Film production is more than just creating feature films. TV shows, documentaries and more are included in the umbrella of production as well, and they also benefit from comprehensive insurance coverage that is tailored to the challenges that they face. However, music video producers are often confused about where they stand—not quite in the realm of creating a film, but not entirely in the musical industry either.
For music video production, insurance protection should be chosen carefully; here is what music video producers need to know about annual production insurance for their projects.
Does Annual Production Insurance Cover Music Videos?
Many music video producers are unsure of where to start when seeking insurance for their projects. Annual production insurance, also called a DICE policy, is the right place to start.
DICE—which stands for documentaries, industrial, commercial, educational—is a type of insurance policy that covers projects that do not fall under the umbrella of a feature film or television series. Smaller projects find coverage under DICE, and that includes music video production.
Similar to insurance for larger projects, annual production insurance can cover a range of potential challenges and damages that occur during filming of a music video. These include equipment damage, protection for rented equipment, automobile liability, general liability, damage to the film itself (such as hard drive loss), workers’ compensation and more.
The exact type of coverage will depend on the insurer offering the policy as well as any riders that are added to the base policy. For instance, if a celebrity is appearing in a music video, you may need to increase or expand coverage to ensure that the policy includes provisions for replacing talent or compensating in the event of injury. This can be done by adding a rider.
What Does Annual Production Insurance Cover?
As mentioned above, production insurance (DICE) covers a wide range of potential problems. More specifically, most policies will typically include protection for:
Automobile Liability
This type of coverage can be helpful when machinery has been rented for a shoot. For instance, vehicles used to transport talent or cars with cameras for high-speed filming are included. Should an accident occur, many types of vehicles are covered so that the producer is not liable for damages.
Property Damage
If a music video shoot goes wrong and damage occurs at the location of filming, odds are the production company will be on the hook for the cost, since almost all music videos are shot at third-party sites. In this situation, this type of insurance shields the production company from financial harm.
Commercial General Liability
Essentially all video shoots must demonstrate that they have obtained general liability insurance before they will be given a permit to proceed with filming. This covers a broad range of things, from vendor agreements to location liability.
Film Equipment Insurance
Filming requires the use of expensive equipment, and if it becomes damaged or stolen, the production company could be facing significant financial harm in funding a replacement or repair. Equipment insurance covers this cost.
These are some of the most common protections, but they are not the only types of coverage that a DICE policy can offer. Be sure to work with an insurance agency that focuses on the film industry to create a policy that is tailored to the needs of a music video.
Things That Might Not Be Covered
While DICE annual production insurance is fairly comprehensive on its own, it does not cover everything. Music videos can sometimes exceed the scope of a DICE policy, and producers will need to decide whether to risk a lack of complete coverage or add riders for specific tasks. Things that are not usually covered include:
Unique Shoots
If your production takes you to unusual places such as underwater, a DICE policy may not cover this additional risk. Similarly, the use of animals and handlers may require a rider addition.
Stunts
Stunts that are deemed too dangerous may not fall under standard employee protection or workers’ compensation in a DICE policy.
Dangerous Props
The use of weapons, pyrotechnics and other flashy effects for music videos may exceed what a DICE policy covers. However, riders are typically available to add if these elements will play a large role in your music video.
Get Annual Production Insurance From The Entertainment Insurance Professionals
Shooting a music video can be a complicated process, and any of a variety of things can go wrong. That is why it is crucial that music video producers secure comprehensive insurance coverage that is tailored to the type of shoot that they are doing.
We work closely with professionals in the film and music industries to ensure that their needs are met. Contact us to discuss a DICE policy or to share details about the unique challenges that your shoot is facing.