Films, documentaries, commercials, and other productions can only come to life with a dedicated crew handling lighting, sound, processing, and numerous other critical tasks. Yet, the true essence of any set lies in its actors, who serve as the most direct channel for the audience to connect with the production.
Given their pivotal role in filmmaking, studios must invest judiciously in insurance coverage to safeguard their actors. Selecting a production insurance policy that comprehensively protects these pivotal figures requires careful deliberation, as only some approaches encompass the daily risks actors face.
This article will explain when actors are included under a film production insurance policy, what other types of protection are essential, and which aspects may not be covered.
Does Production Insurance Cover Actor Injury?
Production insurance is an overarching type of coverage that can address many of a film set’s most pressing needs. However, it does not always cover actors, crew, or cast members.
The specific policy will determine whether it offers coverage—and the extent to which that coverage applies. Therefore, production studios must carefully examine the policy details to see whether production insurance covers actors.
In some circumstances, production insurance policies that do offer some coverage for actors will not provide a comprehensive package of protection to address all of the risks that the cast may face.
Thus, most studios will elect to purchase additional insurance tailored explicitly for crew and cast, regardless of whether their primary production insurance policy provides some coverage.
As you examine your production insurance, determine whether it offers financial support should an actor become injured and need to pay medical bills.
However, consider whether it covers the economic repercussions of delays or recasting if someone can no longer perform their role, as well as other extenuating circumstances.
How to Secure Production Insurance Coverage for Your Actors and Film
Suppose your production insurance policy does not offer coverage for actors or is not robust enough to address the risks your production is facing. In that case, it is wise to secure additional coverage.
Typically, this protection is affordable and straightforward to add as a rider to the central policy or as an additional policy in the bundle. The overall most comprehensive protection for actors commonly comes in cast & crew insurance.
This coverage offers financial compensation for medical bills and rehabilitative treatments if an actor is injured while on set. However, it can also help the studio deal with the economic ramifications of hiring a new actor to replace the injured one and the fees associated with delaying production while an actor heals.
In some severe circumstances, a film cannot be completed without its actor, and cast & crew coverage may help to mitigate the losses associated with scrapping the project. Heath Ledger’s death is one of the most notable examples of this, in which his 2008 film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus had to be substantially reworked at significant cost due to his passing.
Film studios need to secure workers’ compensation insurance. The details of who is considered a “worker” will depend on the policy. Still, this type of coverage protects some of the most essential members of a filming team, such as the lighting and stage crew, and potentially even stunt doubles.
What May Not Be Covered By Production Insurance
Most injuries and hazards will be covered under either production insurance, cast & crew insurance, or workers’ compensation protections. However, specific scenarios may be excluded from coverage.
These include intentional injuries or negligent behavior, such as when an actor elects to do their stunts without proper training. Furthermore, actors typically need to complete a medical exam to qualify for insurance coverage; this underwriting process ensures the actor is not an undue risk.
Some policies may cover more niche circumstances, such as kidnapping, and others may not, so always carefully review the policy details.
Get Comprehensive Coverage for Your Next Shoot
As you head into production for your next project, consider whether your film production insurance policy should be supplemented by cast & crew and workers’ compensation insurance.
The experts at MFE Insurance have collaborated with dozens of film productions to create an ideal mixture of insurance protections that address their most significant risks throughout the process.
Contact MFE Insurance to discover robust film production insurance coverage and other policies you can add for the most secure protection.