Movie Licensing and Copyright
It is important to make sure you, and your students, are mindful of copyright laws and appropriate licensing when using videos, movies, clip art, photos, and other items. These include media searched for in a search engine and downloaded. While you may be able to download a picture from a search engine, this doesn't mean you or your students are able to use freely. See below for tools, tips, and licenses that you are able to reference when using media.
Movie Licensing
We have two licenses (MPLC and SWANK) that cover "most" of the major motion picture studios. This covers showings for educational purposes, movie nights, and recreational movies shown within the school building. These licenses do not cover showing movies shown outside of the school building (even on school property). The school must contact the technology department or the licensing agent for information and licensing costs regarding other venues or studios not covered by MPLC and SWANK.
You are able to promote your showing of a movie, though, if promoting on a website, radio, or electronically, the movie name and the studio name are not able to be used. You must be generic in these communications. However, printed fliers and posters can use the name of the movie and/or motion picture studio.
Sites ask whether they can use Netflix or Disney+ to stream if we have SWANK and MPLC. The answer is fairly complex, unfortunately. While the MPLC/SWANK licenses allow you to show the movie pubically, the Netflix and Disney+ licensing do not allow for public peformances and your account may be cancelled or there may be a legal risk. Here is a legal discussion of this issue: https://www.wnylrc.org/ask-the-lawyer/filter/68
If you have any questions, please contact the Technology department.
MPLC District License
Click the link to view or download our TTUSD MPLC District License that covers the following studios: 20th Century Fox, A&E, Animal Planet, Fox Searchlight, Discovery, History, HiT Entertainment, Miramax, MoonScoop, Scholastic, and Sony Pictures Classic.
MPLC Studio List and Information on Choosing Films
MPLC Programming Guide and List of Popular Titles
SWANK District License
Click the link to view or download our TTUSD SWANK licenses by school site. SWANK covers the following motion picture distributors: Walt Disney Pictures, Disney-Pixar, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, Lionsgate, DreamWorks, Screen Gems, Summit Entertainment, MGM, Focus Features, Miramax, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, United Artists, New Line Cinema, Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, and Global Road Entertainment.
SWANK Ideas, Copyright and License Information, and FAQ's
SWANK includes tips, tricks, ideas, and promotional materials on their website. These materials include posters, bookmarks, activity sheets, movie ballots, and more. Make sure to use our license customer number when you get to the login screen. This is found under "ID" on the site movie license.
Copyright
Copyright can be confusing, especially for educators. Fair use does cover some items when using media in your classroom, though it is important to make sure you are using "fair use" appropriately. This is also true for your students as they gather resources and materials and are publishing their own information. Below are links to information that you may find helpful as you follow good digital citizenship and copyright law.
Guide to Finding Media in Classroom Projects
Pictures, videos, and audio files. Can I use them in my classroom project? There are links here included to find copyright free images, video, and music for use in your classroom and student projects.
Stanford University Copyright and Fair Use Guide
Photos for Class
Search now to download properly attributed, Creative Commons photos for school.