Daytona Beach Charity Movie Night Put On Hold Due To Copyright

from the can't-do-something-good-unless-you-pay-up dept

Michael Scott points us to the news that a planned community "movie night" in Daytona Beach, Florida has been put on hold due to copyright concerns, basically because the city hadn't realized it needed to secure a license to show a movie. The community movie night was an idea to bring the community closer together and also to raise money to fund the city's annual Independence Day celebration.

Now, those who follow the copyright world may immediately scoff and say: "What were they thinking? Of course they need a license to hold a movie night!" But, it shows how most non-copyright-infatuated folks think: what's wrong with bringing together a local community, and showing them a legally purchased or rented movie to help build community spirit or raise money for an event or charity? That seems like a perfectly reasonable (and kind-hearted) thing to do. But, now, the city may have to lose money on the event if it goes forward. It will have to pay at least a $500 license, and won't be allowed to solicit donations. Puts a bit of a damper on the whole thing. Perhaps an up-and-coming movie producer might want to donate their movie to the event to help the city get around having to pay such a fee.

Filed Under: copyright, daytona beach, movie night