Here is the golden rule of film programming: Always secure your film licence before advertising your film so that you know it is definitely available for your screening.
This involves following the process below about 5-6 weeks before your event, but is much preferable to being stuck at the last minute due to lack of a correctly licensed film!
>> STEP 1. Agree your event date + Decide who will access your event and how.
So will it be free entry or charged entry, public or closed (e.g. not advertised publicly)? This will dictate which one of two film licences you need:
- Single Title Screening Licence (STSL) allows you to charge for tickets and advertise the film publicly
- Public Video Screening Licence (PVSL) is only for free screenings advertised within your venue – usually only applicable in closed education and care settings
>> STEP 2. Make a selection of films.
Having a few titles will give you more availability options.
>> STEP 3. Contact or search film booking service websites to check availability* and cost of your chosen films.
These suggestions below are commonly used and we would recommend them as ‘one-stop-shops’ for a wide selection of films:
- Filmbankmedia: need a £150 deposit to join, has widest range of Hollywood studio films
- Cinema For All: need to be a member for their tried and tested selection of good non-Hollywood films
- MPLC: Similar to Filmbank’s service and film access
- Moviola: smaller selection than Filmbank and MPLC but could have that little gem you’re looking for
>> STEP 4. Based on availabilty and cost, choose your final film and submit booking request.
This is done directly with the film booking services. Please note a response is not immediate!
PLEASE NOTE: A confirmation of your booking could take up to 2 weeks so please plan for this.
>> STEP 5. Film booking service confirms your booking.
NOW you can start advertising your film screening! Film booking services often email you the film’s official poster.
>> STEP 6. Purchase the film on Bluray or DVD.
The cheapest and simplest way to do this is to buy it yourself from any good Bluray/DVD seller or online store.
>> STEP 7. Your screening happens.
Keep a note of how many people attended. Some distributors also ask what you charged and your overall box office takings (the total money from ticket sales).
>> STEP 8. Film booking service sends invoice based on their original quote.
A film licence usually costs between £90 and £160, depending on the distributor you get your film licence from. Some distributors charge either a minimum guarantee (e.g. £100) or 35% of your box office instead. In this agreement, they will charge whichever is greater.
* Key to Filmbank film availability notes you might see on their website:
NOTIFY ME = film not available on Bluray/DVD yet (it may still be screening in cinemas)
SPECIAL APPROVAL REQUIRED = complete a form + allow more time for decision
WITHDRAWN = check the latest list of films that may be temporarily unavailable