What Are Copyrights?

Simply put, Copyrights are a form of intellectual property that gives the author, the owner or the distributor of an original work (movies, literature, software, music, etc...) exclusive rights for a certain time period in relation to that work, including its publication, distribution, adaptation, and use.

According to the Canadian Copyright Act, all public, private and commercial organisations wishing to present copyrighted movies (VHS, DVD, BluRay) must be properly licensed with a rights representative such as Audio Cine Films Inc. As the exclusive rights representative for numerous studios, producers and films, ACF is mandated to look after their performance rights.

This applies even in cases where films are shown freely, for educational purposes, to small groups, and if copies are obtained from personal collections or retail/rental commercial outlets. Additional information on the specifics of the law can be obtained from The Canadian Copyright Board.

What kind of licenses are available?

Annual Public Performance Site Licenses

Annual public performance licenses from ACF allow the public screening of films produced by the studios we exclusively represent for a period of 12 consecutive months, and can apply to all types of  organizations. Rates vary according to the type of organisation, the specifics of your screenings (fundraising, entertainment, education) and the number of people attending the screening. Note that once the licence is purchased, you may screen the films of our regular collection without limitation.

Additional information on annual licenses for specific types of organisations is available under the "Obtain a license" menu option on the left.

Short Term Single Presentation Licenses

Ideal for last-minute events, short-term licences allow for the presentation of a specific title for a specific presentation, costs start at $175.00 (plus applicable taxes and fees) and vary according to the scope of your event.

Different minimum rates and conditions apply for public outdoor movie presentations, please contact us for additional information.

Long Term Three Year (3) Licenses

Ideal for long-term needs (educational or entertainment purposes), this type of licence allows for the unlimited continuous screening of a specific title or copy over a three-year period. Rental rates start at $375.00 + taxes and transports per copy. This price includes one (1) DVD copy.

Who Needs a License?

· Businesses (private)
· Campgrounds (public & private)
· Churches & Religious Organizations
· Colleges, Universities and Other types of Post-Secondary Institutions
· Convention and Conference Centers
· Clubs & Film Societies
· Corporations & Private Business
· Correctional Institutions
· Cultural & Community Centers
· Day & Summer Camps
· Dormitory Residences
· K-12 Elementary & Secondary Schools
· Kindergartens (commercial, private and home-based)
· Governmental Facilities
· Hotels, Motels and Resorts
· Lodges & Commercial Summer Cottages
· Military Bases
· Municipal Facilities
· Museums & Science Centers
· Provincial Parks
· Public Libraries
· Restaurants & Bars
· School Boards and Private School Associations

For more information, do not hesitate to contact us.