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Church Video License

By law, as well as by intent, videos that are available in stores and rental outlets throughout the United States are for home use only.

The Copyright Act of 1976 is pretty clear about non-home showings: if a video does not carry with it the right "to perform the copyrighted work publicly," it is illegal to show it!

The bottom line: Anyone wishing to engage in non-home showings of videos must secure licenses to do so. Failing to do so can mean you and your church could face substantial civil damages of between $750 and $20,000.

But you don't have to close down Movie Night just yet! Cal-Nevada has purchased an umbrella video license through CVLI ... that offers protection to Conference churches at a substantial savings over the cost of obtaining such a license on their own. Part of your Apportionment dollars at work! 

What is CVLI?

CVLI is an independent licensing agency formed in June 2001 by Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) and the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC). It works with non-profit groups such as churches, religious schools and other church-operated sites that show video material, to provide an annual license that covers a huge database of films supplied by Hollywood studios and independent producers.

Is my church covered?

Every year the Conference Communications Office sends out renewal letters to remind and encourage churches to renew their license for the new CVLI year that begins April 1. The following is the list of our churches that have renewed or added CVLI coverage for the April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012 year:

If your church was licensed last year (view list here), but is not on this list, please renew its coverage immediately. 
 

How do we obtain coverage?

If your church was not licensed last year, the fee for the annual license (effective April 1, 2011-March 31, 2012) is $173 ($174 if a childcare facility needs to be included in the coverage).

To renew your church's license, click on CVLI Renewal Form or copy and paste the web address http://cnumc.org/registrations/register/38 into your browser.

Payment may be made on line using a charge card or PayPal or by check through the mail.  To pay with a charge card or PayPal, complete the renewal form, click on "SUBMIT," and follow the instructions to make an online payment. 

If you prefer to pay by check, complete the renewal form and print two copies (one copy for your records and one to send to us).  DO NOT CLICK ON THE "SUBMIT" BUTTON.  Make your check payable to CA-NV Conference/Communications and note "CVLI license renewal" on the memo line, and send with your completed form to: United Methodist Center, P.O. Box 980250, West Sacramento, CA 95798, Attention: Jane Horstman.  Your license renewal is due April 1, 2010.  The license for April 2011 to April 2012 will be emailed to you upon receipt of payment.