FAQs
3D Systems Conference, Cinema Exhibitors Association, Feb 2010
All the FAQs on one page
Licensing FAQ
I know the film I want to screen, how do I find out the licence holder?
The licence holder of a film is most usually the films UK distributor. If the film does not have a UK Distributor it will be the Production Company (a sales agent can also be contacted).
* 1 – Find out who the Licence holder may be
Distributors are listed on bbfc.co.uk/search or imdb.com
* 2 – Confirming the Licence Holder (Gateway UK Distributors)
A list of which catalogues Gateway Distributors represent can be found in our FAQ, along with their contact details.
Contact details for individual distributors can be found here: independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/distributors.html
* 3 – If the film doesn’t have a UK Distributor
Locate the production company or funding body using imdb.com
* 4 – If the UK Distributor no longer exists
Contact the Independent Cinema Office (ICO) or the BFI to see if they can help. For foreign language films it is advisable to contact individual consulates in the UK – see below for some suggestions.
For a detailed walk through we will follow the steps for following films:
1) Mamma Mia (Phyllida Lloyd, 2008)
2) Antichrist (Lars von Trier, 2009)
3) Comrades (Bill Douglas, 1986)
4) The Princess and the Frog (Ron Clements and John Musker, 2009)
5) Sexy Beast (Jonthan Glazer, 2000)
6) XXY (Lucia Puenzo, 2007)
7) One Hundred Mornings (Conor Horgan, 2009)
* 1 – Find out who the Licence holder may be:
Start by searching for the title on the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC): bbfc.co.uk/search/. Every film screening in cinemas or available to buy on DVD has to be passed for exhibition by the BBFC, and the distributor who submits the film for certification is the licence holder at the time of submission, so this is the good place to start.
Once you’ve searched by title you’ll notice several versions (listings of different films, varying running times, and additional material listings). Click on the most recent date entry listed as video/film.
Clicking on the title you will be taken through to a list of versions and companies submitted. Again look for the most recent and the video/film type:
1) Mamma Mia – Universal Pictures Int UK
2) Antichrist – Artificial Eye Film Co.
3) Comrades – the most recent entry of 2009 was submitted by BFI (British Film Institute)
4) The Princess and the Frog – Buena Vista Home Entertainment
5) Sexy Beast – Although not the most recent, Film Four Distributors should be the one we look at first as they have submitted both film and video versions.
6) XXY – Peccadillo Pictures
7) One Hundred Mornings – is not listed – this will be addressed later on in 3.
imdb.com sometimes lists the UK distributors of a title, so this is also worth checking.
If the above doesn’t work, you should search the online catalogues of the ‘Gateway Distributors’, mentioned in our FAQ on Gateway Distributors and their libraries.
* 2 – Confirming the Licence Holder (Gateway Distributors)
So the companies we think are the licence holders we need are: Universal Pictures, Artificial Eye, BFI, Buena Vista and Film Four.
Part-time Cinema Space (Art Centre / Multi-purpose Venue / Film Society / Community Group): If you are not a permanent cinema you will most likely go through a Gateway Distributor who manage the licences of a number of individual distribution libraries. For the contact details for the licence holders we are looking for, visit the Film Societies pages on the ICO – contacts for booking on DVD: independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/filmsocieties_dvd.html
Using the ICO’s page you will notice:
1) Universal are handled by Filmbank – for Mamma Mia
2) Artificial Eye are handled by the BFI – for Antichrist
3) BFI handle their own – for Comrades
6) Peccadillo handle their own – for XXY
Both Buena Vista and Film Four are not mentioned. For these, take a look at our FAQ on Gateway Distributors and their libraries. You will find the following information:
4) Buena Vista is handled by Filmbank, MPLC – for The Princess and the Frog
5) Film Four is handled by Park Circus – for Sexy Beast
You should then search the online catalogues to confirm these titles are available, and then book them (be sure to find out whether the screening copy will be supplied or whether you have to supply your own):
A) Filmbank can licence both 1) Mamma Mia and 4) The Princess and the Frog.
B) MPLC can licence 4) The Princess and the Frog
C) BFI can licence both 2) Antichrist and 3) Comrades
D) Park Circus can licence 5) Sexy Beast.
E) Peccadillo can licence 6) XXY
Permanent Cinema Space: If you are operating a permanent cinema you may approach the individual distributor direct for a licence as opposed to going through the Gateway Distributor. For contact details go to the Film Distributors page on the ICO (Independent Cinema Office) website: independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/distributors.html
* 3 – If the film doesn’t have a UK Distributor
If you could not find the film you’re after via the BBFC it could be because the film has not got a UK Distributor. This may be the case if you are trying to screen a film you have seen at a Festival, or watched abroad. If this is the case you should look at imdb.com to try and locate a production company or sales agent.
