RSSSix Film Insurance Policies that Filmmakers Should Consider
By Grant Patten | 30-Sep-2021
Image courtesy of Front Row Insurance
Any filmmaking community - including filmmaking.net, of course - should be aware of the insurance policy options that are relevant to filmmakers and film producers. Let's provide a high-level overview of six of the most important film insurance policies that filmmakers should consider.
Note: Front Row Insurance insures in the US and Canada only. If you're outside of these countries, do a "film insurance broker" Google search to find your local insurance broker and contact them.
Regarding COVID-19: it is the case with Front Row's insurance policies (and with most insurance policies in the entertainment industry, worldwide) that a "communicable disease exclusion" has been added. That is, these policies will exclude claims arising out of or related to any loss caused directly or indirectly by or resulting from the Novel Coronavirus. There may also be increased deductibles on certain coverages and restrictions on countries that producers are allowed to shoot in.
We'll discuss these policies in order of the ones that are available to purchase online (in Canada), then discuss ones that can be purchased offline by working with an insurance broker:
- Short Shoot Insurance (purchase online in Canada)
- DigiGear Equipment Insurance (purchase online in Canada)
- Film Production Insurance
- DICE Annual Insurance
- Producer's E&O Insurance
- Post-Production Studio Insurance
Short Shoot Insurance | Short-Term Production Insurance | Purchase Online
Front Row's Short Shoot insurance policy (Canada) is a good option for insuring your short-term film projects. Coverage for up to 15 consecutive days of filming. The coverage is available online, 24/7. Covers rented gear, rented locations, rented props, sets, wardrobes, and more. You can get a quote in two minutes and purchase a policy 100% online. If you are in the US, you can start the process on the Front Row Insurance website.
DigiGear Film & Video Equipment Insurance | Purchase Online
Front Row's DigiGear insurance policy (Canada) is a good option for insuring your filmmaking gear, including your film and video camera(s). Also available online. Quotes in 2 minutes; policies available in 5 minutes. If you are in the US, you can start the process on the Front Row Insurance website.
DigiGear Insurance is for camera operators, directors of photography/cinematographers, sound recordists, videographers, digital imaging technicians, grips, and data wranglers who wish to cover their equipment for theft, damage, fire and loss of use.
Film Production Insurance in Canada and USA
The aforementioned online short-term production insurance covers budgets up to $250,000; however, our film production insurance policy can cover budgets that range from $2,000 to $200,000,000. This policy can be arranged offline by working with an insurance broker.
This film insurance policy can cover features, television series, docs, commercials, music videos, webisodes and other productions intended to be distributed on mobile devices.
DICE Annual Insurance
DICE stands for Documentaries, Industrial Films, Commercials and Educational Films. DICE is an annual insurance policy - if you're planning multiple productions throughout a year, it’s best to get DICE.
The DICE Package Policy is intended to provide insurance for smaller budget documentaries, corporate videos, commercials, educational films, music videos and more. DICE is best suited for producers who are planning to produce projects other than feature films or TV series.
Film Producer's Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance
Film producer's E&O insurance covers legal liability and defence for the production company against lawsuits alleging unauthorized use of titles, formats, ideas, characters, plots, plagiarism, and more.
Producer’s E&O also protects against alleged libel, slander, defamation of character or invasion of privacy. A distributor, broadcaster or financier will usually require this coverage prior to the release of any theatrical or television production; i.e., production financing will usually not flow until E&O coverage is in force.
Post-Production Studio Insurance
We also offer Post-Production Studio Insurance in Canada and the US. This policy can cover:
- General Liability – Protects against claims of bodily injury and property damage
- Equipment Coverage – Including owned/non-owned equipment and software
- Business Interruption
- Non-Owned/Hired Automobile Liability – Protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage caused by rented vehicles, or employees’ personal cars while working on your behalf
- Worker Compensation/Employers Liability – This coverage is necessary to cover anyone hired to work on your behalf, even independent contractors
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Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection at a low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment of claims. Offices in: Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, NY, Nashville and LA.
Disclaimer: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This guest post does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.
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