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Copyright

TXST Kanopy Account

Kanopy is like an academic version of Netflix...with plenty (about 10k in all) of independent movies, documentaries, and 319 Criterion Collection films. You can watch it on your Roku, iOS, or Android device. 

Kanopy Logo with the words "Thoughtful Entertainment" under it.

Kanopy is extra exciting as it has a Public Performance Right (PPR) filter! When you search using this function, Kanopy will show you results for films that have already authorized clearance for the film to be showed to a group. NOTE: You still must follow Fair Use guidelines even with authorization. 

What are public performance rights?

Showing a movie or performing a musical work in a public setting (e.g., a club or organization) usually requires purchasing a public performance license. Just as you cannot rent a movie from a local video store and then screen it in a public space, you cannot show movies or perform musical works in a public setting without purchasing a public performance license, even if you're not charging admission.

An exception to this rule is when you are showing the film or playing the music in a face-to-face course.

When purchasing public performance rights, you will have to provide the distributor with:

  1. Your name and contact information;
  2. The location of the performance;
  3. The date and time of the performance;
  4. The estimated audience size.

Public Performance Rights at TXST

Get Library Approval

If you are planning on hosting a social event on campus that will involve a movie or TV show watch party, you will need to get clearance from a copyright librarian. The LBJ Student Center will not approve event reservations if you have indicated that a watch party will be occurring until you show proof of clearance from the library

How do I get approval?

Getting approval from a copyright librarian is luckily very easy! If you are considering doing a watch party event, email copyrightoffice@txstate.edu with the following details:

  • What are you planning on showing?
  • How does this viewing connect to your student organization?
  • Who will be the audience at this viewing (i.e. just  org. members, open to the public, etc.)?
  • Will you be charging people to attend this event?
  • How are you showing the copyrighted work (i.e. personal Netflix account, Kanopy, YouTube, etc.)?

A copyright librarian will respond in 1-2 business days either with approval or requesting more details. Once you get clearance from the librarian, you can forward that correspondence to the LBJ events team.