Many actors and actresses have moved from in front of the camera to behind the scenes. In fact, as far back as 1900, Mary Pickford not only produced films, she also co-founded United Artists Studio. Success for these people is dependent on a number of things. It goes without saying that they need creativity, but they also need knowledge of the business side of things.
And this includes film insurance.
Errors and Omissions Insurance
For instance, an actor who wants to produce their own films would benefit from errors and omissions insurance. For a small investment, they are safe from unintentional copyright infringement and misinformation.
Movie producers are not the only ones who should consider Errors and Omissions Insurance. This type of coverage is appropriate for all kinds of productions. Any project that relies on a written script should have Errors and Omissions Insurance as a supplement to their general liability policy:
- Movies
- Documentaries
- Short Films
- YouTube Videos
- Marketing Videos and Commercials
- Radio
- Theater
- Television
Keep in mind that you must get Producer Errors and Omissions Insurance BEFORE distribution. You cannot obtain coverage if you are already facing litigation.
The Difference between E&O and General Liability
General liability insurance covers damage to a third-party or their property but does not cover less tangible things like libel or copyright infringement.
You need to add Errors and Omissions to protect against the following:
- Infringement of Copyright
- Invasion of Privacy
- Infringement of Trademark, Slogan, or Title
- Plagiarism
- Defamation of Products
- Libel or Slander
Your Errors and Omissions policy will cover the business owner, employees, and subcontractors. Each policy is industry specific. In other words, a film producer will need a different type of policy than a distributor.
Luke Gelineau
For more information on production insurance, contact Equipment & Production Insurance. The team at Equipment and Production Insurance are film, photographic & entertainment industry insurance specialists. Whether you need short-term, annual, post, documentary, commercial, equipment, rental house, E&O, or rent your own insurance, you can rely on their quick and knowledgeable assistance to meet all of your production insurance needs.
