Question 1

Which organizations are behind the Church Video Licence?

Accepted Answer

The Church Video Licence and CVLI Vault are provided by CVLI (Church Video Licensing International), the result of a partnership between CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International), and MPLC (Motion Picture Licensing Corporation).

Question 2

Does CCLI/CVLI endorse all films authorised under the Church Video Licence?

Accepted Answer

CCLI/CVLI does not necessarily endorse the entire content of any film or TV programme covered. Before showing any title, in whole or in part, please preview and determine if the content is appropriate for your intended audience.

Question 3

We own a copy of the film, do we still need a licence to view or show it in public?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The location requires a licence regardless of who owns the film. While you may own a copy of the film, you are only granted the right to view it in a personal, private setting. Any public screening requires permission, which is usually provided by a licence.

Question 4

If our event is free to attend, do we still need a licence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Copyright Law states that regardless of whether an admission fee is charged, a licence is required. In fact, the licence only covers screenings where no admission fee is charged.

Question 5

We are a Sunday school or childcare centre; do we qualify for a “face-to-face” teaching exemption?

Accepted Answer

No. The educational exemption is narrowly defined and applies to full-time, non-profit academic institutions only.

Question 6

We are a non-profit. Do we still need a licence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The legal requirement to obtain a licence applies equally to non-profit and for-profit organisations.

Question 7

Does one licence cover a church with multple locations, or do we need a licence for each site/campus location?

Accepted Answer

The Church Video Licence is congregation-specific, so it can cover your specific congregation on your own premises, or during events hosted by your church at other venues.

Question 8

We rent our facilities to other groups. Can we be liable for copyright infringement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The exhibitor is considered the “primary infringer,” but the owner may be held vicariously liable or considered to be a “contributory infringer.”

Question 9

How can I check if a film is covered?

Accepted Answer

With almost blanket coverage, a list of individual titles is not possible. Instead, check the Authorised Producers List to determine if a film is covered. For help in confirming the authorised producer, follow our step-by-step guide.

Question 10

Do we need to report, or show any copyright information for films/TV programmes that we show?

Accepted Answer

The Church Video Licence requires NO reporting or displaying copyright information for any content it covers.

Question 11

Why are some Christian films not covered by the Church Video Licence?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, some producers have elected to join the CVLI Authorized Producer List. We continue to dialogue with these producers and remain hopeful that we can partner with them in future. However, CVLI represents 5,000+ producers (including most major Hollywood studios) and countless titles, so we are able to offer the best value by far when it comes to movie licensing for church ministries.

Question 12

Can we show films or film content from any source, including video-sharing websites such as YouTube?

Accepted Answer

The Church Video Licence grants permission to publicly display authorised content otherwise intended for private, personal use only. This means you can display any content which is covered by your licence using a wide range of sources. This would include any legally-obtained media. It would also include legitimate video-sharing websites such as YouTube, provided what you are showing is authorised under the licence, and you are using an official channel of the producers or their affiliates.

Question 13

Is there a limit to how much of a film we can show, or how many films we can show?

Accepted Answer

No. The licence permits you to show any authorised film or TV programme in full or in part as often as you want, for as long as your licence remains active.

Question 14

How do we know what’s covered by the Licence?

Accepted Answer

The licence covers titles where the Theatrical Right is held by an Authorized Producer. You can follow our step-by-step guide to confirm who holds the Theatrical Right for the title you wish to show in your country.

Question 15

Does my licence auto-renew?

Accepted Answer

No, your licence will not auto-renew. Near to your expiry date, we will send you a renewal reminder if you wish to continue coverage.

Question 16

Can we charge an admission fee?

Accepted Answer

No admission or other fee can be charged to the audience (free-will offerings and concessions to cover costs are fine). The exhibition cannot be used to endorse any goods or services.

Question 17

What are the advertising restrictions?

Accepted Answer

No specific titles, characters from such titles, or producers’ names can be advertised or publicised to the general public (the major studios view any advertising as competing with the local cinemas and/or title by title distributors). Any promotion on the licensee’s website must not advertise specific details about the title.

This restriction applies to local papers, the internet, radio, television, outdoor marquees, flyers outside the facility, and any other media outlet to the general public.

Within the licensed facility you may post flyers that include the title, characters, and production company of the film. This information may be included in mailings or emails sent directly to facility or church members.

For further details see the License Terms

Question 18

What are the streaming restrictions?

Accepted Answer

The Church Video Licence terms do not cover streaming film content – even if used in a sermon – over the internet to the general public.

However, with the Church Video Licence it is permissible to live stream film content inside the facility as long as it is a closed-stream (not accessed publicly).

If you still desire to stream a live service and include film content on sites that are accessed by the general public (like YouTube or Facebook) you would need to seek the direct permission of the copyright owner before streaming.

Question 19

Can we host outdoor film screenings?

Accepted Answer

Outdoor screenings are permissible under the Licence. However, the outdoor exhibition must be held on the facilities of the licensee and must not be visible from the street or any adjacent property. The audience must be limited to members of the facility or church and their guests. It is not open to the general public or non-members.

Question 20

What is the CVLI Vault?

Accepted Answer

The CVLI Vault is a treasure trove of film ideas. Access to the Vault comes FREE with your Church Video Licence, and features 16,000+ Film Ideas, searchable by title, theme, or actor/actress.

Question 21

Where can I find my Access Key to sign in to the Vault?

Accepted Answer

Your Access Key is always included in our regular new title emails to licensees. If you’re not subscribed, you can't find your Key, or your Key isn’t working, please contact us.

Question 22

What’s the difference between a Movie Idea 'Video' and 'Timestamp'?

Accepted Answer

Each film in the CVLI Vault features 'Videos' or 'Timestamps'. A Timestamp provides cues so you can find the start point of the relevant content from your own legal source. A Video features an embedded video of the content to preview. You can use this to live-stream the content during your service or event, or use an alternative source if you have one.

Question 23

Why can’t I download a Film Idea?

Accepted Answer

CVLI does not have permission from the Producers to offer downloads. Instead, show the content by live-streaming the embedded in the Movie Video, or follow the Timestamp cues using your own copy, rental, or streaming subscription. Although previously a small number of downloads were available, these have now become embedded Videos which can be live-streamed where you have internet access. We apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause.

Question 24

Are all films in the CVLI Vault covered by the Church Video Licence?

Accepted Answer

All content listed in the CVLI Vault is authorised under the Licence in the USA. However, as other territories have different authorised producers, if you’re outside of the USA please check the Authorised Producers List to confirm a title is covered in your country.

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Church Video Licence FAQs

About CVLI

When you need the Licence

Using the Licence

What you can and can’t do

About the CVLI Vault