Policies & Procedures

Northern California Outdoor Cinema

Reservations

First Come First Serve with a non-refundable deposit to secure a spot.

Weather:

Weather is the biggest variable in planning any outdoor event. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do to change the weather however there are ways to plan for it. Screens can handle up to approximately 20 mph winds. Backyard Flicks will work with the client if any movie event has to be cancelled.

Movie Licensing

This is something that most people are unaware of. Backyard Flicks works with the client to advise or assist them in the proper and legal procedures to stay in compliance of federal copyright guidelines. It is the responsibility of the customer to be in compliance with the copyright laws.

Payments

We accept a non-refundable deposit to secure a date via check, money order, cash. Final payment shall be made via cash upon arrival at the event site.

Safety

We at Backyard Flicks put safety as a priority. We execute as much possible precautions towards the safety of our clients, equipment, and our portion of the event. We are a fully insured company up 2 million.

What is a "Public Performance?"

Suppose you invite a few friends over for dinner and a movie. You buy or rent a movie from the local video store and view the film in your home that night. Have you violated the copyright law by illegally "publicly performing" the movie? Probably not.

But suppose you took the same movie and showed it to patrons at a club or bar you happen to manage. In this case you have infringed the copyright of the movie. Simply put, movies obtained through a video store are not licensed for exhibition outside of the home. Home video means just that: viewing a movie at home by family or a close circle of friends.

Why is the creative community concerned about such performances?

The concept of "public performance" is central to copyright. If filmmakers, authors, computer programmers and musicians do not retain ownership of their work, then there is little incentive for them to continue creating high-quality products in the future.

The Law says?

The Federal Copyright Act (Title 17 of the U.S. Code) governs how copyrighted materials, such as movies, may be used. Neither the rental nor the purchase of a home video copy of a movie carries with it the right to show the movie outside the home. No additional license is required to view a movie inside the home by family or social acquaintances and in certain narrowly defined face-to-face teaching activities. Taverns, restaurants, private clubs, prisons, lodges, factories, summer camps, public libraries, daycare facilities, parks and recreation departments, churches and non-classroom use at schools and universities are all examples of situations where a public performance license must be obtained. This legal requirement applies regardless of whether an admission fee is charged, whether the institution or organization is commercial or non-profit, or whether a federal or state agency is involved.

Legal Sanctions:

"Willful" infringement for commercial or financial gain is a federal crime carrying a maximum sentence of up to five years in jail and/or a $250,000 fine. Even inadvertent infringement is subject to substantial civil damages, ranging from $750 to $30,000 for each work illegally shown.