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Entertainment Insurance

Why Location Matters For Your Film Production Insurance

May 20, 2024 by Alec Roberts

film crew silhouetteFilm production is a vault of creativity, from the actors portraying a diverse array of characters to the stunts, environments, and concepts shown in the film. Most studios will not shoot an entire film on a set located on their property just to facilitate production.

Instead, they may travel to locations encapsulating the aesthetic and tonal presence they seek to integrate into their film. This could be a building down the street or a tropical island half a world away—and insurance for feature film production can change depending on where the shoot is taking place.

Location plays a pivotal role when calculating the insurance needs of a production. Here’s what film studios need to know about why location matters for film production insurance and how to ensure you are covered no matter where your project takes you.

The Impact of Geography on Film Production Insurance Rates

When selecting insurance coverage, one of the first elements many businesses consider is the price. The premium of an insurance policy can vary based on numerous factors, one of which is location. Regional risk factors, such as shooting in a hurricane-prone location, may increase the cost of an insurance policy accordingly.

Not all insurance policies will be affected equally by geography. Auto liability insurance, for instance, will account for location; accidents are more likely to occur in the busy streets of downtown New York City than in the rural farmland of Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania. Likewise, areas with a higher crime rate may see film equipment insurance premiums rise.

Filming internationally again brings a new set of challenges. Studios must understand the regulations of both where their business is established and where the shoot will take place and comply accordingly. A reputable film insurance agency can help producers navigate the difficulties of carrying insurance in international projects.

Urban vs. Rural: Diverse Film Production Insurance Challenges

Another factor to remember when choosing insurance coverage for a film based on location is whether the project is being conducted in an urban or rural environment. Many people assume that a rural area is safer for a shoot because there are fewer people around, but these setpieces can pose problems on their own.

Filming in an urban setting is complex. Insurance agencies may adjust rates based on anything from traffic to smog exposure and the likelihood of equipment theft.

It can be more challenging to shut down public places such as intersections or parks to get the right shot, leading to more significant public interference (even if accidental). These high-traffic areas will likely need proof of more robust insurance protection, especially general liability coverage, to provide a permit to shoot.

Conversely, accessibility can be an issue in rural locations—especially if dirt roads or off-roading are the only choice. Using helicopters and other non-standard transport can increase the cost of coverage. Sometimes, emergency services may be hours away, further boosting the risk for risk-averse insurers.

Special Locations: Water Bodies, Aerial Shots, and Restricted Areas

video camera in film or movie production on tripod and professional gear which shooting in locationWhether a shoot occurs near home or in an otherwise non-problematic location, the type of shoot itself can dictate how insurance rates change. Filming a scene on a beach is substantively different from filming a deep underwater dive next to the beach, even though both activities occur at the same geographic point.

Specialized filming such as this often requires unique insurance policies geared toward those activities or riders expanding existing coverage. For instance, shooting on or in a body of water, filming aerial shots, skydiving stunts, drone footage, and near dangerous areas (e.g., volcanoes, large mountain crevasses, frozen lakes) requires extra consultation with an insurance provider.

It is also important to speak with an insurance agency specializing in film production if your shoot takes you to a restricted area. These locations may be as simple as employees-only sections of a building or as nuanced as otherwise inaccessible natural sets in national parks and more.

Secure Your Filming Location with Film Production Insurance from MFE

Filming is a nuanced art, and securing the right insurance for on-location shoots outside local venues can add to the complexity. Teams need to secure expert guidance on location-based insurance for feature film production to ensure they comply with the proper regulations and achieve their project’s coverage level.

The experts at MFE Insurance have helped films insure themselves against domestic risk and when their vision takes them abroad. Contact MFE Insurance for comprehensive coverage tailored to your project’s unique location needs.

Filed Under: Entertainment Insurance

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