As we’ve seen recently, the film industry is one of many industries where sexual harassment is rampant. It seems as if the media covers new claims of sexual misconduct daily and many of the allegations are for occurrences that happened years ago. What happens if a worker or contractor sues you years after you produce your film? Are you covered for damages awarded in court? Learn why you need sexual harassment insurance for your movie production.
Is Sexual Harassment Insurance Necessary?
Consider that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) receives tens of thousands of complaints each year and millions of dollars are awarded in sexual harassment suits. In California alone, the current climate makes Employment Practices Liability Insurance (aka sexual harassment insurance) pretty much mandatory.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Any action, verbal or physical, that is sexual in nature and unwanted, can be classified as harassment. For instance, if two co-workers are having a graphic conversation, a third person who can hear their discussion, can claim harassment. If one of your managers asks out one of their workers and that worker feels pressured to say yes, then you have harassment.
The problem is that as a film producer, you have very little control over the actions of others. It’s very easy for a harassment situation to develop and if not handled correctly, you can find yourself involved in a lawsuit.
How Can You Protect Your Film Production?
Employment Practices Liability Insurance covers legal fees and court fees in cases of discrimination and sexual harassment. It also covers certain types of invasion of privacy claims.
The cost of EPLI or sexual harassment insurance depends on a variety of things.
- The size of your production
- How many people you employ
- Where the shooting is taking place
- If you have had any previous claims of sexual harassment
- How long has your production company been in business
Coverage After Filming Ends
There are two types of EPLI policies. The first is occurrence-based. It covers incidents that happen during the term of the policy, regardless of when the employee makes the claim. So, if your film production has an EPLI policy in place during shooting and five years later an actor claims sexual misconduct on the set, the policy is valid.
The second type of policy only covers claims made during the term of the policy.
Based on what is happening in California right now and across the United States, you will want to look at an occurrence-based EPLI policy.
Where to Purchase Sexual Harassment Insurance for Your Film Production
For more information on production insurance in California, contact Equipment & Production Insurance. The team at Equipment and Production Insurance are film, photographic & entertainment industry insurance specialists. Whether you need EPLI, equipment, rental house, or E&O, you can rely on their quick and knowledgeable assistance to meet all of your needs.
