Insurance for feature film production ranges from niche coverage for specific equipment (such as drones) to broad-spectrum protection that is mandatory to secure venue partnerships. Navigating this labyrinth of insurance policies can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be.
The best place to start for any production is with liability insurance. Liability insurance is a non-negotiable part of any film production. However, the specific type(s) that best suit a film will depend on the kind of film being produced, where shoots are happening, who is involved, and more.
Here is an overview of the importance of liability insurance in feature film production and how you can select policies that suit your needs without overpaying for coverage you won’t use.
Comprehending Liability Insurance in Feature Film Production
Liability insurance is a type of protection that prevents businesses from suffering the financial fallout of accidents or events for which they are at least partly responsible.
For instance, if film equipment accidentally harms someone in public, the production studio is liable for that harm—and without proper insurance coverage, it would be fully responsible for paying for the person’s medical treatment related to their injury.
In some instances, liability can come with a price tag in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. This is sufficient to completely end a film project if it does not have proper insurance.
Common Risks in Feature Film Production
A production studio can be found liable for various mishaps and mistakes. Some of the most common include:
- Personal injury as a result of accidents with filming equipment
- Property damage due to mistakes when filming
- Copyright infringement and other intellectual property rights
- Breach of licenses or agreements
Types of Liability Coverage Available for Feature Films
Because liability can come in many forms, it is essential to carry liability insurance policies that address risks from multiple angles. Coverage options that any feature film production should consider include:
General liability – The most basic type of liability insurance, general liability protection, covers two main areas: harm to third parties and damage to third-party property. If a boom arm spins and hits someone during a public shoot or a piece of equipment scratches someone’s car, general liability insurance can cover the related costs. Most venues will not allow productions to shoot on-site until they can demonstrate that they are carrying sufficient general liability insurance.
Auto liability – Some films rely heavily on vehicle transportation to get the job done. When using owned or rented vehicles, a film studio is still responsible for any harm those vehicles cause. Whether they collide with a pedestrian or are involved in an accident with another automobile, auto liability insurance can protect the production from financial fallout.
Professional liability – Often referred to as errors & omissions insurance or E&O, professional liability insurance is especially pertinent for film production studios. When a studio makes a mistake that causes harm or damages to another person or entity, professional liability can pay for the fees or settlements necessary to make the other party whole.
Most commonly, E&O insurance kicks in when a film accidentally infringes on a copyright or includes a trademarked image for which the rights were not properly requested beforehand. Most distribution partners require complete E&O coverage—and that they be named as an insured—before they will collaborate with a film.
Workers’ compensation – Workers’ compensation is a type of liability insurance that helps workers. It targets the employees who are working on the film, protecting them from financial repercussions for injury or illness. Suppose a camera operator falls from a rig and breaks their back.
In that case, workers’ comp pays for their time off work and their medical costs, including rehabilitation, learning to walk again, and physical therapy. If a worker passes away due to injuries sustained while working on the film, the family can be compensated for their loss and given help paying for related expenses, such as funeral fees.
Secure Your Film’s Future With MFE Insurance
Creating a feature film is no small task, but production studios must think about more than their casting and direction choices. Insurance is an essential element of production, and liability insurance tops the list in terms of non-negotiables.
The professionals at MFE Insurance work closely with film studios to identify the risks exclusive to their projects and offer customized solutions backed by industry expertise.
Contact MFE Insurance for professional guidance and customized liability insurance solutions for your film production needs so that you can focus more on the story you want to tell and less on the complexities of insurance.