Frequently Asked Questions.
Copyright Compliance
- What does Swank do?
- Why do I need Swank’s services?
- What is a public performance?
- Does copyright law apply to my organization?
- Do we need a license if someone owns the movie on DVD or a streaming platform?
- Who’s responsible if a film is shown without a license?
Copyright Compliance
What does Swank do?
Swank provides movies and movie licensing to correctional facilities, colleges, healthcare facilities, public libraries, and dozens of other entities that want to show films legally on their property. We work with everyone from the best studios in Hollywood to the most innovative indie film companies to help individuals turn everyday events into extraordinary experiences.
Why do I need Swank’s services?
According to the Federal Copyright Act, copyrighted materials like movies can only be used for a public performance if they’re properly licensed. However, neither the rental nor purchase of a movie carries the right to exhibit it outside of one’s home. So how can you get your movie licensed to show it? That’s where we come in.
What is a public performance?
A public performance is a movie shown outside someone’s home. Fees collected for public performance licensing compensate the copyright owners and the individuals who work on a film from start to finish. Most major and many independent studios trust Swank to provide public performance licensing for their library of movies.
Does copyright law apply to my organization?
This law applies to everyone, regardless of the following:
- Whether admission is charged.
- Whether the institution is commercial or nonprofit.
- Whether a federal, state, or local agency is involved.
- What year the movie was produced.
This means colleges, universities, public schools, public libraries, daycare facilities, parks, recreation departments, summer camps, churches, private clubs, prisons, lodges, businesses, and more all must properly license movies to show them publicly.
Do we need a license if someone owns the movie on DVD or a streaming platform?
Yes. A license is required for all public performances. The rental, purchase, lending, or download of a movie only provides the right to exhibit it publicly outside the home unless the screening is properly licensed.
Who’s responsible if a film is shown without a license?
The management of the correctional facility where the movie is shown bears the ultimate responsibility and consequences of copyright infringement. However, anyone involved with the public performance of copyrighted material could be implicated.
Billing
How much does a public performance license cost?
Licensing costs depend on a few simple variables. Please request a quote or give us a call at 1.888.416.2572 to discuss pricing.
Whom do I call for billing and payment information?
For questions involving invoices and payments, please contact Customer Service toll-free at 1.800.876.5445.
Where do I send payment?
Please call customer service at 1.800.876.5445 to pay over the phone with a credit card, or mail payments directly to:
Swank Motion Pictures, Inc.
2844 Paysphere Circle
Chicago, IL 60674
Ordering Information
Swank offers several convenient and affordable ways to legally show movies in correctional facilities:
- Public Performance Site License – Do you already have access to a library of movies? If so, a performance site license allows you to show as many movies as you wish for a year as long as they were produced by a studio Swank represents. Download this brochure for details.
- Public Performance Site License + DVD – If you want to show a number of movies but do not have access to a movie library, we offer a discounted rate on DVD rentals when you purchase an annual site license.
- DVD Rentals – If you rent DVDs from us, the public performance license for that title is included. Keep the DVD for 30 days and show the movie as often as you wish before returning it to Swank.
Do you offer edited R-rated movies?
Yes. Swank is the only source to distribute edited versions of many R-rated movies, offering a wide variety of titles for your population.
Terms and Conditions
What are the license restrictions for my movie?
Your order is for a limited license to exhibit only during the agreed-upon time at the specified place.
Can I use my own copy of the movie?
Yes. After licensing the show with Swank, you may use your own copy of the movie as long as it is from a legal source, such as a rental company or a personal collection.
Does Swank provide the movie?
We distribute movies in DVD or special formats upon request. They will arrive at least two business days before your license date.
How do I return the movie to Swank?
Movies must be returned on the first business day following the scheduled showing. You are responsible for the movie while it is in your possession and until we receive it. Charges will apply for any delay in returning your movies, up to and including an additional full rental charge. The shipping and handling charge includes postage for delivery to you and for returning the movie to Swank.
Renting DVDs
Do you have any titles that are rated R and edited?
Yes. Swank is the only source to distribute edited versions of many R-rated movies, offering a wide variety of titles for your population.
How long can I rent the DVD?
Your order is for a limited license to exhibit only during the agreed-upon time at the specified place.
How soon do I receive the DVD?
They will arrive at least two business days before your requested show date.
How do I return the DVD?
Movies must be returned on the first business day following the scheduled showing. You are responsible for the movie while it is in your possession and until we receive it. Charges will apply for any delay in returning your movies, up to and including an additional full rental charge. The shipping and handling charge includes postage for delivery to you and for returning the movie to Swank.