7) One Hundred Mornings is listed on imdb.com/title/tt1327827/. Scroll down to the ‘Additional Details’ box and click to see more information about the companies. The companies you should look for are the production company, or the national funder. In this case you should search for contact details of both Blinder Films and the Irish Film Board.
If you cannot find these details you should contact the Festival to see if they can forward your email onto their contacts for the film.
* 4 – If the UK Distributor no longer exists
If the film is listed on the BBFC but you cannot locate the company listed there, nor find any reference in the online catalogues of the Gateway Distributors, then it may mean that the film cannot be licenced (and there are a lot of titles like this).
You can contact the Independent Cinema Office (ICO) or the BFI to see if they are able to help source the licence holder – but it can be the case that even if you are able to buy the film on DVD you are not able to licence it for a screening.
If the film you are looking for is from a particular country, the following organisations may be able to help:
Goethe-Institut (Germany); goethe.de/kue/flm/syn/enindex.htm
Institut Francais (France); institut-francais.org.uk/francais/home
Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh: edinburgh.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/
Gateway Distributors: Who licenses what?
Gateway Distributors manage licences for a number of individual distributors libraries.
BFFS (British Federation of Film Societies), bffs.org.uk:
Offers the BFFS Booking Scheme made especially for Film Societies and Community Cinemas. Films are licensed at a flat fee of £80 (plus onward shipping), with special collections at a lower administration charge-only charge. The list of titles available is updated whenever new titles are added and at least quarterly. For the current listing please visit: bffs.org.uk/services/blockbooking/whatsnew.html
To access this scheme visit: bffs.org.uk/services/blockbooking/termsandconditions.html
Contact info@bffs.org.uk, 0114 2210314
BFI (British Film Institute), bfi.org.uk/distribution:
Offer licences from £80.00, not including shipping fees. Libraries that they licence:
Artificial Eye
British Film Institute
Soda Pictures
Contact Bookings Unit on bookings.films@bfi.org.uk, 020 7957 8938/5
ICO (Independent Cinema Office), independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/nowavailable.html:
Offer licences for selected titles, which is constantly updated.
Contact bookings@independentcinemaoffice.org.uk, 0207 636 7120
Filmbank, filmbank.co.uk:
Offer the Single Title Screening Licence (STSL) for commercial and non-commercial public screenings. Account applications and bookings can now be made online via the new online system and screenings start from £79.00, not including shipping fees. Libraries that they licence:
Buena Vista International
Delanic Films
Disney Pictures
Dreamworks
E1 Entertainment
Entertainment
Eros International
Film & Music Entertainment (F&ME)
High Fliers Films plc
Icon Film Distribution Ltd
Kaleidoscope Entertainment
Lionsgate
Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM)
Metrodome Distribution Ltd
Miramax
New Line
Optimum Releasing
Paramount
Pathe
Pixar Animation Studios
Sony Pictures (Columbia Tristar)
Touchstone
Trinity Films
Twentieth Century Fox
United Artists
Universal Pictures
Verve Pictures
Warner Bros
Online booking is available or contact: info@filmbank.co.uk, 020 7984 5950
MPLC UK, mplcuk.com:
Offer the MPLC Movie Licence which can licence a public screening for the titles within their collection from £75.00 (audience capacity less than 200) using your own legally purchased copy (so no shipping fees). Libraries that they licence:
Buena Vista Pictures
Dimension Films
Fox Walden
Fox 2000 Films
Fox Searchlight
Hollywood Pictures
Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM)
Metrodome
Miramax Films
Pixar
Touchstone Pictures
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp
Walt Disney Pictures
As well as a number of independents
Contact ukinfo@mplc.com, 01323 649 647
Park Circus, parkcircus.com:
Park Circus aims to be a leading international sales and distribution company. We provide distributors, cinemas and film festivals with knowledge, ideas, rights and prints to make screenings of classic films straightforward. Libraries that they licence:
Arrow Films
Film4 Library
Hanway Films
The Harold Lloyd Collection
ICA Films
Icon Entertainment International
ITV Studios
MGM / United Artists
Sony Pictures Repertory (DVD bookings through Filmbank)
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, UK (DVD bookings through Filmbank)
Other Selected Titles
Contact bookings@parkcircus.com, or 0141 332 2175
Equipment FAQ
Making sure you get the equipment right for your exhibition is important.
Equipment introductions and background
The BFFS (British Federation of Film Societies) has an excellent document talking you through the stages. Although a bit dated, it gives a good idea of what is needed (and does discuss the venue suitability as well).
bffs.org.uk/export/sites/bffs_site/pdffolder/TECH_finaleditwebdoc.pdf
Take a look at some examples of the equipment needed:
Projector
There are models ranging from under £1,000 to £10,000 and beyond. For an idea of models visit:
projectorpoint.co.uk/professionalprojectors.htm
An important factor to consider is the location of your projector: if it will be sited at the rear of your auditorium many projectors require special long throw lenses which can be expensive (£1,500 - £2,500).
