When hiring or using a location for a production it is common practice to be asked for Public Liability insurance cover. Indeed, I understand this is also necessary even when shooting in public.
I also understand that as soon as the producer - even as an amateur - deploys a crew and/or actors, even friends and acquaintances, then Employee Liability cover should also apply.
Am I right in these?
Does the IAC provide any assistance and support in this regard?
What experience have other production groups had? Any advice to pass on? What sort of premium amounts are we talking about?
As you can see, I would welcome any insight into this subject.
Cheers.
Insurance
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Dave Watterson
- Posts: 1875
- Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2007 11:11 pm
- Location: Bath, England
- Contact:
Re: Insurance
IAC offers a good deal on Public Liability insurance to affiliated clubs, but not (so far as I know) to individual film makers.
The cost of this, or any insurance, may vary a great deal and it is probably worth consulting several insurance brokers who can check up on the possibilities offered by insurers quicker than you can. Bear in mind that you may only need that cover for the short time you are shooting in a certain location so do not get three months cover for a weekend shoot.
Most insurers offer "public liability insurance" but their usual customers are small businesses so covering a film unit may not be familiar to them. In insurance "unfamiliar" ="higher price"! That is why a broker who knows the business can help. They should seek quotes from firms familiar with film crews etc.
I have never heard the "Employee Liability" issue raised in connection with amateur work. A quick dig around the web has not offered me any guidance on when a volunteer might be covered by the laws on eployees.
Perhaps someone with specific legal knowledge can advise us?
The cost of this, or any insurance, may vary a great deal and it is probably worth consulting several insurance brokers who can check up on the possibilities offered by insurers quicker than you can. Bear in mind that you may only need that cover for the short time you are shooting in a certain location so do not get three months cover for a weekend shoot.
Most insurers offer "public liability insurance" but their usual customers are small businesses so covering a film unit may not be familiar to them. In insurance "unfamiliar" ="higher price"! That is why a broker who knows the business can help. They should seek quotes from firms familiar with film crews etc.
I have never heard the "Employee Liability" issue raised in connection with amateur work. A quick dig around the web has not offered me any guidance on when a volunteer might be covered by the laws on eployees.
Perhaps someone with specific legal knowledge can advise us?
Re: Insurance
http://www.filminsurance.co.uk/
Whilst they cater mainly for pro productions, they can provide cover for all areas of amateur and student production work,
and they are not too expensive
Whilst they cater mainly for pro productions, they can provide cover for all areas of amateur and student production work,
and they are not too expensive
"Films are never released, they escape !" Ben Burtt
Re: Insurance
Dave and FredD
Many thanks for your replies and suggestions. I will be following them up.
Regrettably though, it seems - yet again - the IAC is geared up for the affiliated clubs but doesn't seem to paying attention to the needs of the individual or small focused production teams.
Many thanks for your replies and suggestions. I will be following them up.
Regrettably though, it seems - yet again - the IAC is geared up for the affiliated clubs but doesn't seem to paying attention to the needs of the individual or small focused production teams.
Re: Insurance
I have Professional Indemnity and Third Party Insurance for the Consultancy Business I have
When shopping for insurance do pay particular attention to explaining the activity, locations, number of people involved and equipment to be used as the insured risks and hence costs vary considerably
You should also have written method statements and risk assessments which cover all the activities and these should satisfy any Health and Safety official who may get involved in public area videoing activities
In today's litigation driven culture it pays to be prepared, all it takes is one incident and the HSE/local Council will descend very heavily on the organizers
When shopping for insurance do pay particular attention to explaining the activity, locations, number of people involved and equipment to be used as the insured risks and hence costs vary considerably
You should also have written method statements and risk assessments which cover all the activities and these should satisfy any Health and Safety official who may get involved in public area videoing activities
In today's litigation driven culture it pays to be prepared, all it takes is one incident and the HSE/local Council will descend very heavily on the organizers
Col Lamb
Preston, Lancashire.
FCPX, Edius6.02, and Premiere CS 5.5 user.
Find me on Facebook, Colin Lamb
Preston, Lancashire.
FCPX, Edius6.02, and Premiere CS 5.5 user.
Find me on Facebook, Colin Lamb
Re: Insurance
My public liability insurance is now underwritten with Aon Insurance, as part of my BECTU (Broadcast Entertainment Cinematograph & Theatre Union) membership package.
It makes public liability (cover to £2M), very affordable.
Now someone tell me I am not an 'amateur' !
Fred D
It makes public liability (cover to £2M), very affordable.
Now someone tell me I am not an 'amateur' !
Fred D
"Films are never released, they escape !" Ben Burtt
Re: Insurance
When I was filming on location I needed 3rd party and employers liability. I went with Essesx Insurance ( Specialist media cover. Can't remember the address, but a google should do it.) As it was small crew / low budget <10 people on site / < £1000 I got 3 months to cover the shoot for £115 or so. £5m PLI / £10m Employers.
