wfn.org | New service enables churches to show videos legally

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

July 11, 2002 News media contact: Linda Green7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn.
10-71BP{295} 

NOTE: Head-and-shoulders photographs of the Rev. Larry Hollon and the Rev.
Kathy Noble are available at http://umns.umc.org/photos/headshots.html
online.

By Nancye Willis*

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The eyes of the congregation are trained on
Indiana Jones as he prepares to cross a vast chasm to save his dying father.
The hero holds a scroll with the instructions "Step out in faith." 

Tension builds. "Perfect," thinks the pastor, preparing to present a lesson
likening Christians' first step of faith to Indy's step off the brink. Then
the screen goes dark. 

A shadowy figure approaches the altar. "You don't have a license to show
that movie clip," the copyright police officer announces. "We're shutting
you down and fining you for violating copyright laws."

OK, so that's not likely to happen. But unauthorized use of movie clips does
violate the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. So does showing a video in Sunday
school or at a youth gathering, or entertaining children in a day-care
center with a Disney film from Blockbuster. The price of video purchase or
rental doesn't include the right to publicly screen the video.

Copyright law gives copyright owners almost complete control of the use of
their works, and ensures that creators are paid for their work. Showing a
video without owner authorization is copyright infringement and carries
fines ranging from $500 to $20,000, even if the screener is a non-profit
organization and doesn't charge admission.

However, a new service provided by United Methodist Communications will
enable churches and groups of churches to obtain licenses to show home
videocassettes and DVDs of motion pictures. The service is the result of an
agreement between UMCom and Christian Video Licensing International. 

The agreement comes at a time when "more local churches are using movie
clips and other electronic media in worship and education to enhance
ministry and help people reflect on faith and spiritual development," said
the Rev. Larry Hollon, UMCom's top executive. "This is creative and
exciting. But, as we do this creative exploration, it's important to use
these materials within the bounds of the law and to pay the appropriate
fees." 

The Rev. Kathy Noble, of UMCom's Communications Resourcing Team, agrees.
"It's the right thing to do, both ethically and morally," she said. "We see
headlines every day reflecting unethical behavior in the public sector. The
church, if anybody, should avoid becoming a part of that phenomenon.

"I do not know of a church leader who'd walk into Blockbuster, pick up a
video and walk out without paying," she added. "Using videos without proper
licensing is exactly the same thing. We're taking money from the pockets of
the creators of the videos."

Conference resource centers, Noble says, are already ensuring they are on
safe ground by purchasing only videos with public performance rights. For
example, the popular "Veggie Tales" children's video series might be cheaper
at retail, but getting it through a resource center ensures it is covered,
she says.

Under its new agreement, UMCom will process orders, collect fees (based on
membership figures) and distribute the licensing. Churches with 49 or fewer
members pay an annual fee of $45; 50 to 199 members, $75; 100 to 499, $150;
500 or more, $200.
 
The fees cover Christian Video Licensing International's full producers'
list, including its Family Values selection, and provides legal coverage for
religious institutions to show clips or complete motion pictures in a
variety of activities. The organization's Web site at www.cvli.org includes
a comprehensive and current list of studios and producers covered by the
licensing agreements.

Licenses obtained through the video-licensing company cover lawfully
manufactured videocassettes and DVDs, purchased, rented or borrowed, for a
wide range of titles - faith-based and family values videos to major
Hollywood features, according to Leslie Alexander of UMCom's production
unit, who coordinated the agreement.

Churches can join together as one entity to purchase the licenses, and
already-licensed churches will be reclassified according to the listed size
categories. Day-care centers, preschools and schools affiliated with a
licensed church will pay small additional fees.

The license does not cover materials that have been copied from another
source or recorded from television. It also does not allow charging
admission fees for video showings or publicizing specific titles, including
advertising.

Christian Video Licensing International is a partnership of Motion Picture
Licensing Corp. and Christian Copyright Licensing International; it focuses
on the educational and entertainment needs of the religious community. 

Nashville-based UMCom is the United Methodist Church's communications
ministry. More information and licenses are available through UMCom's
toll-free Customer Service number, (888) 346-3862, or by e-mail at
csc@umcom.org.

# # #

*Willis is a writer and editor in United Methodist Communications' public
information and Igniting Ministry offices.

*************************************
United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org