FILM PRODUCTION

Film Production Insurance

Protecting productions, talent, and creative investment

Film and media productions involve significant upfront investment, tight schedules, and coordination between cast, crew, locations, and vendors. From equipment damage and on-set injuries to production delays and contractual obligations, risk exists at every stage of production.

A properly structured insurance program helps protect budgets, timelines, and the successful completion of the project.

Key Risks in Film Production Operations

Film productions face exposure related to:

  • Cast and crew injuries on set

  • Damage or theft of cameras, lighting, and equipment

  • Property damage at filming locations

  • Production delays due to accidents, weather, or illness

  • Contractual insurance requirements from studios, unions, and locations

  • Transportation exposure for cast, crew, and equipment

Even minor disruptions can cause costly delays.

Core Coverages for Film Production

Film production insurance programs typically include:

General Liability
Protects against bodily injury and property damage claims arising from filming activities or locations.

Equipment Coverage
Covers owned, rented, or leased production equipment against damage or theft.

Workers’ Compensation
Provides statutory benefits for cast and crew injured on the job and protects producers from workplace injury claims.

Cast Insurance (when applicable)
Provides protection if key cast members are unable to perform due to covered reasons.

Production Package / Media Liability (when applicable)
Covers risks specific to media content, including copyright or defamation claims.

What’s Commonly Overlooked

Film production insurance programs are often weakened by:

  • Inadequate equipment limits

  • Missing coverage for rented or borrowed gear

  • Failure to insure pre-production and post-production periods

  • Gaps between liability and workers’ compensation coverage

  • Not aligning coverage with union or contract requirements

These issues often surface during location approval or loss events.

Real-World Claim Examples

  • A crew member is injured during filming

  • Camera equipment is stolen from a set

  • A location owner alleges property damage

  • Weather delays force rescheduling and added costs

Production losses can escalate quickly due to tight timelines.

Why Proper Placement Matters

Film production coverage varies significantly based on:

  • Type and scale of production

  • Filming locations and travel requirements

  • Equipment values and rental agreements

  • Union rules and contractual obligations

Improper placement can delay production or breach contracts.

Our Approach

At Cory Washington & Co., we structure film production insurance with a project-specific mindset. We coordinate coverage around schedules, locations, equipment, and contractual requirements — helping productions stay on track and protected from start to finish.

Creative work deserves disciplined protection.