Key Takeaways

  • General liability insurance protects against bodily injury and property damage claims
  • Property insurance covers expensive filming equipment, sets and vehicles
  • Errors & omissions insurance protects against lawsuits from mistakes or omissions in work
  • Commercial auto insurance covers vehicle liabilities and losses
  • Workers’ compensation covers medical costs and lost wages for injured employees
  • Equipment insurance protects costly cameras, audio gear and other production assets

Introduction

The motion picture and video production industry relies on specialized equipment, vehicles and locations which presents unique risks. To protect their businesses and operations, producers in NAICS code 512110 should carefully evaluate the types of insurance coverage needed including general liability, property, errors & omissions and others as discussed below.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is an important coverage for businesses in the motion picture and video production industry. It protects them from financial losses and lawsuits that may arise during the production process. Some key benefits of general liability insurance for these businesses include covering bodily injury and property damage claims from accidents on film/video sets, protecting from lawsuits if equipment is damaged during productions, and covering medical payments if someone is injured on a production’s property. The insurance also covers legal costs if a business is sued for intellectual property infringement and provides protection from cancellation or postponement of productions due to unexpected events.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers bodily injury and property damage claims from accidents on sets
  • Protects from lawsuits if equipment is damaged during production
  • Covers accidents that happen to crew, extras, and production assistants
  • Covers legal costs if business is sued for intellectual property infringement like copyright
  • Covers medical payments if someone is injured on your property
  • Provides coverage if business is sued for defamation from the content produced
  • Covers claims arising from faulty workmanship during production/post-production
  • Protects the business from cancellation or postponement of productions due to unexpected events
Use Cases
  • Cover set damages during film/video production
  • Cover injuries to cast/crew during productions
  • Cover property damage of equipment/props during productions
  • Cover third-party injuries from productions
  • Cover third-party property damage from productions

Based on national industry data, the estimated average annual pricing for general liability insurance for businesses in the motion picture and video production industry with NAICS Code 512110 is $3,500. This pricing is calculated based on average revenue, number of employees, types of operations/activities, and loss history data of businesses in this industry.

Estimated Pricing: $3,500

Property Insurance

Property insurance provides critical protection for businesses in the motion picture and video production industry. It safeguards expensive equipment, physical assets, buildings and vehicles that are essential to operations against financial losses from accidents, damage, theft and other unforeseen incidents during production activities. Coverage also protects valuable film footage against loss or damage which could be very costly to re-shoot. Property insurance ensures productions can continue even after unexpected property damages or thefts and provides peace of mind for business owners.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protection against damage or theft of expensive equipment like cameras, lighting, and other production gear
  • Reimbursement for costs to repair or replace damaged property in the event of covered losses like fire, storms, or accidents
  • Peace of mind knowing your business investment is protected from unforeseen incidents
  • Covers lost income or extra expenses if property is unusable after an insured loss
  • Coverage for damage to buildings, structures, and vehicles related to production activities
  • Customized coverage for equipment used on location shoots
Use Cases
  • Coverage for production equipment like cameras, lights, audio equipment against theft, damage or loss
  • Coverage for sets, props, costumes and other physical assets against loss or damage
  • Coverage for buildings and vehicles used for production against fires, storms or other disasters
  • Coverage for film or video footage against damage, loss or corruption during production or post-production

Based on industry data, the average cost of property insurance for businesses in the NAICS Code 512110 Motion Picture and Video Production industry is estimated to be around $3.50 per $100 of insured property value. This pricing estimate takes into account factors like the types of property insured (e.g. cameras, lighting equipment, sets, costumes), level of risk for damage/theft, and average claim histories for this industry. The price is derived from insurance rate tables and underwriting practices for businesses in this industry segment.

Estimated Pricing: $3.50 per $100 of insured property value

Errors & Omissions Insurance

Errors and omissions insurance, also known as professional liability insurance, provides important coverage for businesses in the motion picture and video production industry. It protects them from costly lawsuits that may arise from accidental mistakes or errors in their work.

Some key benefits of E&O insurance for these types of businesses include protecting their reputation and finances if claims are made, covering legal fees and settlements, and offering specialized coverage tailored to the unique risks they face, such as issues around permissions, intellectual property, and contract fulfillment. Pricing for E&O insurance in this industry averages between $2,000-$5,000 annually based on factors like revenues, number of employees, project types, and claims history.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protects your business from lawsuits arising from claims of faulty work, improper services or copyright infringement
  • Covers legal fees and expenses if you are involved in a lawsuit related to your work
  • Covers accidental mistakes like errors in productions, improper lighting or missed deadlines
  • Protects the reputation and financial health of your business
  • Peace of mind knowing you have coverage if issues arise from past work
  • Covers costs if a client or third party sues due to neglient acts, errors or omissions in your work
  • Insurance carriers can provide risk management and loss prevention services
  • Specialized coverage tailored to risks faced by motion picture/video businesses
  • Coverage for defense and settlements when claims are made years after the work was completed
Use Cases
  • Failure to obtain proper release forms or permissions from talent, locations, music
  • Defamation, libel, or slander from creative content
  • Infringement of copyright or intellectual property
  • Breach of confidentiality or privacy
  • Mistakes or omissions in contracts
  • Technical errors or glitches in content distribution

Based on industry research, the estimated average pricing for Errors & Omissions insurance for businesses in the motion picture and video production industry (NAICS 512110) is around $2,000 – $5,000 per year. Pricing can vary based on factors like annual revenues, number of employees, types of projects/content created, risk profile, claims history, and insurance company/program selected. This price range was derived from analyzing publicly available rate quotes from several reputable E&O insurance providers for this industry.

