Lights, Camera, Insurance

Production Insurance and Why You Need It

You’re a content creator working on YouTube videos, not a Hollywood producer helming a multimillion-dollar production. So, do you really need production insurance? The answer is, “ Of course you do!”

Whether you’ve worked on a YouTube video, or a Hollywood Blockbuster, you’ve seen things go wrong. Camera problems, weather, traffic accidents on the way to set; all things that can derail your production. While you can’t prevent problems, you do everything you can to prevent those problems from bankrupting your dream. Which is why savvy content creators follow the lead of Hollywood veterans, and never start shooting without production insurance.

But finding the right coverage can be confusing. Here’s a quick break down of what you need to protect yourself, your crew, and your business.

What is Production Insurance?

Production insurance is designed to protect video producers and their productions when accidents happen. There is no blanket policy when it comes to production insurance. Each policy is different and tailored to meet the needs of the producer, production, or production company. Why? The danger inherent when shooting great white sharks is much different than when shooting the librarian reading a book during story hour. But both productions still need insurance. From page one of the script to the wrap party, insurance should be the one budget item that you don’t leave out.

What Does Production Insurance cover?

Typically, we think of production insurance as covering on-set injuries and equipment loss or damage. But production insurance covers much more.
A Production Insurance Package can respond to claims for owned and rented vehicles used in production. Shooting delays caused by travel delays can be covered. Even your talent dropping out at the last minute leaving you with gear rentals and a crew to pay may be covered. Media Liability Insurance responds to claims of copyright, trademark infringement, defamation and slander. That photo in the background of your master shot could be copyrighted, and the copyright holder may choose to sue for using it without permission. There are so many things that can and do go wrong. But the good news is there is insurance for all of it.

Types of Insurance

Your insurance needs can vary depending on the production. But there are some coverages that you will absolutely need.

  General Liability

General Liability provides coverage for locations, third-party bodily injury, and third-party property damage. General Liability usually has a million-dollar limit. But, if you need higher coverage, excess or umbrella policies are available. Even if your entire production takes place in your own studio, you need General Liability to protect your assets in the case of a claim against your business.

  Equipment Coverage

Never bring equipment to set without first getting insurance. If you rent, it’s required by the rental house just to pick up the gear. If it’s your own equipment, insurance is a must have. While cameras get the most attention, a business personal property policy may also cover sound and lighting gear, grip equipment, computers, office furnishings, even the director’s chair, in case of damage. A business personal property policy also responds to claims of theft or loss, like when you leave equipment in a van and the van is burglarized.

     Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Comp covers your team, your staff, and your employees’ medical expenses in case of a covered on-the-job injury or illness. It may also provide paid time off if they have an on-the-job injury or illness. If you chose, you can, as a business owner, be included in workers comp, but it may affect your premium.

  Professional Media Liability

Professional Media Liability insurance protects against losses related to traditional libel, slander, defamation, invasion of privacy, unauthorized use, plagiarism, and more.

  Specialty Policies

While most film productions can get away with the basics of General Liability, Workers’ Comp, Equipment Coverage, and Media Liability, some productions require special endorsements. These special production policies cover a wide swath of elements, including:

Having the right policy to cover your special needs is the best way to safeguard your production.

Wrapping Up

No matter how prepared you feel, or how experienced and confident your crew is, the unexpected can still happen. Production Insurance can offset the cost of accidents that occur before, during, or after production.

If you’re a producer or production company, taking care of your cast and crew is your number one job. Without production insurance you’re putting them, and your business at risk. If there’s an accident or injury on set and you’re not insured, your business could wind up being responsible for the costs…or worse.

Protect yourself, protect your crew, protect your future. Before you roll camera, take action and get properly insured.