Plan Your Own Screening3 min read

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Plan Your Own PYO Screening!

Thinking of planning your own movie screening in Singapore but not sure how?

See below for some guidelines/FAQ:

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 events[at]sinema[dot]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 / Screening Fees

Permission for public performance/screening fees 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. You may also contact Sinema at events[at]sinema[dot]sg.

• 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.

 

Step 4. Film Exhibition Licence / Venue Exhibition Licence

Ensure the venue you have chosen has a valid MDA 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.

Step 5. Venue

Acquire permission for venues you have selected for your screening/event.

If you were looking to have your screening at Golden Village cinema, please click here.