Screen
If the screen is permanently installed, it can either be fixed in place or it can be rolled down when required: projectorpoint.co.uk/projector-screens/types/Specialist-Electric-projector-screens.html
harkness-screens.com/large-roller-screens.html
If the screen has to be removable, there are popular portable screens which can be folded away and packed up at the end of each screening:
projectorpoint.co.uk/projector-screens/types/Specialist-Portable-projector-screens.html
harkness-screens.com/folding-screens.html
DVD/BluRay player
There are a huge range of possibilities but it is usually worth getting a player which can play DVD and BluRay discs. These players often include an “upscaling” facility which can improve the picture quality from ordinary DVD discs.
It is also worth noting that the more expensive a player, the more sensitive it can be to disc imperfections. So having a cheap, basic DVD player as a standby for use with temperamental DVDs is a good idea.
SecureBlu is a new format which uses a modified Sony Playstation PS3 and specially produced BluRay discs. The intention of this format – which is due to launch during 2010 – is to allow non-theatrical cinemas to screen films relatively soon after the films have been screened in UK cinemas. More information when we get it.
Sound
You should pay as much attention to good quality sound as you do to the picture quality. Audiences are very unforgiving of poor quality sound but will accept a surprisingly poor picture.
A good quality single loudspeaker placed centrally behind or below the screen is the minimum you should aim for. For stereo two loudspeakers placed on stands at the left and right edge of the screen works well. But ideally you should have three speakers placed behind the screen – positioned on stands to the left, centre and right of the screen.
A sub-bass can be added, usually close to the centre speaker but the position isn’t critical. Surround sound speakers can be added if you have the time and expertise to set them up correctly for the auditorium in use.
Note that if speakers are placed behind the screen, the screen surface must be a perforated type to allow the sound to come through properly.
Blackouts
Dark curtains or blinds can do the trick here (heavy curtains are especially good as they can help improve the sound quality of the venue). Speak to a local supplier.
The publication Tentpoles and Pixels written by Ron Inglis has detailed information about what is needed, what to look out for, and a suggested layout. See 3.5 Equipment and Fittings, pages 22-33.
scottishscreen.com/images/documents/Tentpolesandpixels.pdf
Try and visit your nearest exhibitor who operates in a similar way, see what equipment they have and watch a film there, you can find more details on our map pages. If you are unsure who your nearest one is, please contact lynne@regionalscreenscotland.org
Equipment Suppliers
The suppliers listed below have supplied equipment for RSS or Scottish Screen funded applicants during 2009-10. Look at their websites and what they’ve done previously. Speak to more than one, and discuss your specific requirements before making any decisions.
5. AVCom
Stanlake Mews, London, W12 7HS
Tel: 020 8735 3410
avcom.co.uk
6. Component AV
6 Princes Street, Arbroath DD11 2BL
Tel: 01241 431 780
Email: glen@componentav.co.uk
componentav.co.uk
7. Streamtec Audio Visual Solutions
2 Kirkgate House, Baden-Powell Road, Kirkton Industrial Estate, Arbroath, DD11 3LS
Tel: 01241 436 862
Email: info@streamtec.com
streamtec.com
8. Vision Sound and Light
18 Barlow Park, West Pitkerro, Dundee DD5 3UB
Tel: 01382 480 900
Email: vision@visionsl.co.uk
visionsl.co.uk
If you have questions about equipment please contact ron@regionalscreenscotland.org
Equipment for Full-Time Cinema Spaces for Theatrical and Non-Theatrical screenings
Making sure you get the equipment right for your exhibition is important.
Equipment introductions and background:
The ICO’s (Independent Cinema Office) publication At a Cinema Near You provides a background to the equipment needed, pages 24-27.
independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/pdf/atacinemanearyou.pdf
Equipment Specifics:
The publication Tentpoles and Pixels written by Ron Inglis has detailed information about what is needed, what to look out for, and a suggested layout. See 3.5 Equipment and Fittings, pages 22-33.
