Film equipment is what makes projects from blockbusters to hobby shoots possible. No footage could be captured without the cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and gear that bring everything together.
However, even in low-stakes documentaries, this equipment presents one of the most significant risk areas for studios. Damage, theft, mechanical failure, and data corruption are just some of the hazards that can derail a shoot, delay production, or end a project entirely.
Without insurance for documentary productions, studios can find themselves in financially dire straits should an accident occur. Film producers and directors, particularly those who are budgeting and financing their projects, need to incorporate robust insurance coverage into the mix.
Do not stop at baseline general liability and workers’ compensation coverage, which may be the minimum required to secure permits for shoots.
Be sure to consider the many potential coverages for your documentary’s technical gear, either through a customized film equipment insurance policy or as individual protections.
Camera and Lens Insurance
One of the most important types of insurance, camera and lens protection, is also one of the simplest to find. Most overarching equipment insurance policies will cover cameras, including damage to the camera itself, lens cracks, theft, and replacement costs.
Cameras face two primary risks during a documentary shoot: physical damage (especially cracked lenses) and theft. Because documentaries are often shot in publicly accessible locations, it is more common for equipment to be stolen than when shooting on a private set. Camera and lens insurance can pay for repair or replacement costs to keep the production moving.
Sound Equipment Insurance
A documentary’s sound equipment is invaluable to recording, and shoots cannot continue without it. From microphones and recording devices to boom arms, insurance for sound equipment is of the utmost importance.
Sound equipment faces many of the same risks as cameras for on-location shoots, such as theft. Insurance covering these tools can ensure they are properly replaced or a suitable stand-in is found until the issue is resolved.
Lighting and Grip Equipment
Lighting adds depth, dimension, and tone to a film. Insurance policies can be tailored to address issues ranging from damaged or blown lights to vandalism of lighting kits and theft of grip gear, among many other possibilities.
A robust lighting insurance policy should protect these devices on set and during transport. Some coverages include this protection in the lighting insurance policy itself, and others require the addition of inland marine protection.
Post-Production Equipment
Most documentary production studios approach insurance coverage through the lens of active production, covering devices being used during shoots. However, the post-production transition also comes with substantial risks.
Accidents during post-production can be far more detrimental than damaged equipment during shoots. Studios should always aim for insurance that covers their editing suites and computers.
Otherwise, they may find that they do not have the technology needed to process and prepare their footage, which can affect deadlines—and, by extension, both film profits and investor relations.
Data and Storage Solutions
Among the most important types of documentary insurance is protection for data and storage solutions, both during and after filming is complete.
Consider whether your equipment insurance policy includes hard drives and cloud storage coverage. These devices are the lynchpin of a successful movie strategy, storing the team’s effort and progress until release.
Protecting digital assets from loss or corruption is paramount to ensuring a film’s publication. Stories that have made waves in the film industry often center around the tragedy of unexpected file corruption or loss; take the famous Toy Story 2 as an example.
After an employee accidentally hit the wrong button, all of the film’s data files were erased. Without proper insurance coverage, all the investment into this classic’s production would have been lost.
Thankfully, Toy Story 2 could be salvaged using a backup on an employee’s home computer. However, not all films are so fortunate. Data and storage insurance covers losses such as this that can destroy a film’s publication schedule.
Protect Your Documentary Gear With MFE Insurance
A documentary film’s technical gear is the backbone behind what makes the project possible, and damage to these essential tools can delay or end production.
The experts at MFE Insurance provide tailored insurance solutions for technical gear to ensure your documentary can be shot confidently, regardless of location or production needs.
Contact MFE Insurance to explore the many types of protection available to your documentary through robust insurance coverage customized for your project.