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Finding Films: Streaming Video and DVDs

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Public Showings

This guide will help you find and enjoy films in various formats

Public Performance Rights

Public Performance Rights (PPR) are the legal rights to publicly show a film or video. Normally the media producer or distributor manages these rights. The rights-holder can assign PPR to others through a Public Performance License. These rights are NOT needed for classroom use.

Public Performance FAQ and Definitions

When are Public Performance Rights Required?
PPR are required for all screenings of copyrighted media to audiences outside of regular curriculum. 
Examples:

  • Student club events
  • Extracurricular sponsored events such as general lectures
  • Film series

PPR are not required for screening media in the context of face-to-face teaching in the service of regular curricula.
See: Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 110 of the United States Code

How do I get PPR?

Some vendors of educational films include PPR in the sale.  The record for a film in the Library catalog may indicate that PPR have been purchased.

If PPR need to be obtained, these licenses are arranged through the Video Services department of Media Technology Services (MTS) 

To see what is currently streaming, visit movies.bc.edu. This link will only work on campus.