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Movies in the park. Copyright violation? Yard games

Started by MarkR21 • 10 replies • 429 views

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MarkR21 (North Carolina)
Posts: 710
Posted:
Can our HOA sponsor movies in the park or do we have to worry about copyright issues? I assume we would get the latest dvd releases unless there is a way to get more current movies?

Also thinking of buying a shad and some yard games like horse shoes, frisbees, disc golf. Anyway to prevent games from going missing or should I just plan to regularly replace stuff

Thanks

MichaelT21 (Arkansas)
Posts: 501
Posted:
To legally show movies in the park, you need to obtain a license from a vendor. I can't name vendors here, but the license costs about $360 for under 50 people and about $460 for between 50 and 200 people.
SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
What Michael said. Sometimes people manage to get away with this, but I wouldn't risk it, especially as studios have started to crack down on this stuff.

The prices may be a little different in your area and of course the movie you pick may be higher or lower. If you don't know what vendor to call, you may the be able to get a reference from a local theater or even a museum (the art museum in my area sponsors movie nights)

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius
BillD16 (Texas)
Posts: 971
Posted:
I think swank.com and criterion.com are two of the more well-known licensing outfits. Chances are there are businesses near you that will rent projectors and screens and speakers, and they’ll almost certainly be able to steer you properly.

But yeah, you’ll have to arrange proper licensing for a ‘public performance’ of most contemporary works. Although if you like Charlie Chaplin, a lot of his stuff is currently in Public Domain.

BillD
HOA Board ex-President
Austin, Texas USA

“You can’t put too much water in a nuclear reactor”
MichaelT21 (Arkansas)
Posts: 501
Posted:
If the $$$ is concerning (as it is to most), you can solicit local businesses to sponsor the event and help offset the cost. We just did that and got tremendous support from local businesses, so all of our costs will be paid by others for our event in exchange for advertising.
MarkR21 (North Carolina)
Posts: 710
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MichaelT21 on 06/02/2022 6:35 PM
To legally show movies in the park, you need to obtain a license from a vendor. I can't name vendors here, but the license costs about $360 for under 50 people and about $460 for between 50 and 200 people.

That’s $360 PER MOVIE?
BarbaraT1 (Texas)
Posts: 821
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MarkR21 on 06/03/2022 12:06 PM
Posted By MichaelT21 on 06/02/2022 6:35 PM
To legally show movies in the park, you need to obtain a license from a vendor. I can't name vendors here, but the license costs about $360 for under 50 people and about $460 for between 50 and 200 people.


That’s $360 PER MOVIE?

Yes.

There are many companies that do outdoor movies, not just the licensing but bring in a giant inflatable screen, popcorn machine etc. Let them do all the work.

As for games, if you have the volunteers for it, you could implement a check out system where people have to leave a deposit or their ID to borrow the items. If you want them for social events just have volunteers to loosely supervise their use and yes, expect to replace regularly.
MichaelT21 (Arkansas)
Posts: 501
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By MarkR21 on 06/03/2022 12:06 PM
Posted By MichaelT21 on 06/02/2022 6:35 PM
To legally show movies in the park, you need to obtain a license from a vendor. I can't name vendors here, but the license costs about $360 for under 50 people and about $460 for between 50 and 200 people.


That’s $360 PER MOVIE?

Yes.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
You can always take the chance that the company won't find out.
However, I wouldn't do it.

When I was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, the little theater group put on a Neil Simon play.
They had purchased licenses for two performances.
There was so much turnout, they did the play a third time.

A few months later, they got a bill for the third performance.

Nobody said anything to the company about doing a third performance.
They still found out and that was on an isolated military installation prior to the existence of social media.

Like I said, don't take the chance of doing the airing without a license.
MichaelT21 (Arkansas)
Posts: 501
Posted:
I don't think it's about whether or not to take chances.

As a Board member on a corporation made up of your neighbors, one should follow the law. One shouldn't risk making the HOA liable for huge penalties due to copyright violations. Plus it is the right thing to do.

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