Video & Film Production Insurance For Documentaries (2024)

FAQs

Do you need insurance for a documentary? ›

However, in general, most documentary production insurance should include: General Liability: This type of insurance covers third parties and their property should they be harmed or damaged by the production or while on set. Equipment: This insurance can pay for repairs or replacements to essential filming equipment.

The necessary production insurance is a mix of insurance policies. Including general liability, equipment, workers' comp, errors and omissions, and specialty insurance. Each has a premium and most have a deductible. All adding up to about 2.5% of the film or show's budget, depending on budget size.

To calculate your production insurance costs, you need to consult with an insurance broker who specializes in film and entertainment. They will assess your project's risk factors and provide you with quotes from different insurers. Generally, production insurance costs between 1% and 3% of your total production budget.

Professional liability insurance, also called errors and omissions insurance (E&O), costs an average of $77 per month (or $926 annually) for video production companies. This policy covers the cost of client lawsuits over claims that your work was unsatisfactory, negligent, late, or never completed.

Equipment you've purchased specifically for the production in the last three months. Public liability insurance. Employer's liability insurance. Producer's indemnity insurance.

The premium for that typical insurance policy will be $2,500 or more depending on factors like the content of the film (investigative reporting, for example, generally presents more risk), and the amount of material being used without an express license from third parties who may claim to own it.

A well-written film production insurance policy will protect filmmakers from the exposures associated with their shoot while filming, or at any time on set, including accidents when working with vehicles. It's also important to cover any possible thefts or accidental damages as well.

The sum of all the camera shots required for the realization of a scene is called coverage. You use it to ensure to capture the footage necessary to put together your scenes. The coverage is worked out by the director in collaboration with the DOP in the preparatory phase.

While every project and policy are different, ballpark premium pricing for short term production insurance starts at $330.00 (commercial general liability of $2,000,000 policy limit).

What is general liability insurance for filming? ›

General Production Liability insurance protects against bodily injury to Third Parties (3rd parties are non-cast and non-crew members such as bystanders or spectators). For example, let's say your production company is filming a feature film at a museum and taped electrical wiring onto the floor.

Film and production equipment rental insurance can cover damage, theft, or loss of equipment while it's being rented or leased. It can also provide coverage for third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury, as well as legal claims related to mistakes or omissions in the production process.

Film production costs encompass all expenses related to bringing a script to the screen. This includes pre-production, production, post-production, marketing, and distribution expenses.

Investors and Business Partners. A key component in the success of a film is securing funds from investors and business partners. These individuals or groups provide financial support in exchange for a share of the profits or other benefits, such as screen credits or product placements.

Post-production: This stage is one of the most expensive parts of film creation, as it includes special effects and post-production work like editing, sound design, or color grading. The expenses involved in creating films during this phase are influenced by the film's scale and the special effects required.

Filmmakers working on documentaries or biographies should have each of their subjects sign a Life Rights Consent Agreement. Typically, a Life Rights Consent Agreement grants to the filmmaker the following rights: The right to portray a particular person's life in whole or in part.

Initially, self-fund your projects. Estimate your average documentary budget, typically ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. Secure funding through grants, private investors, production companies, or crowdfunding. Financial planning and resource allocation are crucial.

Alternatively, an idea can be protected through the Writers Guild of America, which documents your authorship on a given date should there be unauthorized usage. The registration provides five years of legal evidence for your material, however, registration may be renewed.