?

The two largest licensing agents in the U.S.A. & Canada are Swank Motion Picture and Criterion. Since Bermuda is not a part of either of the fore-mentioned countries, Twilight Entertainment is unable to acquire public performance rights (movie licenses) from Swank and Criterion. Instead, we obtain public performance rights from licensing agents in Europe. As a result, the costs for the licenses are higher for us (you) and can range from $300 to $750 or even higher depending on the studio, title, event date and the size of the crowd.

How Long Does it Take to Obtain A License?

The average time it takes to obtain a license is 5 to 14 working days. The more advance notice you give the better.

Who Do I Pay?

The film licensing companies we are associated with do not conduct business with the general public. Twilight Entertainment will enter into a contract with the licensing agency on your behalf and collect your licensing fee. In the event of a cancelation (provided enough notice is given), the licensing agency will give Twilight Entertainment a credit and we will pass the credit onto you.

From Which Studios Can I Obtain Licenses?

At present, Twilight Entertainment can acquire public performance rights to screen movies from the following studios:

• 20th Century Fox
• Buena Vista / Walt Disney Studios
• Lionsgate
• MGM/United Artist
• Miramax
• Paramount
• Sony Pictures
• Universal
• Warner Bros

What Time Can The Movie Start?

Our projectors are bright enough to see images on the movie screen 10 minutes before sunset. However, for the best possible movie experience we suggest starting the movie 15 minutes after sundown.

How Much Power Is Needed?

It depends on the size of the screen and projector but generally it takes 3 or 4 15 amp circuits; these are your typical household outlets If power is not available at your event site, we can bring in generators for a small additional charge.

What Is The Best Age For A Video Game Party?

It’s really not a question of the right age – it’s a question of the right game for the right age. For younger players, a collection of simple, mini games work best. For kids from 8-12, games like Just Dance or The Lego Movie might be more appropriate. We have games such as Call of Duty: Ghost, FIFA 14 and others for the ‘big’ kids. We will obtain more game titles as they are released for the PS4.

How Long Is The Rental Period?

With the exception of our Meltdown inflatable game, we don’t have a strict time policy for our rentals. We are flexible and will work with you according to your needs.

Do I Have To Sign A Contract?

Yes. We do require all parties sign a contract. This is to ensure that all parties are protected and everyone has a clear understanding of the expectations. Our contracts are custom designed to meet the needs of our clients.

How We Priced Our Products?

Twilight Entertainment wants you, our clients to have as real a cinematic experience as possible while watching a movie on one of our screens. With this in mind, when doing our research we did in fact come across screens which cost less than the ones we currently have. However, the quality and durability of those lower-cost products were not satisfactory for our standards. For this reason, we purchased the movie screens we presently have along with professional HD video and audio equipment to provide the theatre quality movies that many of our clients are now enjoying.

What Happens If It Rains?

Prior to travelling to your event, we will check the weather radar. If there’s more than a 40% chance of rain, we will contact you to talk about options. If you are showing a licensed movie and are forced to cancel due to weather, we can usually arrange to re-rent the same movie within a year.