Looking at points which arise regarding the requirement for a Licence from the Motion Picture Licence Company Limited.

The Motion Picture Licence Company Limited (MPLC) has been around for over 30 years but it is only in the last few years that it has become more active in pursuing payments from operators within the hospitality sector. The company represents businesses which make “Movies” and is similar in principle to Performing Rights Society (PRS) who collect copyright payments for the playing of music in public places. The MPLC Licence ensures viewing of movies is legal and
that there are no copyright infringements.

So what actually is covered by this entity?

The obvious format are movies but also films made by Netflix and Amazon along with certain box set style dramas. They do not represent everyone but do cover the Hollywood Studios such as Walt Disney, Dream Works and Universal along with various TV production companies and certain international producers. Although they claim that their coverage is comprehensive it is not everyone therefore if you are looking to screen a film which is not main stream perhaps from an independent film producer then it may be outside the bank of copyrights they look after. Additionally if you are showing news, live sport, videos from You Tube (without main studio content), or videos made by customers a Licence will not be required.

Are there any exemptions?

It does not matter where the film can be viewed. Reception areas attract the same Licence requirement as a cinema or bar or restaurant and the legislation even covers children’s nurseries, care homes and if an event is undertaken outside Unlike the 2003 Licensing Act there is no exemption for incidental. On the principle as to whether a Licence is required, there is no difference as to whether the screening is offered for free or whether customers have to pay for the benefit.

What type of Licences can be secured?

If you are seeking to provide viewings of many films during the curse of the year an umbrella Licence may be the most cost effective way forward whereby an annual fee is paid based on the type of business and size of audience. This will allow an unlimited number of screenings with no requirement to report on the titles screened however this type of Licence does not cover situations whereby customers are charged to view the film and advertisement of the event is prohibited.

If the screening of the film is a one off such as an outdoor event which is to be marketed and in relation to which a charge for entry will be made, for example a traditional cinema night or a screening in an outside area then the best option would be to purchase a single title movie Licence. There is a set price structure in relation to this of the minimum guaranteed price for the title or 35% of the box office whichever is the greater.

There is an alternative to MPLC in the form of Film Bank. This company also do single title screenings and a public video screening Licence based on information available on the Film Bank website the cost would appear to be comparable. If you have accommodation in your premises and you are broadcasting television within each room then you will likely be required to purchase an MPLC licence for each room.