Screening Films in Strata: Understanding Public Performance Licensing Requirements

WA Communications
20 minutes ago
2 min read

It is important to be aware of compliance requirements under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 when utilising shared facilities such as cinema/media rooms, communal lounges and recreation spaces within a strata scheme.

Public Performance Licensing – What You Need to Know

Any screening of films or audiovisual works outside a private domestic setting is considered a public performance and requires a valid Public Performance Licence.

In strata-titled residential buildings, this includes (but is not limited to):

Cinema rooms or media rooms
Shared TV lounges or recreation areas with televisions
Multipurpose rooms used to show movies or streamed content
Communal spaces where films are shown to residents or guests

Even where access is restricted to residents, these screenings are not classified as “private domestic use” and therefore require appropriate licensing.

Without the correct licence in place, a strata community may inadvertently expose themselves to copyright breaches under federal law.

Village Roadshow Public Performance Licensing – Compliance Support

Village Roadshow – Public Performance Licensing manages public performance rights for major movie distributors in Australia and has commenced a national compliance initiative to support strata communities.

This initiative is designed to help strata communities and strata managers:

Identify whether shared audiovisual facilities in their building require licensing
Confirm whether an existing licence is already in place
Address any compliance gaps in a straightforward and cost-effective way

Village Roadshow offers a Blanket Movie Licence (BML) specifically designed for strata schemes, which provides:

Legal coverage for unlimited film screenings in common areas
Clear, transparent annual pricing
“Licensed to Show” signage for display in communal spaces

Check the PDF to identify what is covered and what is not covered.

Action for Strata Managers

Strata managers are encouraged to:

Raise this requirement with strata community committees
Include public performance licensing as part of compliance discussions for shared facilities
Remind committees that licensing is a strata community responsibility, not an individual resident obligation
Direct enquiries to the appropriate licensing provider for further information

Support Materials Available

Village Roadshow can provide:

Guidance sheets explaining public performance obligations in strata settings
Information packs for strata managers and committees
Template notices for distribution to residents
Compliance checklists
A dedicated compliance contact for follow-up questions

A Proactive Compliance Reminder

This notice is intended to support strata managers in helping their communities remain compliant, particularly during periods of increased use of communal facilities.

Addressing this early can prevent issues and ensure residents can enjoy shared spaces legally and confidently.

For further information or to request materials, strata managers may contact Village Roadshow – Public Performance Licensing directly.