Copyright for music, TV and moving images

These are covered by UK copyright law. There are different levels of permissions available – be careful to check whether or not they allow modification of the material.

For events considered ‘public performances’ it is likely that another licence will need to be purchased in order to screen the programme or film. Exceptions exist for film shown in an educational establishment for educational purposes –provided the audience are only staff and students connected to the course.

However, individual DVD titles may have their own terms and conditions which override Copyright and prevent them being used in this way, so you need to check the risk.

Copyright in Education
Copyright and Film
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Educational Recording Agency (ERA) Licence

The ERA licence allows the College to use materials broadcast by its members (students and staff). There is no limit on the amount of content that can be used and a repository of recordings can be created. The licence also covers Podcasts produced by ERA members.

Under the ERA licence, you are not allowed to:

  • Use materials to create new works
  • Modify the materials in any other way
    ( this includes cutting off the credits or separating the music from the moving image)
  • Provide access outside of the UK
  • Use for public performances
  • Use in commercial training or for any kind of profit

All recordings made under the licence –whether excerpts or full programmes; TV or radio – can be kept as long as the College holds the ERA licence; but must be labelled with the following information (this should be included as sound or visuals as an opening credit on items stored digitally; access to the material should not be permissible without having first viewed/heard this):

  • date the recording was made
  • broadcaster name
  • programme title
  • “This recording is to be used only for educational and non-commercial purposes under the terms of the ERA licence”

Please Note

The ERA licence does not cover YouTube. With YouTube videos, you cannot be 100% sure of the origins. There are also other considerations such as the stability of links and suitability of surrounding materials.

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Useful Websites

Campaign group ‘Get it Right From a Genuine Site’ contains information about and links to genuine sites to access films, TV, music, sports, books, games, and magazines legally

Get it right from a genuine site
Creative Scotland
Guide to referencing

Need More help?

For further information on copyright, please contact the College librarian: thelibrary@dumgal.ac.uk.

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