Answered By: Angela Heath
Last Updated: Mar 01, 2024     Views: 1788

Public performance rights are no longer necessary when screening any video or DVD in Seneca classrooms during a course in-session. Here's what you can/can't do:

  • Only legally-acquired media can be used. Titles can be sourced from:
    • Seneca Libraries
    • Your home's purchased collection
    • Borrowed from a video store, etc.
  • Personal "on demand" subscriptions (iTunes, Netflix**, Bell Satellite TV, Rogers Anytime TV, Shomi, CraveTV, etc.) can't be shown in class due to licensing restrictions
  • Online videos from web services:
    • Must be legally posted online.
      • For example, you cannot show a scene from the film The Matrix, posted online by someone called johnsmith12345
    • Must be free of permitted use notices banning use in educational settings
  • Student clubs and associations must obtain Public Performance Rights (PPR) when screening films outside of classrooms not during a course in-session (i.e. at Seneca events).

Netflix Educational Screening Exception**

January 2020: Netflix is now allowing a small number of its titles to be shown in educational settings. Note that they do not allow any and all Netflix titles to be shown in the classroom, only some selected documentaries.

Permitted titles contain the words "GRANT OF PERMISSION FOR EDUCATIONAL SCREENINGS" in their descriptions on media.netflix.com.

Please see this Netflix post for further information.

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