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INSURING YOUR FILM PRODUCTION:
A Comprehensive Overview for Independent Film Producers
Independent film production here in Atlanta, GA can be a risky venture, with numerous uncertainties and liabilities that can threaten the success of your production project. From film sets to catching fire to dynamic stunts going horrendously wrong, each production project is uniquely it’s own. That's why insurance for film productions is a crucial investment for independent film producers, as it can protect them against unforeseen risks and liabilities that may arise during filming.
In this article, we'll discuss the different types of insurance needed by independent film producers and why those coverages are important.
Film Production General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance is a foundational coverage that all independent film producers in Atlanta should have. It provides protection against claims of bodily injury and property damage that may arise during filming, such as one of your staff members causing damage to the space you’re renting for your film shoot. In fact, almost all of the facilities that you will rent will require at least general liability insurance before you can start filming.
Without general liability insurance, you could be held financially responsible for any damages or legal fees that arise from such damage claims, which can quickly add up and jeopardize not only the financial future of your film project but it could also jeopardize your personal financial future. How much is your net worth and how much could this film project gross in sales? That’s the amount that you need to protect yourself from when filming.
Film Production Errors and Omissions Insurance
Also known as E&O insurance, is another crucial insurance needed by Georgia independent film producers.
Think of copyright infringements. You use a title of another unrelated film and all of a sudden you’re served with a cease and desist order before getting served with a lawsuit. E&O insurance is also known as professional liability insurance. It covers the mistakes that you happen to make unintentionally.
It also covers libel, slander, invasion of privacy and other similar claims. In the entertainment industry, E&O insurance is particularly crucial, as it covers the legal costs associated with defending against such claims.
In today's age of social media, the risk of libel claims or copyright infringement is higher than ever. That's why having E&O insurance is essential for independent film producers. You can’t control what all of your staff and contractors will post online on ‘your’ behalf regarding the marketing of this film, but when a post causes libel, it will be your production that will be at fault.
Film Production Workers' Compensation Insurance
Workers' compensation insurance for your Atlanta film project is important in covering the medical expenses and lost wages of contractors or employees who get injured or sick while working. It provides protection against claims from crew members who may get injured on set or suffer from illnesses.
Injuries can include neck strains due to stunts or what’s more common, back injuries from lifting heavy equipment.
Having insurance Is crucial to your film production’s success, however, ensuring that proper safety measures are in place are an essential step that you must take. For example, prior to the start of your Film Production, have a safety meeting with your staff. All staff must follow the safety precautions. If they do not follow the safety precautions, they will be terminated effective immediately. Having a staff person not follow safety instructions can be as financially devastating as not having insurance at all. Make sure that all your staff follows the rules when it comes to filming.
Inland Marine Insurance for Film Projects
Inland Marine Insurance covers your business equipment whether owned or rented. Sometimes it's crucial for production projects to rent equipment. It may not be enough that you have general liability insurance; a film production rental house may require that you have specialty coverage that covers your equipment, especially here in Atlanta.
Inland marine Insurance also covers losses or damage to other assets such as sets and props. It also provides protection against risks such as weather-related damages, unexpected delays, and other production risks.
Click here to read more about Inland Marine Insurance including what it is and how it came to be
Business Auto Insurance
Our article on film production insurance will end with a coverage for the business use of your vehicle. Time and again film productions here in Atlanta, Georgia rely on rental vehicles to complete their film projects. Whether you are renting a Lamborghini, a Lexus or Ford Focus, the rental facility will require that you have proper business Auto coverage. The average coverage limit request is $1M. Automobile accidents are in fact one of the leading causes of death and hospitalizations here in Georgia in both traffic and non-traffic related incidents.
How to Get Insurance for Your Film Project in Atlanta
Getting insurance for your Film Production here in Atlanta is a relatively simple process. First, you will need to fill out an application to request a quote. You can do this by clicking this link to get a commercial insurance quote on our website.
When filling out the form, please be as specific as possible when describing your film production. Let us know if you have any stunts, how many staff members you will have and any other pertinent information that you will need to provide.
One of our staff members will contact you regarding any extra questions that we may have which is typically the case! Providing as much information as you can upfront cuts down on the amount of time needed for your quote. Typically quotes are processed within 24 business hours. The sooner that you can provide us with all of the relevant information the quicker we can get your film insured.
Usually, insurance is the last stop for most film producers. We want to encourage you to make insurance one of your first stops because the cost of the insurance will affect your production budget. Keep your budget on track by knowing all of the costs up front including the cost for your film production insurance. Our agency rights for over 100 carriers and we would be more than happy to assist you in completing your Atlanta Film Production.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, independent film producers must consider various types of insurance to protect their investments against unforeseen risks and liabilities. While each type of coverage has its unique benefits, general liability, E&O, workers' compensation, inland marine, and business auto insurance are some of the most critical coverages to consider. To determine the appropriate types of coverage for your specific project and needs, it's always advisable to consult with an insurance professional who specializes in the entertainment industry here at our agency. By investing in the right insurance coverage, independent film producers can safeguard their projects and pursue their creative vision with confidence.