Hazar for CVLI

That's right folks, it's finally possible to show excerpts from TV shows and movies, without having to get prior permission from the copyright owner (which can take weeks and cost [from experience] $110 upwards), without having to use "words of critism or review", without breaking the law.

Previously, the only realistic legit way of showing excerpts of a movie or TV show was for the purpose of criticism or review. In the context of a sermon, it is highly likely that showing video would be used as an ILLUSTRATION to explain a point to a sermon, rather than directly criticising the video itself. Therefore, the typical example of a "sermon illustration" video, would mean that the church would be infringing copyright (that's right folks, BREAKING THE LAW). Unless the church got permission beforehand, it would be illegal. Typically, it would take a fair bit of time and money to get permission, if you got it at all.

Now, however, the Church Video Licence, organised by Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI) (pretty much the same folks who do the CCLI licence for our church music) means that a church can buy a "blanket licence" which gives them permission to show thousands of films and videos. The licence is reasonably priced. Of course, it doesn't mean we should be showing video excerpts willy-nilly. Although tempting to do so, it would only be done if it added to the understanding of the bible passage rather than detracted from it.

So, hazar for not breaking copyright law so easily anymore!