Planning and Licensing ... What you need to know.
Planning a public movie night at a park, school, or church? You’ll need a movie license to make it legal. At MoviesInThePark.co, we help you understand what’s required to host a smooth, stress-free event. While we don’t issue licenses, we guide you through the process and connect you with trusted licensing providers. Our team handles the big screen, sound, setup and pre-event marketing while you focus on creating a great experience for your community.
Why You Need a Movie License for Public Screenings?
If you plan to show a movie anywhere outside your home, you’ll likely need movie licensing. It doesn’t matter if it’s for ten people or a big crowd — if it’s in a park, school, church, or open space, it counts as a public performance.
To show a movie in public, you must get a licence to show films in public spaces. This keeps your event legal and safe from any issues. Without a proper movie licence, you risk breaking copyright law.
Even if your event is free, the rules still apply. A free movie license is not the same as watching something at home. You need permission from official movie licensing companies.
Groups like Swank movie licensing and Motion Picture Licensing make this easy. They help you follow the law and enjoy your event without problems.
Licensing means peace of mind. It protects your group, your guests, and your plans.
When Is a License Required?
Before you show a movie in a park, school, or any shared public space, you need to understand if it counts as a public event. This is key to avoiding legal issues and planning a smooth movie night.
What Counts as a Public Event?
A public event is any movie screening held outside your home and open to people beyond your family or close friends. Even if it's free to attend, it’s still considered public. You need a film license for public showing to stay compliant with copyright laws.
Private events, such as a movie night in your backyard with a few friends, don’t need licensing. But once the event takes place in a public setting, you’ll need proper movie licensing.
Examples of Events That Require a License
Here are some common events where a movie licence is required:
Community Movie Nights: Hosting a film in a local park, neighborhood block, or outdoor lot? If it’s open to the public, it’s a public performance and requires a film licence for public showing.
School Functions: Whether it’s a classroom treat, assembly, or school-wide movie night, schools need a movie license for schools. Even if the event is free or only for students, it still requires permission.
Church Gatherings: Faith-based events showing movies for youth groups, fundraisers, or holiday gatherings need a license too. Religious settings do not receive automatic exemptions from film licensing rules.
Corporate Events: Businesses showing movies for staff, customers, or at public marketing events must have a movie licence. This includes team-building events, family days, or customer appreciation nights.
Fundraisers and Charity Events: Nonprofits and community groups often hold movie nights to raise money or awareness. Even if you’re not making a profit, you still need a license to follow copyright laws.
Summer Camps or Library Programs: Seasonal programs often include movies for kids or guests. These are public viewings and must comply with licensing rules from trusted movie licensing companies like Swank Movie Licensing.
Licensing protects your event, your audience, and your reputation.
Consequences of Unlicensed Screenings
Skipping movie licensing might seem easy, but it can lead to serious problems. Showing a film without the proper movie licence is a violation of copyright law.
Legal Penalties: You may face heavy fines. These can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, especially for large or repeat events. Copyright holders take film licensing seriously.
Event Shutdowns: Studios or agencies may issue cease-and-desist orders. This can force you to cancel your event at the last minute, causing stress and disappointment.
Damage to Reputation: Cities, schools, or sponsors may lose trust in your team. Non-compliance can hurt your image and future partnerships.
Loss of Future Permits: If you break the rules once, local venues may be less willing to work with you again.
Avoid these issues by working with trusted film licensing services. Don't risk it get the right license before you buy film rights or plan your event.
How to Obtain a Movie License?
Getting the right movie licensing is easier than it sounds. You don’t need to go directly to a movie studio. Instead, work with trusted film licensing services that represent the studios for you.
Licensing Agencies
Two main companies offer legal access to thousands of movies:
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Swank Motion Pictures: Swank handles the motion picture licensing for big names like Disney, Warner Bros., and Universal. They’re a top choice for schools, parks, and community events.
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MPLC (Motion Picture Licensing Corporation): MPLC offers the Umbrella License, which covers many studios and lets you screen a wide range of movies throughout the year.
Licensing Options
You can choose the license that fits your needs:
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Single Event License: Great for one-time public events or special occasions.
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Annual License: Ideal for schools, churches, or cities that plan regular screenings.
Before you buy film rights or advertise your event, reach out to these companies. They’ll guide you through the process, help with questions, and make sure your event stays legal and safe.
Costs and Considerations
Before you host a public movie night, it's important to understand how licensing costs work. Planning ahead can save you from unexpected expenses and delays.
Pricing Factors
The cost of a movie license depends on several factors. These include the number of people expected to attend, the movie you choose, the type of event, and whether it takes place indoors or outdoors. Bigger crowds or newer movies often result in higher fees.
One-time events are usually priced differently than recurring programs. Some pricing may also vary based on how you plan to use the movie, such as for community enjoyment or a fundraising purpose. Understanding these factors can help you prepare your event budget correctly.
Budgeting Tips
Plan ahead: Add movie licensing to your event budget early in the planning process. This avoids last-minute costs and helps your team stay organized.
Ask for a quote: Contact the licensing company before you announce or advertise your event. They will help you choose the right license type based on your plans.
Look for yearly options: If you’re planning multiple movie nights throughout the year, ask if an annual license is available. This can reduce the overall cost.
Never skip the license: Skipping the license to save money can backfire. Fines and canceled events often cost far more. Always treat licensing like any other required permit.