Do You Have a Church Video License?
The majority of videos and DVDs in the center are licensed for church use. However, we do have some at the center that require a Church Video License. (These are clearly marked.)
Your congregation also may show video clips at worship, in Sunday school, or with fellowship groups. Movies and clips are great discussion starters and often can provide us with images and metaphors that transcend words.
However . . . have you noticed the FBI warning at the beginning of a DVD or VHS tape? The Federal Copyright Act of 1976 stipulates that pre-recorded videos and DVDs are authorized for personal home use only. Any public performance – even a free public performance – requires special permission. The bad news is that violations can result in substantial fines of up to $30,000. The good news is that churches can get a blanket license to protect them when they show movies and clips.
The process is simple. Your church can purchase a yearly license from Church Video Licensing International. CVLI offers you two options: 1) a package that covers only on family-based and religious themes, or 2) a package that includes movies from many studio producers. Fees are scheduled according to package and church size. For instance, a church with 1-99 members opting for the Family Values Package would pay $55 for a year’s license. If that same church chose the Total Package, it would pay $190 for the year. The $190 Total Package is available to churches with membership ranging from 1-499, churches with 500-999 members would pay $265, and congregations that have larger memberships pay higher fees. Please go to www.cvli.com for more information.
It is important (not to mention legal) to get a CVLI license if you intend to show movies and video clips that are not from the Media & Resource Center and/or that are not specially licensed for church use. Please consider this as you enter into your ministries for 2007-2008.
I Can't Find…
If you cannot find a title call the center at (1) 877-677-2594, ext. 1020 or email: media(at)gnjumc.org
Media Center Update
A new catalog will be available online soon. While it will not be complete (Janet Stafford is still re-cataloging the resources), it will be more up to date than the catalog that is currently available.
Please note that Janet Stafford's hours will be different during the week of July 8, as she will be teaching at the Youth School of Christian Mission July 13, 14, and 15.
She will be at the Media Resource Center the following days:
- Monday July 9 (9:00-2:00),
- Tuesday July 10 (9:00-200),
- Wednesday July 11 (9:00-3:00), and
- Thursday July 12 (9:00-2:00).
Also, please note that Janet will be on vacation the week of August 5.