Start with how the operation works
Film, TV, and video production insurance should follow the project from development and pre-production through principal photography, post-production, distribution, and wrap. Coverage may be structured for a short-term single production or an annual schedule of multiple productions. The review should identify production budget and term, cast, crew, locations, equipment, vehicles, certificates and contract requirements, travel territory, stunts, sets, rented property, media, and the financial consequences of delay or cancellation. For workers' compensation, workers’ compensation planning should reflect actual duties, payroll, locations, supervision, and workplace controls.
Operating details to document
- Description of film, tv & video production operations, locations, revenue, payroll, and recent changes
- Current values and schedules for production general liability, workers' compensation, automobile liability and physical damage, and umbrella or excess, owned and rented production equipment, props, sets, wardrobe, negative or faulty stock, third-party property, and extra expense where available, cast extra expense, errors and omissions, travel or volunteer accident, cyber, crime, and specialized production-interruption coverage where appropriate
- Contracts, certificates, current policies, and currently valued loss history
Coverage details to review
- Employee classifications and payroll estimates
- Medical and lost-wage benefits for covered injuries
- Employer liability limits
- Multi-state work, subcontractor, and return-to-work considerations
Look for Gaps Before a Loss
A useful review goes beyond selecting a policy name. It connects current information to eligibility, policy structure, and the consequences of a significant loss.
- Compare current operations with classifications and named locations
- Review exclusions, sublimits, waiting periods, and coverage triggers
- Coordinate this policy with contracts and other insurance
Cast or crew injury, third-party injury, location damage, production interruption, and extra expense
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Owned or rented cameras, lighting, sound, sets, props, wardrobe, negative or faulty stock, and third-party property
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Vehicles, drones, stunts, animals, precision driving, pyrotechnics, water scenes, weapons, travel, media allegations, cyber events, and errors or omissions
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Employee classifications and payroll estimates
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Medical and lost-wage benefits for covered injuries
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Employer liability limits
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Multi-state work, subcontractor, and return-to-work considerations
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Information to have ready
- Description of film, tv & video production operations, locations, revenue, payroll, and recent changes
- Current values and schedules for production general liability, workers' compensation, automobile liability and physical damage, and umbrella or excess, owned and rented production equipment, props, sets, wardrobe, negative or faulty stock, third-party property, and extra expense where available, cast extra expense, errors and omissions, travel or volunteer accident, cyber, crime, and specialized production-interruption coverage where appropriate
- Contracts, certificates, current policies, and currently valued loss history
- Payroll by employee duty and location
- Employee counts, shifts, and seasonal changes
- Subcontractor certificates and payment records
- Loss runs and workplace safety procedures
Questions for the coverage review
Which film, tv & video production risks could create the most severe loss?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Do current values, classifications, limits, and deductibles reflect the operation?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
What operational changes, contracts, or dependencies should the insurance review address?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Are employees classified by what they actually do?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Do employees travel or work in more than one state?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Who should use this film, tv & video production workers' compensation guide?
Business owners and insurance buyers can use it to prepare for a focused review of coverage alignment. It is educational guidance, not a quote or a substitute for policy terms.
What information should a film, tv & video production account gather first?
Start with description of film, tv & video production operations, locations, revenue, payroll, and recent changes, current values and schedules for production general liability, workers' compensation, automobile liability and physical damage, and umbrella or excess, owned and rented production equipment, props, sets, wardrobe, negative or faulty stock, third-party property, and extra expense where available, cast extra expense, errors and omissions, travel or volunteer accident, cyber, crime, and specialized production-interruption coverage where appropriate, contracts, certificates, current policies, and currently valued loss history, plus currently valued loss information when available.
Coverage descriptions are general. Eligibility, availability, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and policy terms vary by risk and market. Review actual policy documents with an appropriate insurance professional.