Plan Your Own PYO Screening!
Thinking of planning your own movie screening in Singapore but not sure how?
See below for some guidelines or make a request online here.
Step 1. Films
Have you got a film that you wanted to screen?
Alternatively, check out Sinema’s library of films that have been screened before.
It will take a much shorter time to acquire licenses and permission for screening of these films.
Email us at info[at]sinema.sg or click here to see a list of these films >>
Step 2. Classification by Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
The film that you have chosen must be rated by Media Development Authority (MDA).
Most commercial films or titles are rated by MDA if they have been screened in Singapore. You can check if certain title(s) has/have already been rated here >>
If it is not rated, it has to be sent to MDA to be rated.
Fees are applicable. Film classification can take up to two months.
Contact MDA at 7200 478 5478 (press 2,2,0) if you need any clarifications.
Click here if you require our help to submit your film(s) for classification >>
Step 3. Public Performance Licence
Permission for public performance is necessary before the screening of any film to an audience for recreational and entertainment purposes.
The validity period of a public performance license varies from producer to producer and is often determined by the sum of royalties paid.
Usually the client or cinema will contact the filmmaker or distributor to check the fees to show the film to an audience.
It can take up to months to source who owns the right to the film. The following is a short list of the main film distributors in Singapore:
- Golden Village Pictures
68 Orchard Road, #07-10 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6334 3766Fax: +65 6334 8397 - United International Pictures
1 Scotts Road, #15-05 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6737 2484Fax: +65 6235 3667
Examples of questions distributors would ask to determine the actual exhibition fees:
- How many people are attending this screening?
- Where is the location?
- What is the purpose of the screening for?
Most films from overseas will charge at US$1000 to $2,500 for copyright and film rental for 16 mm or 35 mm film.
Of course, DVD, VHS, or Beta will cost a lot less, up to a few hundred USD. Also, if there are very limited copies of the film available for rental, then you may have to wait to get it.
Do also note that a large number of independent producers, especially non-US producers, do not have an association who will act on their behalf. Permission need to be sought by approaching each producer individually.
Sinema also offers film acquisition services to help you source for your films at a fee. You can email us at events[at]sinema.sg
Step 4. Film Exhibition Licence
This license enables the event organiser or venue to screen the MDA rated films to the general student population for entertainment purposes.
No license is required to screen movies up to Parental Guidance (PG) rating.
Fees – Long-term
1 year – $600
3 years – $1,500
A security deposit of $20,000 by cheque or a bank guarantee will have to be furnished regardless of the number of exhibition points. The deposit will be returned upon licence termination or licence expiry.
Fees – Short-term
1 month (temporary) - $100
A security deposit of $10,000 by cheque or a bank guarantee will have to be furnished per exhibition point. The deposit will be returned upon licence termination or licence expiry.
Sinema Old School holds a Film Exhibition License. Event organisers or filmmakers DO NOT have to pay for a temporary licence.
Our license also enables us to screen films rated by MDA up to the R21 rating.
Should the films be deemed unsuitable for young children, all event organizers should exercise control during the event held at Sinema Old School.
Step 5. Venue
Acquire permission for venues you have selected for your screening/event.
If you were looking to have your screening at Sinema, our theatre is available for rent with professional projection equipment, microphones, etc
Click here to see rates >>
Ready to plan your screening at Sinema Old School? Make your request here.
Comments? Email us at events[at]sinema.sg!
