How to Get a Criterion Pictures License
Criterion Pictures USA licenses public screenings for 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures and a few other labels. Here’s how to apply yourself.
20th Century and Searchlight
The studios Criterion names on its own site:
- 20th Century Studios
- Searchlight Pictures
- Troma Films
- New Concorde
Criterion says it works with others too. Swank also lists some 20th Century and Searchlight titles for certain kinds of events, so if you’re not sure who has your movie, ask both, or ask us.
Who Criterion Works With
- Parks & recreation, including camps, after-school programs and senior events
- Outdoor cinema events, licensed one title at a time
- Colleges and universities
- Religious organizations, museums, resorts, and bars and restaurants
How to Apply Yourself
Pick Your Movie
Choose a title and a backup, in case your first pick is unavailable or costs more than you expected.
Request a Quote
Fill in Criterion’s quote form (opens in a new tab), call 1-800-890-9494, or email [email protected]. An account manager for your state follows up. Asking for a quote doesn’t commit you.
Get It in Writing
Your booking is only final once Criterion confirms it in writing.
Pay
Criterion takes major credit cards, purchase orders, or a check if there’s time before the event.
Criterion doesn’t publish a lead time. We’d ask at least two weeks ahead.
What You’ll Need
- Your name, email, phone and organization
- Your state
- Whether it’s a K-12 school screening
- The screening location
- The movie title and screening date
- Whether you’re charging admission
- Format: Blu-ray, DVD, DCP, or your own copy
- Indoor, outdoor or drive-in
- Estimated attendance
Rules Worth Knowing
- Any showing outside a home needs a license, including community fields and outdoor venues.
- A license covers one calendar day unless you arrange otherwise before ordering.
- Charging admission? You pay the quoted fee or 50% of ticket sales, whichever is higher. Not both.
- Promote the event with the studio-approved poster. Criterion can make a custom event poster for you.
- Need to reschedule? Go through your account rep.
Criterion doesn’t publish prices. The fee depends on the title and the kind of event, and Criterion says it can usually match a competitor’s price. Checked against Criterion Pictures’s own website on September 25, 2026. Policies change, so confirm the details with Criterion Pictures when you apply. Sources: FAQ (opens in a new tab), About (opens in a new tab), Request a quote (opens in a new tab), Contact (opens in a new tab), Parks & recreation (opens in a new tab).
Rather We Handle It?
Add Movie Licensing Coordination to your movie night quote. We apply for you, deal with the back-and-forth, and send you proof of license.