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 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.
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:
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.
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:
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.