Films, TV Shows, Documentaries, & Other Media

When RSOs submit Event Planning & Registrations (EPRs) in NvolveU for films/movies, here are some important reminders and guidelines as it relates to media and copyright law. 

We know this information can be discouraging, especially when we make connections through on-screen media. We encourage RSOs to contact the SLICE office with any further questions or planning assistance. 

 

COPYRIGHT LAW: 

  • Federal Copyright Law is very strict when it comes to how media (films/movies, TV shows, documentaries, NCAA games) is shared with public audiences. 

 

STREAMING SERVICE: 

  • You also cannot use a streaming service (YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, etc.) to circumvent this law. 
  • The penalty for breaking these laws can be quite severe and can include lawsuits, up to five years imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $250,000. 

 

PUBLIC DOMAIN: 

  • Although media content may be available for free on YouTube, they are not in the Public Domain and remain under Copyright protection. 
  • If they are actively licensed to various streaming services, then they are not free for Public Use. 
  • Domain refers to creative works no longer under Copyright protection, and the intellectual property rights are currently owned and managed by specific companies. 
  • Widespread availability on free, ad-supported streaming services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel can lead to confusion. 
  • However, "free to stream" does not mean "in the public domain." These platforms are official license holders who pay for the right to distribute the content. 

 

PUBLIC PERFORMANCE RIGHTS (PPR): 

  • PPRs are the legal rights to show a copyrighted film in public settings like a community movie night, a school event, or a film festival, even if no admission is charged. 
  • You must get a PPR to show a film publicly, as simply owning or renting a film does not grant you permission to show it to groups. A PPR, which includes the film rental, can cost between $500-$1,000. 
  • If you search for a Film/Movie title and it is listed as a Drama or Comedy, you cannot use it, but if it is coded as a Documentary, it will state the following under the synopsis of the Film/Movie: Grant of Permission for Educational Screenings. 

 

EDUCATIONAL SCREENINGS PERMISSION (ESP): 

  • To find scripted movies and TV shows that are available for Educational Screenings, visit media.netflix.com and search for the title, or recent and upcoming releases. 
  • Titles available for Educational Screenings will display the grant of permission. 

 

NETFLIX EDUCATIONAL SCREENINGS PERMISSION: 

  • Here is a list of Netflix Documentaries available for Educational Screenings: https://help.netflix.com/en/node/57695
  • Netflix Original Shows or Documentaries may be available for one-time Educational Screenings. 

 

NETFLIX GUIDELINES FOR DOCUMENTARIES: 

  • Film/Movie or TV Show may only be accessed via the Netflix service, by a Netflix account holder. 
  • The screening must be non-profit and non-commercial. 
  • You CANNOT charge admission, or solicit donations, or accept advertising or commercial sponsorships in connection with the screening. 
  • Please DO NOT use Netflix’s logos in any promotion for the screening or do anything else that indicates that the screening is “official” or endorsed by Netflix. 

 

SWANK MOTION PICTURES: 

  • If you are not doing an Educational Screening, please email Fred Coudret: fcoudret@swankmp.com, our Account Executive with Swank Motion Pictures, Inc, to request the following OR find Films/Movies that fit your budget. 
    • Swank Order Confirmation/Swank Invoice 
    • Swank Exhibition Request Form
    • Swank Film Licensing Copyrights

 

CONTRACT SIGNING REMINDER:

  • UNL staff and RSO advisors, officers, and group members are NOT authorized to sign any contracts on behalf of their Recognized Student Organization (RSO). 
  • The Director of SLICE is delegated by the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska to sign contracts on behalf of RSOs. 

 

PRIVATE PERFORMANCE:

  • You show a film/movie to a private audience (i.e., just your immediate circle of friends or family). 
  • You do not charge an admission fee, and do not advertise the event (this includes publication beyond your RSO on NvolveU and social media). 
  • Events limited to just your RSO or recruitment DO NOT count as private audiences. 

 

PUBLIC PERFORMANCE: 

  • You are opening a film/movie to a group larger than your immediate family or circle of friends such as the campus or public audience. 
  • You are charging an admission fee. 
  • You are advertising through public venues (bulletin boards, emails, and social media posts). 
  • You need to obtain public viewing rights. 
  • Outdoor films/movies are always public viewings. 

 

PRIVATE LOCATION: 

  • The film/movie is shown in a private location, i.e., a residential space (common areas do not count) or a classroom for educational purposes, etc. 
  • Individuals passing by should not be able to view the film/movie you are showing. 
  • The Nebraska Union spaces are NOT considered Private Locations. 
  • Similarly, fraternity and sorority houses are also NOT considered Private Locations. 
  • Any event in a chapter house where media is being shown should be limited to residents, members, and immediate guests. 

 

PUBLIC LOCATION: 

  • The film/movie is shown in a space that has public viewing, even if the event is private/invited only. 
  • For example, a film/movie shown on Meier Commons (Nebraska Union Greenspace) may be gated and closed off to the public, but if the film/movie is viewable from outside the space, the location is not private. 
  • The Nebraska Union spaces are considered Public Locations. 

 

NCAA Guidelines for Non-Commercial Viewing Parties: 

The NCAA's copyright policy, applicable to all member institutions including UNL, governs the use of game broadcasts by campus groups. The following rules must be followed for a lawful viewing party: 

  • No admission fee: No charge can be collected from attendees to watch the broadcast. 
  • No sales: You cannot sell food, beverages, or merchandise. Attendees must either bring their own or receive items for free. 
  • No outside sponsors: Commercial advertising or third-party sponsorship is prohibited during the event. 
  • Limited promotion: The event can only be promoted to members of the student organization and other UNL-affiliated parties. 
  • Adherence to copyright law: All parties must comply with U.S. copyright laws, including regulations regarding screen size. A large-screen projection may require a special commercial license. 

 

UNL Policies for Non-Commercial Husker Football Watch Parties: 

In addition to the NCAA rules, RSOs at UNL must also adhere to university regulations for using campus facilities and copyrighted materials: 

  • Reserve Space: Your RSO must formally reserve a space in the Nebraska Unions or on campus and may need to consult with SLICE staff. 
  • Consult Licensing and Branding: If your RSO wants to create any branded merchandise (like t-shirts) for the event, the design must be reviewed and approved by the UNL Licensing and Branding department. 
  • No unauthorized logos: RSOs cannot use the Nebraska "N" logo alongside non-athletic sponsor logos. For a viewing party, it would be safest to avoid all third-party and commercial logos. 

Recognized Student Organization Advisor Manual