Documentaries frequently film amid events as they are unfolding. This offers viewers an exciting glimpse into a piece of history, an engaging relationship, or a curious story.
For the production studio, however, filming comes with risks severe enough to stop a project in its tracks. Insurance for documentary production should always include protection for the on-screen stars who keep the documentary going.
Losing a valued cast member during production is tragic for the families and friends who knew the person. It is also a significant financial blow to the studio filming the documentary.
Even if the person only falls ill temporarily, the production might be unable to recover.
Here is an overview of how film crew insurance can save your production from these troubles so you can shoot with confidence.
What Is Covered Under Cast & Crew Insurance
The type of insurance policy that addresses sickness, absence, or death among on-screen talent (and behind-the-scenes crewmembers) is called cast & crew insurance. This insurance addresses the financial costs of talent and crewmembers needing medical attention or taking time off from a project due to injury or illness.
Covered loss under cast & crew insurance can take many forms depending on the policy. Most commonly, covered areas include:
- Sickness – When an individual falls ill such that they cannot perform their job
- Injury – When a person is harmed such that they cannot work
- Death – Compensation for a worker who died during production can help find new talent for the role or pay for losses associated with scrapping the project
- Unlawful Detention – If talent or crew are detained by police, held at ransom, or otherwise prevented without cause from performing their work
The Requirements for Film Crew Insurance
Securing protection for on-screen documentary talent requires an insurance policy for the cast and crew. Even with this policy in place, it is common to submit additional information about the injury or illness when filing a claim.
Most policies will not pay out without a medical practitioner’s verification of the illness or injury. Additionally, to secure a policy, the production studio must attest that its talent is in good physical health with no preexisting conditions that could harm production at least 21 days before the start of coverage.
Once coverage is in place, if talent develops a condition that could threaten their health later, the studio must inform the insurance company.
What Might Not Be Covered
Many types of harm to cast & crew are covered under insurance for documentary production. However, some of the most frequent sources of injury or sickness may be excluded from policies depending on how thorough their scope is and the deductible the studio is willing to pay. Common exclusions include:
Pregnancy – Suppose an actress cannot continue a role due to pregnancy. In that case, the cost of replacing the actress, shooting delays, or finding alternatives are not typically covered. In most cases, this exclusion extends to other related issues, such as menstruation and childbirth.- Stunts – One of the simplest ways for cast & crew to be injured during filming is by performing stunts. While stunts are less common in documentaries, some insurers may still deem certain risk-taking behaviors as stunts, such as skydiving, to get a particular shot. Injuries or deaths related to these activities are not usually covered by cast & crew insurance without the purchase of an additional rider or policy amendment.
- Childhood Diseases – Some documentaries may use child actors in the starring role or as supporting characters. Children under the age of nine who contract diseases that are common in childhood and are absent or seeking medical attention may not be covered. Excluded diseases usually encompass tonsillitis, diphtheria, measles, mumps, chicken pox, scarlet fever, and whooping cough. However, each policy may have its list of excluded illnesses.
- Planned Absence – Cast & crew insurance can also cover detainment. However, when talent has preexisting agreements (such as the termination date in a contract) and must leave the production, they are not considered unlawfully detained or stopped from performing their duties. Thus, cast & crew protection will not cover the costs associated with their departure.
Get the Crew Insurance Your Documentary Needs with MFE Insurance
Every documentary relies on its cast & crew to create a compelling end product. If these talented individuals fall ill, sustain an injury, or even pass away during production, getting the film back on track can be a costly endeavor.
The experts at MFE Insurance can help you create a personalized insurance solution that protects your talent and keeps your production safe from financial loss if something goes wrong. Contact MFE Insurance to speak with an agent experienced in documentary production.