The best guide to production insurance
This is a scenario that occurs: You're filming a short horror film. The cast is filming an elaborate fight scene that includes an axe and prosthetic torso inside the living area in your uncle's house.
The film director is heard shouting "Action!" Then the mysterious person takes the axe and crushes your brand new ARRI Skypanel (and damages a window during the process).
Your thoughts: "Man, I hope we have production insurance for this endeavor."
This scenario has played out probably thousands of scenarios. For the majority of the films that are insured, the situation can be catastrophic, however, it's ultimately manageable. For productions that don't have insurance, it's almost catastrophic.
Let's explore the fundamentals of producing insurance providing practical guidance on the best ways to prepare for any eventuality, and to keep your business secure, safe and financially profitable no matter what occurs to you.
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HTML0 The basic elements of insurance for production
In order to really focus on the practicalities and tips regarding producers, we spoke to filmmaker Lisa Normand about her time managing sets and the production insurance setup regarding the liability of liability, claims and liabilities.
"First all film projects no matter how small or large requires production insurance. This will not just protect you and your crew, but also open up doors that make the hiring of equipment, safe sites and hiring employees simpler." Lisa Normand, producer
Normand Normand points out that most of the time rental properties, or any other production facilities won't allow you to rent machines or even sign agreements without evidence of insurance needed for the project.
Additionally, you'll soon discover that, when you look at locations , or search for deals or other benefits producing insurance could provide a tremendous help in getting all the tools to accomplish your job.
Where can you search for insurance coverage on production?
If you haven't used production insurance before the first thing that pops up in your head could be: Where can locate production insurance?
You don't need to call State Farm. You'll need an insurance firm that specializes in producing insurance and understands the kind that you'll need. Also, you can look up and get quotes from a variety of companies to make sure you are getting the highest assurance and protection you're looking for. Lisa Normand
A simple Google search will provide you with an extensive list of firms offering film production insurance and agents. However, it's not hurt to shop around and request quotes from several companies. A few of the bigger names in production insurance worth checking out include:
If you're working together with production companies and agencies on a specific project You can always collaborate with them to provide production insurance for an whole production, to prevent arrangements that result in incomplete or overlapping coverage.
The different types of insurance for production
Another issue that comes to mind for people who do not have much experience with setting processes is with various forms of insurance for production.
There is a good chance that many of the above companies will provide assistance with your setup process whether that is through chat on the internet or by giving them an email.
"When speaking to a production insurance company, you'll want to provide as much information concerning your production that you are able to, including budgets, sizes of the crew and, whether you're performing any stunt such as car chases, scenes or blowing things up, then obviously. You should also ask if they provide workers' compensation also if you're going by payroll to crew members or if you require setting it up separately," Normand points out.
Other options to consider include investigating workers' compensation and determining if your company is already set up or would require adding it to your production insurance (something certain companies offer for an extra charge).
Also, answering the questions regarding the budget, the size of the equipment used by the crew as well as the amount of stunts and risks should assist in coordinating and managing your entire production. If you aren't able to provide these basic details to the company who handles your insurance for production Maybe you're not as organized and prepared for your project as you think. You may require additional time in order to ensure that all your ducks are lined up.
How to utilize the production insurance
When you've finished your homework you've gathered your quotes, and created your production insurance plan, your next step in the process is to make sure you're ready to utilize your insurance should any accidents or mishaps happen. (And obviously, even though it's impossible to prepare for emergencies at the location it is possible that they will occur!)
"Speaking from experience, accidents happen! Your goal is to prevent them, but there's always the chance of having a malfunctioning lighting system or camera which falls. But no matter what unexpected disaster you face it is possible to keep precise records and making budgets to compensate for damage and losses." Lisa Normand
Normand mentions that the most effective protection against set-related incidents is having a well-organized offensive. It is important to establish an agenda that permits your team to operate in a safe and productive with a safe and effective way, with security protocols and safety guidelines in place.
If an accident does happen, it is important to be informed of the information as precisely as you possibly are able to. It's essential to file each instance with your insurance provider as well as provide the time and date of the incident. The details of what transpired, as well as the specifics of any injuries.
It's important to remember that insurance claims for production can be made on a case-by-case basis, so if an equipment dolly for a camera falls and causes damage to a camera or a light, and results in damage to the set, are all covered under the same instance regardless of whether the gear comes from different departments or not.
Be sure that your information is secure and safe
A crucial point to keep in mind is to make sure that you keep your equipment and set secured and safe. Not only do you need proof that your work was following safety protocols and guidelines, but you also should consider storage and security in addition.
"There are gray space on this but...if your equipment isn't secured, then you run the risk of having an insurance provider refuse to settle an amount. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that, if you own cameras in transit such as a camera truck you make sure it is placed in a building or type of secure and secure parking space." Lisa Normand
In Normand's style, when you leave the equipment you use to film in a van for the duration of the night, and your vehicle isn't stored in a safe place, any damages or theft may not be compensated.
According to Normand's experiences, it's never worth the risk of finding out what could happen when equipment is not secured or supervised. You could even consider hiring security to keep an eye at equipment that is left for an extended period of time.
Why you should be covered by Production insurance
In the majority of teams and projects it's not a viable choice. It's an obligation that you must have. However, if you're still on the fence over whether or not you ought to consider adding production insurance to your short film , whether is shot on a weekend or an upcoming production, you should take a look at the following factors.
Normand talks about the impact of production insurance with these three main factors:
- It will be easier to find the equipment as well as the locations you'll need quicker.
- In the event that you suffer from actual injuries or damage
- This can be very beneficial if you're asking for discounts or special promotions since you can always let customers know that their equipment, locations or time will be covered!"
In the final day, putting aside a few thousand dollars to cover your deductible can be less than the cost of replacing $400k camera and set-up. You'll also be able to enhance your appearance by asking your uncle to use his lake house to shoot an outdoor shoot, or ask your friend to loan their RED camera.
When you are able to secure production, your assets are safe under your control , and guaranteed.
Want to dive deeper? These are more useful sources to look over before you contact estimates and set to get the production insurance you need.
- What are you informed about regarding the insurance of film The Film Fund
- The most important information for film production insurance Wrapbook
- Production FAQ on Insurance Film Emporium
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