For film, and other performing arts works
Form PA is used to register published or unpublished works of the performing arts, which include:
Musical works (with or without lyrics)
Dramatic works (with or without music)
Pantomimes and choreographic works
Motion pictures and other audiovisual works
Performing arts works are intended to be performed either live or through a device or process (e.g., recordings, films, etc.).
No. Form PA may only be used to register one unpublished work. Paper applications containing more than one work will be rejected.
To register multiple unpublished works, use the online application for “A Group of Unpublished Works.”
See Circular 34 – Multiple Works for details.
| Type of Work | Required Deposit |
|---|---|
| Unpublished Work | 1 complete copy (or phonorecord) |
| Published Work | 2 complete copies (or 1 phonorecord) of the best edition |
| First Published Outside the U.S. | 1 complete copy (or phonorecord) of the first foreign edition |
| Contribution to a Collective Work | 1 complete copy (or phonorecord) of the best edition of the collective work |
For motion pictures, you must submit both of the following:
A written description of the motion picture’s contents
A copy of the film:
Published work: 1 complete copy of the best edition
Unpublished work: 1 complete copy of the work or “identifying material” such as:
An audio recording of the entire soundtrack
A frame enlargement or still image from every 10-minute segment
Before March 1, 1989: A copyright notice was mandatory
On or after March 1, 1989: A notice is optional, but still encouraged
See Circular 3 – Copyright Notice for more information.