Event Information and Policies
| A One-Day Entertainment License from the City of Cambridge is required for all events open to non-MIT individuals where entertainment (e.g., music, dancing) is the primary purpose. The license must be posted in a location visible to all event participants at the event. |
| A Public Performance License is required for all films or television shows that will be screened at student organization events. |
| Commercial film and television shows are protected by copyright law and may not be shown in any public setting without a public performance license from the copyright owner. |
| Even if a film or television show screening is restricted to a certain group, such as a student organization, a license must be obtained in order to show a film or television show to the group. These copyright restrictions apply whether or not a fee is charged for admission to the event involving a film or television show screening. |
| Student organizations found in violation of these policies will risk disciplinary action and could be subject to other legal penalties. |
| Preferred Public Performance License Vendors |
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| Kanopy: Provides access to films with Public Performance Rights (PPR), allowing students to screen films without needing an additional license. We encourage students to check Kanopy’s options before reaching out to Swank or Criterion, the two vendors listed below. |
| Swank Motion Pictures or Criterion Motion Pictures: Provides Public Performance Licenses for screenings of films and television shows. If the copyright owner of the requested film or television show grants your request for a screening, there is generally a fee of $300-$1,000 to obtain the Public Performance License required to screen the film. If the copyright owner denies your request, you will not be able to screen the film. |
| Process to Request a Public Performance License for a Specific Film or Television Show |
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| Look at the film or television show packaging and find the copyright notice. It is usually written as ©Date. |
| Locate the company name as it appears with the copyright notice. |
| Identify the company’s website. |
| Locate the company's contact information on their website. |
| Contact the company with your Public Performance License request. |
| Information to Provide in a Request for a Public Performance License for a Specific Film or Television Show |
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| Film title or television show title |
| Media format (digital, DVD, tape, etc.) |
| Screening location |
| Screening date |
| Anticipated size of the audience |
| Admission (free or charge) |
| Name of your student organization |
| Event Host(s) name(s) and contact information |
| Advisor name and contact information (if applicable) |
Event Registration Process & Licensing
| 1. Event Host must have an Event Space Reservation confirmed at least 30 business days prior to the event date. |
| 2. Event Host must register the event via the Atlas Event Registration System at least 10 business days prior to the event date. |
| 3. Event Host must submit an application for a One-Day Entertainment License from the City of Cambridge at least 10 business days prior to the event date (if applicable). |
| 4. Event Host must send proof of a Public Performance License for the film or television show they plan to screen at the event to sole-events@mit.edu at least 5 business days prior to the event date (if applicable). |
| Entertainment License Costs |
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| A One-Day Entertainment License costs $50. |
| A Public Performance License can cost between $0 - $1,000. |
Associate Director, Student Organizations & Programming
ghsoares@mit.edu
Assistant Director, Student Organizations & Programming
sofia993@mit.edu
E: sole@mit.edu
P: 617-253-6777
Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement
77 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA, 02139
