Copyright for communications, spaces and events

Playing film or video

Commercial releases

For many titles, a non-theatrical licence can be obtained from the distributor for a single screening in return for a fee. For example:

• Australian Film Societies Federation – Maintains a list of Australian distributors to contact for local and international films and documentaries.
• Kanopy – Ask the Library to check if public performance rights are offered for that title.

For other titles, you may have to seek permission from the rightsholder(s) directly. Check the copyright (©) notice to identify the correct rightsholder (usually the publisher) to approach.

The performance exception that permits the playing of video material in class does not extend to non-educational purposes.

Live broadcasts

There is an exception in the Copyright Act that permits live television and radio broadcasts to be played in public.

Online video

Check the licence terms for the service, and the specific item, to determine whether an online video can be played (performed) in public. The terms of service for a subscription provider, such as Netflix, expressly prohibit public performances of content. In contrast, YouTube obtains rights from users posting content to their site that enables other users to perform it publicly, so long as it isn’t downloaded or copied.

Open access films

There are large collections of films and documentaries that are copyright expired or released under a Creative Commons (CC) or other open licence that permit public performance.

Performing or playing music

The University Music Licence permits the performance or playing of commercially released music including:

• at University events where ticket prices are less than $60 (ex. GST) per person
• at University graduation ceremonies regardless of ticket price
• during University activities conducted off-campus
• in the workplace for the benefit of University staff.

The Music Licence does not cover playing music in campus business places that are not owned or operated by the University, such as the Union, guilds, clubs, societies, associations and gyms.

Refer to the Copyright Collecting Society Licences for details.

Subscription streaming services are usually limited to personal use. Consider a commercial tier or service that permits public performance of their catalogue.

Live radio broadcasts may be played in public under an exception in the Copyright Act.

Media production

Whether producing videos, sound recordings, web pages or graphics, it is good practice to assess the potential for copyright clearances for any third-party materials before they are included in a project. Contributions from actors, musicians, models and interview subjects may also be considered third-party material for clearance purposes.

The Copyright Clearance Form is useful for tracking copyright clearances throughout a project.

Copyright clearance methods include:

• Check if copyright has expired – Refer to Copyright Durations for details.
• Use open access materials – Search for materials with a CC licence or similar.
• Obtain a licence – Licences for stock videos and images can often be purchased.
• Obtain permission – Contact the author or publisher directly.
• Rely on the University Music Licence – Certain musical works can be included in videos and used on University websites and social media. Refer to the Music Licence summary for details.
• Performer releases – The University has a template Consent Form for this purpose.

Notices for copying equipment

Prescribed copyright notices are required on or adjacent to any publicly accessible equipment capable of copying or communicating published editions or audiovisual material, such as computers, photocopier/printer devices and recording equipment. The notices reduce the risk of authorisation infringement in the event that the equipment is used to infringe copyright.

The audiovisual copyright notice should be displayed in A4 format for this purpose.