Myth Busting Music & Movie Licenses

​There are many misconceptions surrounding the licensing requirements for music and movies. CalOHA is here to help you bust these myths and make the proper licensing decisions to meet your needs. ​

Music Licensing Myths

​We don’t have live music in our park, so we don’t need a license.
MYTH!
If you play recorded music for your guests, you need a music license. 
​But there are many ways to obtain a license that fits the needs of your park. 

The only way I can be licensed to play music is through an association. 
MYTH!
If you are only playing music in your camp store, club room or office you can utilize a music subscription service.  The business version of these services come with a license and is typically less costly than a standard license.
Your membership with an association may offer a discounted license for live music and recorded music, ie: karaoke, 80’s nights, luaus, special events but you can also go direct to the music organizations for a license.

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We have to be licensed through all 4 music agencies if we provide live music.
MYTH!​
You can control the music your musicians play by letting them know the companies you are licensed with so they can design their set lists accordingly. 
ASCAP and BMI control about 95% of the music. SESAC is by invitation only so it is a very select group of artists. GMR licenses the Eagles (so if Hotel California is a must then you would need their license).

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Movie Licensing Myths

I only have the news on in the camp store or club room, so I don’t need to be licensed.
MYTH!
Many images shown on the news channels are purchased from Getty Images and
​subject to copyright laws.

We don’t show movies, we just have some old VHS tapes and DVDs in the club room,
so we don’t need a license.
MYTH!
Any public performance of a movie or tv show is subject to copyright infringement.  Even old VHS movies require a license to be played in a public setting in your park.

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A license is only required if we charge for the movie night. 
MYTH!
A license is required any time you show or provide a movie for public consumption.
A special event license is required if you charge for the movie. If the movie is a revenue stream – you could make the movie free and charge for food and beverage. ​​

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Renewal time is approaching quickly, and we have negotiated discounts for our members on a variety of licensing options. Give us a call today to renew your license or discover the right one for your park!