Films come in many types and genres, but even the most factual documentaries or casual lifestyle movies typically include action or drama to keep viewers engaged.
Setting the scene for high-octane action is a unique liability challenge for producers and directors of feature films, as stunts, special effects, and other high-risk elements complicate the safety and predictability of the production.
However, these elements do not necessarily need to be excluded—instead, by working with a competent insurance agency, film studios can get creative with their high-risk scenes without worrying about the financial ramifications should something go wrong.
Dive into the world of high-risk scenes and insurance for feature film production by exploring how to balance the excitement of stunts and special effects with the essential need for safety and risk management.
Identifying High-Risk Elements in Filmmaking
When people think of box office hits, they often imagine films that feature scenes they have never seen before that put characters in new (and usually dangerous) situations.
These elements are often some of the primary draws for audiences, but they come at the risk of significant financial harm to a film studio should something go wrong. In general, there are three types of high-risk elements that may threaten a film:
Stunts
Stunt work is some of the most dangerous on set, and many studios will use stunt doubles to protect their key primary actors from the risk of harm.
The more dangerous a stunt, the less likely a boilerplate insurance policy will cover the risk. If a person is injured or even dies during a stunt, the potential legal and financial ramifications for the studio can be immense without proper insurance protection.
Pyrotechnics
While many stunts can stand on their own as part of an action scene, certain fictional situations require the use of props and pyrotechnics to create a convincing fantasy.
From car explosions to the magical flames of a sorcerer, pyrotechnics are common and surprisingly dangerous. Misfires and quickly spreading flames are potential risks that can cost studios money in injuries, lost property, and venue damage.
Extreme Shoots
Many productions can be shot on set thanks to increasingly advanced CGI and green screen technology. However, some films benefit from being shot on-site in extreme locations, a risk many insurance policies will not cover.
Underwater shoots, filming at hazardous locations such as mountains and volcanoes, or incorporating other dangers such as animals all move a shoot from “standard” to “extreme.”
Specialized Coverage for Unique Film Risks
The right policies to cover films that feature high-risk scenes will vary depending upon the content of those scenes. Generally, coverage will come down to two primary strategies: stunt insurance and customized premium coverage.
Stunt insurance can cover a broad spectrum, with robust protection from pyrotechnics and aerial filming to standard fall stunts and fight choreography with weapons.
However, be sure to review the details, as most stunt insurance policies will cover only basic stunt actions and may need riders or an umbrella policy to expand coverage.
The best way to achieve the proper protection for your film is to work with an insurance agency to create customized premium coverage.
They can compile a mixture of protections that include policies targeting the specific stunts and shoots you have planned for your film.
Whether you intend on crashing cars or choreographing fight scenes with armored knights, swords, and real horses, an experienced insurance agency can create something tailored to you rather than offering a cookie-cutter approach.
Case Studies: Insurance in High-Risk Film Production
Injuries and even fatalities are not uncommon as part of high-risk film production.
One of the most notable recent examples is the 2018 production of Maze Runner: The Death Cure. Lead Dylan O’Brien was dragged underneath a moving vehicle during production, nearly crushing his skull and causing a delay of almost a year when his injuries proved more severe than initially believed.
Similarly, actor Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed another on-set individual in 2021 during the filming of Rust, which evokes the memory of the tragedy of Brandon Lee’s death in 1993.
While filming The Crow, his co-star believed the gun could only shoot blanks and pointed the gun directly at Brandon. The gun discharged, and Lee was killed.
Safeguard Your High-Risk Film Production with MFE Insurance
Movie sets can be chaotic, and the risk of injury is just part of the job on many high-action films. However, having the right insurance for high-risk elements in feature film production is essential when things go wrong to ensure that injured parties can make a full recovery and the film can continue as planned without financial setbacks.
MFE Insurance works closely with film studios to develop customized insurance products that address their specific risks. Contact MFE Insurance for tailored insurance solutions.