FAQ : Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Public Performance License?
- Why is Motorcoach Movies appointed to issue Public Performance Licenses?
- What if our passengers bring their own copy of a movie – do we need a Public Performance License?
- We already have an ASCAP/BMI license provided by the ABA and UMA. Do we need an additional license to show movies?
- What if a video store says it is okay to exhibit their rented or purchased entertainment videos and DVDs on a motor coach?
- Do we have to buy any movies from Motorcoach Movies?
- What are "royalties"?
- How much does a Public Performance License cost and what does it cover?
- Is applying for a Public Performance License complicated?
What is a Public Performance License?
A Public Performance License allows copyrighted entertainment from major movie studios that has been licensed for “Home Use Only” to be exhibited in a public or semi-public setting such as a motor coach. For specific requirements, please reference The Copyright Act of 1976, Public Law No. 94-553, 90 stat 2541: Title 17; Section 110 (i).
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Why is Motorcoach Movies appointed to issue Public Performance Licenses?
Our parent company, Swank Motion Pictures, Inc.®, is and has been for over 70 years, the exclusive licensed provider of most major Hollywood movies for motion picture rentals and licenses in most non-theatrical areas, including schools, libraries, colleges, hospitals, cruise ships, motorcoaches, correctional facilities and more.
What if our passengers bring their own copy of a movie – do we need a Public Performance License?
Yes. Regardless of whether a motorcoach company, the chartering group of the passengers provide the film, all films must be licensed.
We already have an ASCAP/BMI license provided by the ABA and UMA. Do we need an additional license to show movies?
Yes. The license provided by ASCAP/BMI, through the ABA and UMA, allows a company to play music on tapes, CDs, etc. on their coaches. The license from ASCAP/BMI is separate from the license issued exclusively by Motorcoach Movies and does not cover movies.
What if a video store says it is okay to exhibit their rented or purchased entertainment videos and DVDs on a motor coach?
Video stores rent or sell entertainment for home use only and cannot provide legal permission to use outside the home. Ownership of the movies and the right to use them publicly are two separate issues. The copyright holder retains exclusive public performance rights. A customer can, for example, buy a DVD of a movie, but they do not have the right to bring it on the bus to watch without a license.
Do we have to buy any movies from Motorcoach Movies?
No. We do not sell copies of movies. As long as your movies are borrowed, rented or purchased from a legal source, they can be shown under the Public Performance License. We do provide edited movies, which are available for an additional monthly rental fee.
What are "royalties"?
Royalties are the major way publishers, writers, composers, software developers, playwrights and production crews are paid for their work. These laborers receive much of their compensation from royalties; and, many such royalties are collected through licensing fees.
How much does a Public Performance License cost and what does it cover?
The annual cost is affordable and based on the number of coaches owned by a company. It allows an unlimited number of exhibitions on the motor coach of all the entertainment movies currently being rented or sold for “Home Use Only” from Buena Vista Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios, Miramax Films, Warner Bros., Warner Independent Pictures, Hanna-Barbera, Allied Artists, Lorimar Telepictures, RKO Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Classics, Republic Pictures, Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Revolution Studios, Screen Gems, DreamWorks Pictures, Go Fish Pictures, Lionsgate, Artisan Films, Universal Pictures, Focus Features, October Films, Polygram, MGM, United Artists, Orion Pictures, Pathe-Cinema, Dimension Films, New Line Cinema, Fine Line Features, First Look Pictures, Picturehouse, IFC Films, ThinkFilms, Dimension Films and HBO. The license runs for 12 consecutive months from start date. For pricing, call Motorcoach Movies toll-free at 1-888-416-2572 or email us at mail@motorcoachmovies.com
Is applying for a Public Performance License complicated?
No. One phone call or email can often do it. All that is required is the name of your company, the address and the number of motorcoaches needing to be licensed.
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Are you licensed?
Unlicensed coaches are subject to fines up to $150,000. Make sure to obtain a Public Performance License today. Learn more about copyright compliance here.
Member Associations
If you are a member of any of these associations you may be eligible to receive a discount on your order.