As films have developed into the sometimes billion-dollar projects that take viewers to exotic locations, film crews increasingly need to plan for the challenges of remote filming.
From rugged terrain to civil unrest and the difficulty of transporting equipment deep into uncharted territory, remote filming can be a particular challenge for studios, necessitating care in planning and selecting the right film production insurance. The ideal insurance coverage for remote filming will include a variety of protections covering the crew, equipment, and studio.
To address the risks exclusive to these challenging shoots, studios should work with insurance agencies that have a history of insuring such films; they have the knowledge and expertise to recommend coverage that avoids common pitfalls in this hazardous space.
Exclusive Risks of Remote Filming Locations
Filming in an unorthodox location poses many of the same risks as shooting a scene down the street from the studio. Still, additional challenges may not become apparent until the crew is already on site in the remote area.
Immediate medical and emergency services may not be readily available, and extreme weather conditions or even natural disasters can threaten team safety, equipment, and the film’s timeline. When crews need to be miles into a jungle without roads, transporting people and equipment to the chosen location also poses a risk. However, all of these issues can be addressed with curated insurance coverage.
Equipment Damage and Loss in Remote Areas
Films will not progress far if equipment is damaged or lost in remote locations. Transportation and setup are hazardous due to the increased difficulty of storing tools securely and the higher risk of theft or vandalism in some places.
Equipment might degrade faster because of its exposure to harsh conditions, including rain or extreme temperatures. If equipment needs to be replaced, the studio would be on the hook for this cost without insurance coverage.
Safety and Health Concerns for Crew
The crew are also at risk in remote filming. Exposure to dangerous native wildlife or unfamiliar terrain can result in injuries or even death. At the same time, foreign illnesses or unsanitary conditions can wreak havoc on a team.
Crew insurance or workers’ compensation may cover medical emergencies and liabilities, such as injuries sustained on the job. However, bear in mind—medical care may be more challenging to find.
Logistical Challenges and Project Delays
Business interruption insurance is almost non-negotiable for remote films. The film’s timeline may begin to dissolve as crews face difficulties in accessing locations, delays due to transportation issues, and unpredictable road conditions or blocked access points.
Insurance can help cover the costs of delays or reshoots and the expenses tied to retaining crew longer than their initial contractual obligations.
Legal and Regulatory Issues in Remote Regions
Do not forget to account for the potential liabilities tied to local laws and regulations with which the team may not be familiar. Securing professional liability insurance (errors & omissions) is wise to address legal disputes, fines, and other challenges posed by remote filming.
Specialized Film Insurance for Remote Locations
In general, a standard production insurance policy will not be sufficient to cover the many hazards posed by filming in other countries or remote locations. Customize coverage for remote locations by adding riders to existing policies or pursuing additional protections, such as foreign production insurance.
Foreign production coverage can provide protection for both crew and equipment, but the details of each policy will vary. Some of the most common inclusions are:
- Owned or rented automobiles
- Props and wardrobe
- The film itself, such as negatives and hardware storage
Many foreign policies also include location insurance, which is also known as third-party property damage coverage. This functions similarly to general liability insurance but typically extends to a broader range of locations. Depending on the scope of the project, even niche protection, such as pollution insurance, could be feasible if the film is shot on protected land.
Protect Your Film Against the Hazards of Remote Locations
Film production insurance is essential for any project. Still, remote shoots pose so many additional risks that pursuing a wide range of protections is non-negotiable.
MFE Insurance Brokerage’s expertise in remote filming coverage can help you understand which coverage types suit your project based on your budget, talent, and intended filming locations. From comprehending local regulations to replacing equipment lost in rugged terrain, we make sure your policies support your creative vision.
Contact MFE Insurance today to get a full blend coverage for your next remote shoot so that you can focus on executing the project rather than managing the finances of multiple equipment losses and other issues.