Film Festival - Do you buy film entertainment insurance?

[moonlitnite]

Hi all,

As business videographers, we buy wedding/event general liabillity insurance at reasonable rates. However, my sense is that when it comes to film festivals (here at dvxuser, City-based contests, etc), most cast/crew teams don't acquire film entertainment insurance for their shoot. I'd guess the following are the primary reasons folks forgo buying necessary insurance includes:

1. Film entertainment insurance (general liability and private/third party) is costly - hard to justify spending $1,000+ insurance for a bare-bones production

2. The cast and crew mistakenly think only the person accepting the producer role is liable, so if the producer doesn't buy insurance, they figure accidents are not their problem (unfortutely untrue, they are "partner" and the plantiff's lawyers will use the "deep pockets" doctrine looking for assets of the entire team)

3. The cast and crew mistakenly think their homeowners, event videography, or another policy will somehow protect them

4. If an accident occurs, the cast/crew hope they can weave a story that the filming was everday personal filming, thereby covered under their existing policy

5. The cast/crew don't have enough personal assets to justify the insurance

6. The cast/crew are willing to take the risk, trying to be safe and hoping for the best


Personally, I'm in a local guild of 150 filmmakers (cast and crew) that has regular/ongoing competitive events, akin to a festival for its members. We pay monthly dues, sign legal waivers promising not to take action against the guild (a L.L.C.) or members/teammates on a film assignment. Still, if an accident occurs on public or private property, I believe everyone would be exposed without insurance coverage. Certainly when the team size grows and the filmmaking gear rolls out, it would be hard for the entire team and other witnesses to tell a court of law that the filming was simply a personal shoot.

So I'm curious - when you enter a festival or similar entertainment filmmaking event, how do you address the insurance issue? And if you see flaws in my scenarios above, I welcome your feedback.

Thanks for sharing your views,

Michael

 

[Jockomo]

It's always tricky to figure out when to give in to the fear mongering insurance industry and tithe to them your every move and possession.

 

[jls4]

What I did was talk to my insurance policy for "videography" and told them I shoot short narrative projects for clients. They told me that was okay.

Maybe I'm pushing the envelope but #1 and #3 do apply to me. But when you don't have extra there's nothing you can do. I will be trying to get some "real" insurance for a piece of my next project because I may have up to 300 extras on set for 2 days. That's a lot of people to watch. But after those 2 days, I'll probably go back to regular insurance for the rest of the shoot.

 

[craigbowman]

We are insured for all our productions with an annual policy that includes equipment, liability and hospitalization amoungst the main stuff.