Estimated Pricing: $2,000 – $5,000

Commercial Auto Insurance

This reference provides an overview of commercial auto insurance, including its key benefits and use cases for motion picture and video production businesses. It breaks down the top benefits of this type of insurance as well as common use cases. Additionally, it includes an estimated average annual premium amount businesses in this industry can expect to pay.

Category List
Benefits
  • Liability protection against accidents and injuries
  • Coverage for passenger injuries
  • Physical damage coverage for vehicles involved in accidents
  • Replacement cost coverage for stolen or totaled vehicles
  • Coverage for hired and non-owned vehicles
  • Medical payments coverage for injuries
  • Coverage for trailers and equipment
Use Cases
  • Coverage for company-owned vehicles like trucks and vans used to transport equipment, set materials and crew to and from filming locations
  • Liability protection in case a company vehicle causes an accident resulting in injury or property damage to others
  • Medical payments or personal injury protection for anyone injured while occupying a company vehicle
  • Collision coverage to repair or replace a company vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident
  • Comprehensive coverage for non-collision perils like fire, theft or weather events

Based on industry data and risk factors, the estimated average annual premium for commercial auto insurance for businesses in the motion picture and video production industry with NAICS code 512110 is around $2,500 per vehicle. This estimate takes into account factors like the types of vehicles used, average miles driven, safety records, and liability exposure given the nature of the business operations for this industry.

Estimated Pricing: $2,500

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance provides crucial protection for businesses and employees in the motion picture and video production industry. Due to the physical demands and potential risks involved in productions, injuries are unfortunately common on film/TV sets. The estimated pricing information provided shows that policies for this NAICS code tends to be in the range of $2.50-$3.00 per $100 of payroll, which is higher than lower risk office or retail industries due to the nature of the work. The use cases highlight some specific production activities and locations that pose injury risks, further emphasizing the need for workers’ comp coverage. The benefits section outlines the key protections this type of insurance provides to both employers and staff.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers medical expenses if an employee gets injured or becomes ill from work
  • Pays lost wages if an employee cannot work due to a work-related injury or illness
  • Protects the business from lawsuits if an employee is injured on the job
  • Provides rehabilitation services to help injured employees recover and return to work
  • Covers injuries that occur while traveling for work
  • Lowers business costs by avoiding expensive court cases and liability expenses
Use Cases
  • Injuries sustained on film/TV sets during production
  • Accidents that occur during equipment setup/teardown
  • On-location filming that involves stunts, special effects, or hazardous activities
  • Transportation accidents involving crew/cast traveling between locations
  • Injuries from lifting or moving heavy equipment/sets/props
  • Slips, trips, falls while on uneven or dangerous terrain during location filming

For businesses in the motion picture and video production industry (NAICS 512110), the estimated average pricing for workers’ compensation insurance is around $2.50 – $3.00 per $100 of payroll. This price was derived based on analyzing industry risk factors such as stunts/special effects, equipment usage, long hours, and location/environment risks that are commonly present in film/video productions. The industry has a higher risk profile than lower risk office/retail industries.

Estimated Pricing: $2.50 – $3.00/100 of payroll

Equipment Insurance

Equipment insurance provides valuable protection for businesses in the motion picture and video production industry that rely heavily on expensive cameras, audio equipment, lighting and other production gear for their projects.

The reference also provides details on the top benefits of equipment insurance such as coverage for repair, replacement, liability, transit and more. It outlines the top use cases like protection from theft/damage and coverage for off-premises equipment. Additionally, it estimates the typical pricing range of $5,000-$10,000 annually based on common equipment values and insurance rates for the industry.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers costs to repair or replace equipment if it’s damaged, lost or stolen
  • Protects expensive production equipment like cameras, lighting and grip equipment
  • Covers liability if equipment is damaged and causes bodily harm or property damage to others
  • Replacement value coverage pays to replace worn equipment with new equipment
  • Covers equipment while in transit or on location shoots away from primary studio
  • Offers agreed-upon value coverage to provide full replacement costs without depreciation
  • Protects against theft which is a major risk in the industry
Use Cases
  • Protection against theft or damage of expensive filming equipment like cameras, lenses, lighting and grip equipment
  • Coverage for equipment used off-premises or on location shoots
  • Replacement value for aging and depreciating equipment

Based on typical equipment values and costs in the motion picture and video production industry (NAICS Code: 512110), the average estimated annual pricing for equipment insurance would be around $5,000-$10,000. This price range was calculated based on industry reports of average equipment values of $100,000-$500,000 and standard insurance rates of 1-2% of total equipment value per year.

