united-states licensing legal-terms media
What is the difference between a private exhibition and public performance with regards to showing films?
<p>Most films for home video in the US begin with an FBI warning that includes some variation of this message:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.stack.imgur.com/MIVTL.jpg" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/MIVTL.jpg" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Licensed only for non commercial private exhibition in homes.</p>
<p>Any public performance other use or copying is strictly prohibited.</p>
<p>All rights under copyright reserved.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>What is the difference between a &quot;private exhibition&quot; and a &quot;public performance&quot;?</p>

<p>A private exhibition is one to which specific individuals are invited, as opposed to a public performance which is open to anyone, or perhaps to anyone who buys a ticket. A private exhibition will not usually charge admission, either, although some public performances are free of charge, so that cannot be the criterion.</p>

<p>An ordinary commercial theater showing is a public performance. </p>

<p>In this case, however, the further restriction "in homes" is added, so only private exhibitions in a private home are authorized. Also, the limitation "non-commercial" is added, so any gathering that charges admission will not be in accord with the license.</p>

<p>In short, such recordings may be played for a gathering of family and friends in a private home, with no charge for admission, but not for some event open to the public, nor for any event in a public space, as opposed to a home.</p>
