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What movies are covered under my licence?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are some popular Christian movies not covered by the CVLI Licence?

Unfortunately, some producers have elected to go with their own licencing strategies, instead of the blanket coverage that CVLI provides. As a legal owner of intellectual property, that is certainly their right. Nevertheless, we continue to dialogue with these producers and remain hopeful for eventual coverage agreements.

But keep in mind: CVLI represents 700+ producers (including several major Hollywood studios) and thousands of titles, so we are able to offer the best value by far when it comes to Church Movie licencing.

We own the movie, do we still need a licence to view or show it in public?

Yes. The location requires a licence regardless of who owns the movie. While you may own the actual movie, you are only granted the right to view it in a personal, private setting. Any public screening requires a licence.

Once I have my licence, do I need to call CVLI and obtain permission to show a covered movie?

No. Your Certificate of Licence states your right under copyright law to show copyrighted motion pictures and other programs that are available for rental or purchase in any legal format, such as DVDs, in your specified facility, without the need to contact us.

What are the advertising restrictions?

1. The outdoor exhibition is held on the Facility(ies) identified in the Application or as Licensee otherwise notifies (no off-site facilities).
2. The outdoor exhibition is not visible from the street or any adjacent property.
3. The outdoor exhibition audience is limited to members of the facility or church and their guests. It is not open to the general public or non-members.
4. No admission or other fee will be charged to the audience.
5. The exhibitions cannot be used to endorse any goods or services.
6. Regarding advertising (Term ‘4. RIGHTS’ of the Licence Terms):

• Limits the audience to authorized viewers of a licensed facility.
• No specific titles, or any characters from such titles, or producers’ names will be advertised or publicized to the general public (the major studios view any advertising as competing with the local theaters and/or title by title distributors).
• This restriction applies to local papers, the internet, radio, television, outdoor marquees, flyers outside the facility, and any other media outlet to the general public.
• Any promotion is limited to a posting of a “movie night” on the Licensee web site.
• Within the licensed facility it is fine to post flyers and include the title, characters, and production company of the movie. This information may be included in mailings or emails sent directly to facility or church members.

We do not charge admission. Do we still need a licence?

Yes. The Copyright Act states that regardless of whether an admission fee is charged, a licence is required. In fact, the licence does not cover showings where an admission fee is charged.

We are a non-profit. Do we still need a licence?

Yes. The legal requirement to obtain a licence applies equally to non-profit and for-profit organisations.

We are a Sunday school or child care center; do we qualify for a “face to face” teaching exemption?

No. The educational exemption is narrowly defined and applies to full-time, non-profit academic institutions.

We rent our facility to other groups. Who is liable for copyright infringement?
The exhibitor is considered the “primary infringer,” but the owner may be held vicariously liable or considered to be a “contributory infringer.”

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