Do films in the Libraries include public performance rights (PPR)?

What are Public Performance Rights (PPR)

Public Performance Rights (PPR) are the legal rights to publicly show a film or video (media). Normally the media producer or distributor manages these rights. The rights-holder (or their designate) can assign PPR to others through a Public Performance License.

Most of our streaming collections include some titles with PPR, except for films that we license through Swank. Below are the PPR details for some of our largest streaming databases. The rights granted when a film is purchased with PPR vary among distributors, which are noted below.

• Alexander Street Press collections: Most films purchased from Alexander Street include PPR which permit screenings outside of curriculum-related use as long as no admission is being charged. All films through Alexander Street include PPR except FILM PLATFORM and National Theatre titles.
• Kanopy: Some Kanopy films include PPR. To find films with PPR, you can either apply the PPR filter to search results or look for the PPR icon on a results page for a film. For films with PPR included, advertising is generally ok with credit given to Kanopy, the screening can be open to the general public, and no admission fee can be charged.
• Films on Demand: All titles include PPR which permit screenings outside of curriculum-related use as long as there is no commercial use of the film and/or income generating activities related to the screening.
• Docuseek: All titles include PPR which permit screenings outside of curriculum-related use as long as no admission is charged and there is no advertising outside the learning community.
• Feature Films for Education: All titles include PPR as long as no admission is charged
• Swank: All Swank titles exclude PPR 

If you have further questions about PPR for a film in one of our streaming collections, contact Emily Cox. 

Since the NC State University Libraries acquires media to support the curriculum, and classroom teaching is exempt from PPR, we do not typically secure PPR for viewings outside of course-related use due to higher associated costs.

How can I get public performance rights for a screening on campus?

To obtain performance rights for media at NC State, please reach out to the rights holders directly. Companies such as Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. and Criterion Pictures USA license feature film content to non-theatrical markets. For other films, you may need to contact the producer or distributor directly.