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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I have to purchase a site license? Can't I just use the DVD?
- Are Provident Films' movies covered by the CVLI (Christian Video Licensing International) or the MPLC (Motion Picture Licensing Corporation) umbrella licenses?
- Why is there an additional cost for the license?
- What resources are available?
- We have a small home church; do I need a site license?
- Can I show this film in a local theater?
- Can I sell tickets?
- Is there any limit to how many times I can show the movie?
- How long do I get to use the film?
- Do I need to send the DVD back after 1 year?
- How have other churches used the movie?
- When will my orders ship?
- Can I create my own advertising pieces?
Why do I have to purchase a site license? Can't I just use the DVD?
Every DVD purchased at retail outlets is licensed ONLY for home or personal viewing only, specified in the FBI warning seen at the beginning of all DVDs. Even though a church or school may be a non-profit and does not charge for viewing a DVD in their sanctuary, it is still unlawful to show a movie to a group unless that organization has official permission from the Producer or Distributor. The movie industry has begun to push for greater enforcement in this area, so this program covers almost any way your organization would like to use the film for group showings. Are Provident Films' movies covered by the CVLI (Christian Video Licensing International) or the MPLC (Motion Picture Licensing Corporation) umbrella licenses?
No. These licensing organizations have been great advocates for the proper use of many Hollywood movies for church use, as well as independent Christian films. However, projects like these, with limited theatrical releases, are not able to get the reach and revenue that they need from licensing companies. Like other independent studios and distributors, Provident Films is offering its own licensing program. Why is there an additional cost for the license?
The cost of the license is set low to make it a resource available to any ministry wanting to use these powerful stories to change lives for the cause of Christ. Theatrical film releases rarely make back their initial investment. Theaters typically take 50 percent of the box office receipts, the distribution company must recoup the money put into marketing and promotion, and finally the producers receive their part. What resources are available?
Depending on the movie, there are a number of resource materials, including: study guides, discussion questions, bulletin inserts, flyers, movie posters, banners, TV and radio commercials, key art, and press releases. See the movie's RESOURCES page for specifics. We have a small home church; do I need a site license?
This special program is for churches, schools, and other organizations that want to use these films for ministry. If you are using the DVD for home viewing, then no site license is needed. Can I show this film in a local theater?
If a local theater has the ability to show a DVD on their screen and there is no charge for ticket prices, your site license allows you this opportunity. Can I sell tickets?
Tickets may be required to avoid overbooking, but admission charges cannot be required. Nonprofit organizations may promote the event with tickets that display a "suggested donation" either at the door or at the conclusion of the program.
Organizations wishing to sell tickets and exhibit the movie on a regular basis need to contact Provident Films at 866-491-0828 and ask about an "Exhibitor's License." Is there any limit to how many times I can show the movie?
There is no limit to the number of times your church runs the movie while your site license is valid. How long do I get to use the film?
The site license is for a one-time use and as additional value, extends for 1 year from your date of purchase. Do I need to send the DVD back after 1 year?
If you choose to not use the DVD again for a public event, your license simply lapses. You can keep all the materials provided, including the DVD (for home use only). How have other churches used the movie?
These movies can be used for on-site showings at a church as an outreach or at another location more fitting for the film. You will receive a How-To guide with your site license. Also, see the RESOURCES link for other ideas. When will my orders ship?
Orders typically are usually filled within 24 hours of receipt and then shipped via UPS. Please Note: high volumes of orders on a given day might cause a delay. Our standard method of delivery is UPS Ground (2-7 days), shipping from a warehouse near Indianapolis.
For an additional charge, you can select overnight delivery when ordering. Orders placed after Noon (EST) will ship the next business day. These are subject to inventory. Can I create my own advertising pieces?
We have provided many pieces that are customizable for your church or school. If you wish to create advertisements, you can access files and guidelines in the RESOURCES link.
Please keep in mind other churches or schools in your area might be hosting their own movie events as well. We do have a customizable billboard as well as a TV and radio commercial available. If you are interested, click here.
We believe the best use of this event will be encouraging your people to reach out to people in their sphere of influence. If your church focuses on at least 50 percent of your members bringing one or two guests, you should fill up your sanctuary or venue.
Every DVD purchased at retail outlets is licensed ONLY for home or personal viewing only, specified in the FBI warning seen at the beginning of all DVDs. Even though a church or school may be a non-profit and does not charge for viewing a DVD in their sanctuary, it is still unlawful to show a movie to a group unless that organization has official permission from the Producer or Distributor. The movie industry has begun to push for greater enforcement in this area, so this program covers almost any way your organization would like to use the film for group showings. Are Provident Films' movies covered by the CVLI (Christian Video Licensing International) or the MPLC (Motion Picture Licensing Corporation) umbrella licenses?
No. These licensing organizations have been great advocates for the proper use of many Hollywood movies for church use, as well as independent Christian films. However, projects like these, with limited theatrical releases, are not able to get the reach and revenue that they need from licensing companies. Like other independent studios and distributors, Provident Films is offering its own licensing program. Why is there an additional cost for the license?
The cost of the license is set low to make it a resource available to any ministry wanting to use these powerful stories to change lives for the cause of Christ. Theatrical film releases rarely make back their initial investment. Theaters typically take 50 percent of the box office receipts, the distribution company must recoup the money put into marketing and promotion, and finally the producers receive their part. What resources are available?
Depending on the movie, there are a number of resource materials, including: study guides, discussion questions, bulletin inserts, flyers, movie posters, banners, TV and radio commercials, key art, and press releases. See the movie's RESOURCES page for specifics. We have a small home church; do I need a site license?
This special program is for churches, schools, and other organizations that want to use these films for ministry. If you are using the DVD for home viewing, then no site license is needed. Can I show this film in a local theater?
If a local theater has the ability to show a DVD on their screen and there is no charge for ticket prices, your site license allows you this opportunity. Can I sell tickets?
Tickets may be required to avoid overbooking, but admission charges cannot be required. Nonprofit organizations may promote the event with tickets that display a "suggested donation" either at the door or at the conclusion of the program.
Organizations wishing to sell tickets and exhibit the movie on a regular basis need to contact Provident Films at 866-491-0828 and ask about an "Exhibitor's License." Is there any limit to how many times I can show the movie?
There is no limit to the number of times your church runs the movie while your site license is valid. How long do I get to use the film?
The site license is for a one-time use and as additional value, extends for 1 year from your date of purchase. Do I need to send the DVD back after 1 year?
If you choose to not use the DVD again for a public event, your license simply lapses. You can keep all the materials provided, including the DVD (for home use only). How have other churches used the movie?
These movies can be used for on-site showings at a church as an outreach or at another location more fitting for the film. You will receive a How-To guide with your site license. Also, see the RESOURCES link for other ideas. When will my orders ship?
Orders typically are usually filled within 24 hours of receipt and then shipped via UPS. Please Note: high volumes of orders on a given day might cause a delay. Our standard method of delivery is UPS Ground (2-7 days), shipping from a warehouse near Indianapolis.
For an additional charge, you can select overnight delivery when ordering. Orders placed after Noon (EST) will ship the next business day. These are subject to inventory. Can I create my own advertising pieces?
We have provided many pieces that are customizable for your church or school. If you wish to create advertisements, you can access files and guidelines in the RESOURCES link.
Please keep in mind other churches or schools in your area might be hosting their own movie events as well. We do have a customizable billboard as well as a TV and radio commercial available. If you are interested, click here.
We believe the best use of this event will be encouraging your people to reach out to people in their sphere of influence. If your church focuses on at least 50 percent of your members bringing one or two guests, you should fill up your sanctuary or venue.

