Films can take a team just about anywhere, from under the sea to the tops of mountains. The natural world contributes vivid colors, exciting shapes, wildlife, and even sounds to any shoot. Still, teams must be adequately prepared to make the most out of these opportunities.
Alongside the many benefits of the natural world are various dangers, not just to film equipment but also to the team operating it. Every studio should invest in film production insurance to protect their project during nature shoots.
However, every film production insurance policy is different, and no team wants to find that an expensive mishap is not covered when they try to file a claim.
Here are some things to look for in a film production insurance policy when nature shoots are part of the production, as well as tips for reducing the risk during these stages of filming.
Does Film Production Insurance Include Nature Shoots?
Nature shoots are common in film production but are not necessarily baked into a production insurance policy. Be sure to check each element of the coverage to establish that mishaps during nature filming are included. Areas to look at include:
- General liability – While general liability insurance covers harm caused to others or their property, make sure that it also addresses damages to public land if the nature shoot occurs in places such as preserves or parks.
- Workers’ compensation – This type of insurance coverage addresses worker injury, paying for their medical bills, recovery costs, and time off work. However, not all injuries may qualify, so check whether harm arising from navigating rough terrain, contracting an illness in a foreign country, and other related incidents are covered.
- Cast & crew insurance – The actors and crew are the backbone of film production. Still, illnesses and injuries sustained outdoors may fall outside the scope of a usual production insurance policy. This can be especially true of diseases exclusive to certain parts of the world, such as malaria, which can interfere with an actor’s ability to perform their work on schedule.
- Equipment insurance – Most equipment will be secure inside a production venue, so this is what production insurance targets. If you need additional protection against exposure to rain and the elements, do not forget to add it to the policy.
- Drone insurance – Thanks to technological advances, drones are now a viable option for capturing sweeping nature footage and difficult-to-reach places. However, the average policy offers no drone coverage, which will usually need to be added as a rider or extension.
- Auto insurance – A studio’s auto insurance policy may cover crashes, but check to make sure it also addresses damage caused by dangerous terrain or unpaved roads if the shoot takes you deep into nature.
- Negative film and faulty stock insurance – Without the film data, a project will never be ready for release. Outdoors, essential storage equipment can be at particular risk, so insurance should protect footage for later use.
- Business interruption insurance – Weather might not impact shoots done indoors, but uncontrollable weather events can slow production outdoors. Check that business interruption coverage includes this type of risk.
How to Reduce the Risk of Nature Shoots
Nature will always be unpredictable, and insurance coverage should reflect that for any film studio. However, there are things that teams can do to reduce the chances of damage or injury while creating their ideal film. Be sure to:
Undergo safety training where appropriate. If teams need to use specialized equipment (e.g., scuba gear), they should invest in proper training. Even training to use basic tools, such as off-road vehicles, is essential for reducing injury.- Bring the right equipment. Tools are less likely to be damaged if they are used for the purposes they were built for. Bring waterproof cameras, dirt-resistant storage, and other nature-specific gear to decrease equipment failure.
- Choose accessible locations. Nature can be found anywhere; there is not necessarily any need to head to the heart of the jungle. If you do need to film somewhere remote, hire a professional navigator.
- Bring tools to clean up. Studios should always leave nature as unharmed as they found it. Bring the tools necessary to clean up after a shoot to avoid the risk of liability or even pollution claims.
- Always use safety equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. It does no good for a film crew to strap themselves into a climbing harness if they are using it inappropriately or if the additional weight of the camera gear exceeds the recommended usage weight. Doing so can void liability protection.
Secure Your Nature Footage With Film Production Insurance
The natural world is teeming with beautiful vistas and exclusive opportunities to lend a special visual flair to film productions. However, film production insurance should always be personalized to address the risks inherent in filming within nature.
Contact MFE Insurance to receive a customized insurance package that addresses the perils that nature can pose to your production.