Film Production Insurance

Film Production Insurance

Whether you’re producing a commercial or movie, protect your business from unforeseen accidents with film production insurance.

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Join over 100,000 businesses that have trusted us!
Save up to 35% on your insurance
Just a few minutes to get your best quote
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Zensurance - Film Producer
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Insurance for film production

From the outside looking in, working in the film industry looks like a lot of fun. It’s an opportunity to work at various exciting locations, build beautiful sets, capture incredible scenes and create fantastic special effects – and get paid to do so. 

But, “behind the scenes,” there’s a lot for which a film production crew can be liable. The physical nature of the business means you and your team could be responsible for various injuries and damage that could occur due to your production. For example, a passer-by tripping on your set or a crew member causing damage to a third party’s vehicle when moving equipment. 

At Zensurance, we know there are many moving parts in film production. So we’ve made it our mission to make commercial insurance as accessible as possible. This guide will help you understand the basics of film production insurance.

What is film production insurance?

Film production insurance is a policy package designed to protect film production teams (cast and crew) against specific risks associated with producing a film production, such as injury or damage to a third party or their property, or against accusations of professional neglect. 

We’ve insured more than 1,000 film production professionals. Some of our clients include:

  • Film producers and crews
  • Freelance videographers
  • Video production studios
  • Post-production studios
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What does it cover?

A film production insurance policy will typically include the following coverages:

  • Commercial General Liability Insurance (CGL): CGL can protect film production teams against common claims or lawsuits alleging third-party bodily injury (such as a slip-and-fall), property damage, false advertising, and libel or slander. For example, say you’ve set up a film set on a public street, you’ve followed all protocol, but a pedestrian trips over a cable from your lighting equipment.  Should they be injured and sue, your CGL policy may cover the subsequent medical and legal expenses.
  • Commercial Property Insurance: Chances are you rent (or own) studio space for production and post-production efforts. Commercial property insurance can protect the location and equipment you own or rent from an insured event, such as a fire or theft, wherever you create your productions. For instance, say you’re packing up after a day on set. You notice an equipment truck has been broken into, and an expensive camera has gone missing. Tools and equipment insurance may cover the cost to replace the stolen equipment.
  • Errors and Omissions Insurance (E&O): E&O insurance offers protection against actual or alleged negligence, errors, omissions, or failure to deliver a service as promised. For example, say you’re creating a short film for a client, you realize you’re going to be unable to meet the deadline, which causes your client to reschedule a big event based on its release. Should your client sue your business, E&O insurance may cover you for the legal fees and other related costs.
  • Drone Liability Insurance: If you ever film footage using a drone, consider drone liability insurance to ensure you’re covered for these projects. Often, drone usage is excluded by a general liability policy. ​​Drone insurance provides financial protection for commercial drone operators against third-party liabilities such as property damage or bodily injury. Suppose you’re using a drone to film in the middle of a city, and while operating it, you accidentally crash it into a neighbouring office tower, breaking a window. Drone liability insurance could cover you for the cost to repair the damaged window and any other related fees to the claim.

How much does it cost?

The cost of your policy will vary based on the factors such as the size of your productions. However, film production insurance typically ranges from $1200 to $2000 for an annual CGL insurance policy. 

We’ll be able to give you an accurate quote for your business when you fill out our online application. When making a quote, you’ll be asked specific questions about your business that will help us understand your requirements better. 

The following factors are taken into consideration when determining the best policy options for your film production: 

  • Annual and projected revenue
  • Location
  • Years of experience
  • Number of employees
  • Value of assets
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Common claims scenarios

Problem: While shooting a scene, one of your backdrops falls due to a large gust of wind, seriously injuring a pedestrian behind it. The pedestrian sues you for causing injury to their back and leg. 

Outcome: Your pedestrian successfully sues you for bodily injury. Your commercial general liability insurance may cover the cost of the injured pedestrian’s medical bills of approximately $25,000.

Problem: You rent a studio for post-production editing. One evening, a fire broke out in the studio damaging the building, as well as the computers, speakers, and other editing equipment you’re using. 

Outcome: Your commercial property insurance could cover the costs to repair or replace your equipment, totalling $65,000.

Problem: You’ve been tasked with creating a short film for a client’s wedding day. When you share what you’ve filmed, your client isn’t happy with the results and accuses you of ruining their wedding day. 

Outcome: Your client successfully sues you for professional negligence. Your errors and omissions insurance could cover both the legal fees and monetary judgement, totalling $20,000.

Frequently asked questions

Will film production insurance provide coverage on different sets or locations?

Yes. Film production insurance includes liability and property coverage wherever you are working in Canada. Therefore, it’s vital to tell your broker where the film locations are to ensure you’re adequately covered.

What’s the difference between short-term and long-term film insurance?

Short-term film insurance generally covers you on a per-project basis. This type of insurance is helpful if you’re creating a one-off production or occasionally filming rather than consistently. Meanwhile, long-term film insurance is better if you shoot films frequently at multiple locations and require coverage on an annual basis rather than by the project.

Is additional coverage required for some film productions?

Yes, for specific projects, filmmakers may require equipment or enter into scenarios that aren’t covered by a standard policy. These typically come with additional risks that not all brokers can cover. Be sure to let your broker know the details of your film projects so that you have sufficient coverage.

Here are some examples that would require additional coverage: 

  • Pyrotechnics (such as the use of explosions or fire)
  • Aerial filming using helicopters, balloons or gliders
  • Animals on set
  • Weaponry used onset (such as live ammunition)
  • Water and underwater scenes

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Ready to start? Let’s get a quote!

You have dedicated your career to creating cinematic masterpieces. You deserve a broker that gives you a “behind the scenes” breakdown of the perfect film insurance policy for you. 

Start our online application for a free insurance quote today! 

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