On Insurance for a feature film

[ColorBalance]

I am sure this is not a new topic.

For a small budget feature film (no rented equipment or any stunt scenes) that is being shot for distribution, what kind of insurance coverage one must have? Also, would a distributor even look at your finished movie if you had no insurance of any kind? Assuming, of course, that you've all the crew / cast / location permints.

 

[emretufekci]

This is a question you should ask your film office. Generally cities require liability waiver insurance for their own protection, if you are filming at discreet locations you can always risk being shut down but can do without insurance.

You cannot (generally) get location permits without insurance.

 

[Zak Forsman]

a 1 million policy should cover you for equipment rental and permits. will cost about $1500 for a month long production in CA.

 

[ColorBalance]

So, once the movie is done - insurance or no insurance - it doesn't matter?

My big fear is, you do every possible thing to make your movie. Then the distributor comes and says - sorry - you didn't buy that insurance - "tough luck, buddy."

I may see an entertainment attorney who would charge $200 / hour, but prefer to hear from those who have real life experience. From what I know, attorneys try to sell you all kinds of useless stuff. Kickbacks, probably.

 

[Zak Forsman]

for distribution, yes you would need E&O and there is no way around it. E&O is Errors and Omissions to protect the distributer from someone saying "hey, you don't have permission to use my music on the soundtrack" or something.

 

[JonathanLB]

You don't need any insurance as far as a distributor is concerned, though, besides E&O but that's not production insurance. No distributor is going to care whether you were insured or not on your shoot, but it's a big risk to shoot without insurance in my opinion. I wouldn't risk it.

Usually worker's comp is going to be about 2.5% I believe of your paid wages, that's not horribly bad, that's one of the most expensive elements, though.

 

[moonlitnite]

I am sure this is not a new topic.

For a small budget feature film (no rented equipment or any stunt scenes) that is being shot for distribution, what kind of insurance coverage one must have? Also, would a distributor even look at your finished movie if you had no insurance of any kind? Assuming, of course, that you've all the crew / cast / location permints.

First off, videographer event insurance does not cover filmmaking nor will homeowners insurance cover gear. During filming, there are two filmmaker's insurance, one covering private premise and the other on public facilities. Also during this phase, you'll need workman's insurance to cover the cast and crew. In some circumstances, you'll need a separate policy for vehicles associated with filming, etc. Of course, film rates go up exponentially with risky situations: firearms (real or fake), squibs, music/rap videos, stunt scenes, adult videos, etc.

Realistically, when it comes to insurance a lot of your contemporaries simply "wing it" hoping noting goes seriously wrong. And as Zak pointed out, distributors will require E&O insurance, who will run you through the ringer 12 ways from Sunday to ensure all your paperwork is in order (music rights, etc).

Good luck, Michael