NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A new licensing service makes it possible for churches to show popular movie clips and videos without fear of violating copyright laws.
United Methodist Communications (UMCom) has partnered with Christian Video Licensing International to distribute the licenses, according to the United Methodist News Service. The licenses cover lawfully manufactured videocassettes and DVDs of most major Hollywood features, whether the videos have been purchased, rented or borrowed.
License fees are based on a church's membership and cover an unlimited number of videos. Churches with 49 or fewer members pay a $45 annual fee; 50 to 99 members, $75; 100 to 499 members, $150; and 500 or more, $200.
The licenses are available through UMCom's customer service office, (888) 346-3862.
"It's the right thing to do, both ethically and morally," the Rev. Kathy Noble of UMCom's resourcing team said in a news release. "We see headlines every day reflecting unethical behavior in the public sector. The church, if anybody, should avoid becoming part of that phenomenon.
"I do not know of a church leader who'd walk into a Blockbuster, pick up a video and walk out without paying," Noble said. "Using videos without proper licensing is exactly the same thing. We're taking money from the pockets of the creators of the videos."
Copyright law gives copyright owners control over their products, and ensures that creators are paid for their work. Showing a video without owner authorization carries fines ranging from $500 to $20,000, according to the release.