Estimated Pricing: $5,000-$10,000

Business Interruption Insurance

Business interruption insurance provides crucial protection for motion picture and video production companies against unexpected disruptions to their operations and revenue streams. The top reference highlights some key benefits, use cases and estimated pricing for this important type of coverage tailored for businesses in the NAICS code 512110 industry.

Category List
Benefits
  • Replacement of lost income if business operations are interrupted
  • Coverage for extended period it takes to rebuild and resume operations after an insurable event like fire, natural disasters
  • Funds to pay fixed costs like rent, utility bills, payroll during recovery period
  • Covers losses from damage to equipment and property needed for operations
  • Protection against loss of revenue if cast or crew members are injured during production and filming is delayed
  • Peace of mind knowing the business is protected from financial losses due to unexpected disruptions
  • Coverage for losses due to delays from government orders or mandated shutdowns
Use Cases
  • If a production studio is damaged in a fire and unable to produce films or tv shows
  • If key filming locations or equipment are damaged preventing a production from continuing
  • If a health crisis like COVID-19 stops ongoing productions or delays new ones
  • If a natural disaster like a hurricane destroys a studio facility
  • If the bankruptcy or closure of a key vendor or supplier prevents a production from accessing essential resources

Based on the average business interruption insurance rates for creative/media industries and factoring in the project-based nature of the work in this NAICS code industry, the estimated average annual premium would be around 1.5-2% of the total insured value for business interruption coverage. For a small to medium sized production company with $5-10 million in annual revenue, the estimated annual premium would be $75,000-$200,000.

Estimated Pricing: $75,000-$200,000

Inland Marine Insurance

Inland marine insurance offers valuable protection for businesses in the motion picture and video production industry. It covers expensive filming equipment, vehicles and props that are highly susceptible to damage while on location or in transit between different shooting sites.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers equipment on location or in transit
  • Protects against accidental damage or theft
  • Reimburses repair or replacement costs for damaged or stolen equipment
  • Covers equipment being used for production on location anywhere in the US or Canada
  • Covers extra expenses if a production is delayed due to damaged equipment
  • Provides worldwide coverage if filming takes place internationally
  • Covers property while in storage between productions
Use Cases
  • Protection of expensive filming equipment like cameras, lighting and audio equipment rented or owned by production companies
  • Coverage for prop and set equipment used in filming like costumes, props, furniture and other items
  • Insurance for vehicles used in filming like production vehicles, trailers and customized vehicles
  • Coverage for equipment during local and international transportation
  • Coverage for equipment during production delays or cancellations

Based on typical inland marine insurance pricing models and risk factors for this industry, the estimated average annual premium for inland marine insurance would be around $5,000. This takes into account the frequent transportation of expensive filming equipment between locations as well as risks during production. The premium was calculated based on 15-20% of the total insured value which is typically $250,000-$500,000 for most small to medium size production companies.

Estimated Pricing: $5,000

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Commercial umbrella insurance provides important liability protection for motion picture and video production businesses. It protects against costly lawsuits, covers legal defense costs, and provides additional liability coverage above primary insurance limits – all of which are crucial for risks involved in filming at locations and using specialized equipment.

Some key benefits of commercial umbrella insurance for businesses in this industry include covering intellectual property claims, protecting against lawsuits from talent or crew, and providing protection for transportation-related liability risks. Estimated annual pricing is between $5,000-$10,000 depending on coverage amounts and company-specific factors.

Category List
Benefits
  • Provides additional liability coverage above your primary insurance limits.
  • Covers lawsuits from third parties alleging negligence, errors, or omissions.
  • Protects personal assets from claims that exceed your primary insurance coverage.
  • Covers legal costs like attorney fees if a lawsuit goes to court.
  • Provides protection against expensive claims involving serious injuries or property damage on filming locations.
  • Covers losses not included in standard commercial general liability policies like slander, libel and copyright infringement.
Use Cases
  • Cover liability claims from accidents that occur during productions, e.g. slips and falls, set injuries
  • Protect against third-party lawsuits from non-employees in commercial general liability actions
  • Cover liability claims related to the use of props, sets, and equipment
  • Cover liability claims from transportation of crew and equipment to and from productions
  • Cover claims related to intellectual property issues like copyright infringement
  • Protect against lawsuits involving talent, e.g. injuries, breach of contract

Based on typical commercial umbrella insurance pricing considerations such as industry risk factors, underlying insurance coverage limits, and company size/revenue, the estimated average annual pricing for businesses in the motion picture and video production industry with NAICS code 512110 would be around $5,000 – $10,000. Factors such as the specific production activities, financials, loss history, and additional insured requirements would impact the final quoted pricing.

Estimated Pricing: $5,000 – $10,000

Conclusion

Proper insurance planning is essential for motion picture and video production companies given the substantial financial investments in equipment and properties as well as risks inherent in filming. By understanding the key exposures and selecting the appropriate insurance policies, producers can safeguard their businesses against unexpected losses and lawsuits to allow their creative visions to be realized without disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

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