FAQ
Q: What is and how much does a community screening license cost?
A: A community screening license is for one-time screenings. Pricing is based on your expected audience size and whether you charge admission. Canadian customers: please use our Shopify link for CAD pricing.
Q: What’s included when I purchase a license?
A: You immediately receive a Vimeo streaming link with password, a digital download option (upon request), access to the press kit (posters, flyers, graphics), and a step-by-step screening guide.
Q: Can I upgrade my license if more people show up than expected?
A: Yes. If attendance is significantly higher than your tier, let us know and you can pay the difference after the event. A small handful over the limit is not a problem.
Q: What is an institutional license?
A: An institutional license allows unlimited screenings within a single institution (one school or one library branch) for 3 years. Contact Merit Motion Pictures to discuss pricing on multiple branches.
Q: Can one license cover multiple library branches or multiple schools?
A: The standard license covers one physical location. For multiple branches, we offer package pricing. For district‑wide or county‑wide coverage, we offer custom annual or multi-year licenses.
Q: Can a non‑profit buy an institutional license?
For organizations planning multiple screenings over time, we offer an Annual Organization License at $399 USD – unlimited screenings for one year. For statewide or multi‑chapter organizations, contact accounting@meritmotionpictures.com for custom pricing. Non‑profits are eligible for a discount on one‑time licenses.
Q: We’re a park district / city environmental commission. What license do we need?
A: Government agencies are treated similarly to non‑profits. Refer to the community screening pricing for one‑time public screenings.
Q: What if we want to show the film for staff training only, not to the public?
A: We offer an Internal Government Use license. This allows unlimited screenings for employees only, on government property, for training or internal programming purposes.
Q: Can I show the film over Zoom?
A: Yes, we allow online streaming. We recommend downloading the MP4 file and using VLC Media Player with Zoom’s “Share Screen > Advanced > Video File” option. Test before your event. Streaming directly from Vimeo while on Zoom can cause lag.
Q: Can I make the film available on‑demand for a short period instead of a single live time?
A: Yes. For virtual events, you can provide the link for viewers to watch at their own pace within a limited timeframe.
Payment and Technical Issues
Q: The payment form isn’t working. What should I do?
A: Try these steps:
- Use Chrome or Firefox (clear your cache).
- Use our Shopify link – prices are in CAD so might be slightly different than USD.
- Contact us for manual billing.
Q: Do you accept purchase orders (POs) or checks?
A: Yes. We can work with POs and checks. Please email accounting@meritmotionpictures.com with your billing information.
Q: Can I get a receipt or invoice for reimbursement?
A: Yes. You’ll receive an automatic receipt. If you need a detailed PDF invoice, contact accounting@meritmotionpictures.com.
Q: I accidentally purchased the wrong tier or quantity. Can I get a refund?
A: Yes. Just let us know and we’ll refund or adjust. Contact Merit Motion Pictures at accounting@meritmotionpictures.com.
Film Access and Delivery
Q: How do I access the film after purchasing?
A: If purchasing via Jotform, you’ll automatically receive a Vimeo link and password. If purchasing via Shopify, contact us upon purchase.
Q: Can I get a download instead of a streaming link?
A: Yes. We can provide an MP4 download – especially helpful for venues with unreliable internet.
Q: Is there a Blu‑ray or DVD version?
A: Not at this time. We only offer digital delivery.
Q: Can I preview the film before purchasing a license?
A: Yes. Contact us for a time‑limited, watermarked screener link.
Q: What if I need to change my screening date after purchasing?
A: No problem. Contact Merit Motion Pictures with your updated event date.
Q: Can I share the streaming link with my newsletter subscribers?
A: No. The license is for a scheduled screening event. For on‑demand distribution to subscribers, contact Merit Motion Pictures to discuss custom pricing.
Special Considerations
Q: Can I show the film as part of a larger conference registration fee?
A: Yes. The “Paid Admission” pricing applies based on your expected audience size, even if the film isn’t a separate ticket item.
Q: What about theatrical screenings or film festivals?
A: For movie theaters and festivals, we offer custom quotes. Contact Merit Motion Pictures directly.
Q: What if we reschedule our event?
A: No problem. There is no expiration for the community screening license. Just let us know the new date.
Marketing and Promotion
Q: Do you provide marketing materials?
A: Yes. The press kit includes a film poster, social graphics, flyers, and a screening guide.
Q: Can I use a clip from the film in my promotional materials?
A: Please use the official trailer. For specific clip requests for major events, let us know.