scottishscreen.com/images/documents/Tentpolesandpixels.pdf
Try and visit your nearest exhibitor who operates in a similar way, see what equipment they have and watch a film there, you can find more details on our map pages. If you are unsure who your nearest one is, please contact lynne@regionalscreenscotland.org
Equipment Suppliers
The four suppliers listed below are the main suppliers and installers of commercial cinema equipment in the UK:
1. Bell Theatre Services
9B Chester Road, Boreham Wood, Herts, WD6 1LT
Tel: 020 8238 6000
Email: sales@bell-theatre.com
bell-theatre.com
2. Future Projections
Unit 2, The Windsor Centre, Windsor Grove, London SE27 9NT
Tel: 020 8766 7090
Email: sales@fproj.com
fproj.com
3. Omnex Pro Film
Unit 6, Avondale Industrial Estate, Avondale Road, Edgeley, Stockport, SK3 0UD
Tel: 0161 477 7633
Email: sales@omnexprofilm.co.uk
omnexprofilm.co.uk
4. Sound Associates
Keeble House, 81 Island Farm Road, West Molesey, Surrey, KT8 2SA
Tel: 020 8939 5900
Email: info@soundassociates.co.uk
soundassociates.co.uk
The suppliers listed below have supplied equipment for RSS or Scottish Screen funded applicants during 2009-10 and are appropriate for non-theatrical installations but in most instances do not supply commercial cinema (theatrical) equipment:
5. AVCom
Stanlake Mews, London, W12 7HS
Tel: 020 8735 3410
avcom.co.uk
6. Component AV
6 Princes Street, Arbroath DD11 2BL
Tel: 01241 431 780
Email: glen@componentav.co.uk
componentav.co.uk
7. Streamtec Audio Visual Solutions
2 Kirkgate House, Baden-Powell Road, Kirkton Industrial Estate, Arbroath, DD11 3LS
Tel: 01241 436 862
Email: info@streamtec.com
streamtec.com
8. Vision Sound and Light
18 Barlow Park, West Pitkerro, Dundee DD5 3UB
Tel: 01382 480 900
Email: vision@visionsl.co.uk
visionsl.co.uk
If you have questions about equipment please contact ron@regionalscreenscotland.org
Organisational FAQ
What should I do about unaccompanied children?
A number of venues have asked about children being left unaccompanied at events – how do you protect the children and yourselves; does a representative of the organisation need a disclosure check?
Firstly, have a look at the following briefings by Voluntary Arts Scotland (VA Scotland) and Voluntary Arts Network (VAN) – both give an excellent overview on the legislation, advise on appropriate measures, and offer excellent contacts for more information:
• Protection of Children (Scotland) Act 2003: gives an introduction and context to disclosures: vascotland.org.uk/uploaded/map2877.pdf
• Child Protection, Part 3 – an update: which gives incredibly useful information about measures that can be put in place if a disclosure is not appropriate: vascotland.org.uk/uploaded/map6082.pdf
These briefings will help you to establish if the roles you have are ‘child-care positions’ or not. If they are, then a disclosure is needed. Whether a disclosure is needed or not, VAN recommend other measures to put in place, particularly in organisations drawing up their own Child Protection policy.
For more information see:
Child Protection Part 1 (vascotland.org.uk/uploaded/map1548.pdf) and
Child Protection Part 2 (vascotland.org.uk/uploaded/map1549.pdf)
Child Protection Policy: Particularly useful are those mentioned in ‘Child Protection, Part 3’ which highlights the need for a child protection policy (more details in Parts 1 and 2). This is drawn up by the individual organisation.
Minimum Age: And don’t be afraid to give yourselves a minimum age for unaccompanied children (stated in your policy) - this should be agreed in discussion by the staff of your organisation and everyone should be comfortable with the decision.
For more information on Disclosures: disclosurescotland.co.uk
If your organisation is not-for-profit and the positions are voluntary, then you may be able to obtain a disclosure free from the Central Registered Body in Scotland (CRBS): crbs.org.uk
If your organisation is based outside of Scotland then contact the organisations mentioned in ‘Child Protection, Parts 1, 2, and 3’ for further advice.
How do I recruit and manage Volunteers?
The following are organisations who offer support and advice for voluntary organisations, as well as organisations looking to recruit and work with volunteers.
Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS)
VDS has a section dedicated to managing volunteers (vds.org.uk/ManagingVolunteers/tabid/141/Default.aspx) as well as resources (vds.org.uk/InformationResources/tabid/80/Default.aspx). And they support a network of Volunteer Centres, where you can advertise positions available (volunteerscotland.org.uk).
Voluntary Arts Network (VAN)
Particularly useful are the (VAN) briefings done for Volunteer Week in 2002:
1. Recruit:vascotland.org.uk/uploaded/map165.pdf
2. Retain: vascotland.org.uk/uploaded/map81.pdf
3. Reward: vascotland.org.uk/uploaded/map80.pdf
4. Recognition: vascotland.org.uk/uploaded/map79.pdf
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
And have the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) on your radar (scvo.org.uk). They have a directory of local offices throughout Scotland who are put in place to deliver and support voluntary organisations at a local level: cvsscotland.org.uk/TheCVSNetwork/UsefulContacts.aspx.
