production insurance Archives

Going Freelance With Your Filmmaking Business

September 27, 2025 by Luke Gelineau

Becoming a full-time freelance filmmaker (say that five times real fast!) can be intimidating. Since your ability to pay your bills hangs solely on the success of your filmmaking business, it might not be the best idea to just jump in and hope for the best. There are factors to consider and precautions you can take.

What should you do before going full-time with your filmmaking business?

Going freelance with a filmmaking business requires a strong network, specialized skills, a polished portfolio, and business acumen. Key steps include developing a specific skill set, building a professional network, creating a strong portfolio with personal projects, and learning to manage client relationships and finances. Start by honing a specific skill, building a portfolio through personal projects or initial gigs, and actively networking through online platforms and direct outreach.

Consider these two options before becoming a freelance filmmaker.

Look for Part-Time Work

Just because you’re going freelance doesn’t mean you have to be entirely self-reliant. Consider building yourself a cushion by performing a small amount of monthly work for another company. This could involve graphic design, video editing, etc. Agree on a weekly or monthly price. This allows for a “rent safety net” while you are in the process of building up your personal business.

Many people believe that freelancing keeps you from working anywhere else or answering to another employer; however, there is no harm in performing a little part-time work while you are taking steps toward expanding your filmmaking career. Working for another company also lends credibility to your work and opens the door for reviews and recommendations.

Expand Your Skill-Set

Every freelancer has their “niche” or a skill that they have mastered. However, potential clients will find you much more credible if you have a wide array of basic skills. A good area to obtain a general understanding of is motion graphic design.

Think of it this way: a restaurant that makes really good burgers, but nothing else, appeals to a burger lover. However, if the burger lover has a wife who is in the mood for chicken, they will likely go to a restaurant that serves both. Skill-sets in filmmaking work the same way. Potential clients may need several services, but if you are only proficient in one, they will not be as inclined to hire you.

Do You Need Production Insurance as a Freelance Filmmaker?

The short answer is “YES.” Since you are self-employed, you are responsible for insuring your own equipment. Additionally, since freelance filmmaking equipment falls under “business” and not “hobby,” homeowner’s insurance will not cover it should something happen to it. It is extremely important that you invest in production insurance so that you don’t find yourself in the hole if something goes haywire.

Here at Equipment and Production Insurance, we want to help your business succeed. If you have any questions regarding the type of insurance needed to become a freelance filmmaker, do not hesitate to call us today!

Luke Gelineau

Do THEY Have Adequate Insurance Coverage?

April 6, 2025 by Luke Gelineau

I’ve written quite a few blog posts at this point, and most of them are talking about how YOU need to make sure that you have adequate insurance coverage.

I’ve gone over everything from Workers Comp to Third Party Property Damage and everything in between. However, we haven’t talked about an important aspect of insurance: Making sure OTHER PEOPLE have adequate insurance coverage.

Read the Fine Print on the Insurance Certificate

I have a client who operates a rental house so he can rent his film equipment to others. He does some film productions of his own but the rental house business generates some nice side income. We cover his insurance needs for both businesses so he has what he needs. However, we can’t control the insurance policies of everyone that rents his equipment.

Unfortunately, he recently rented out his equipment to somebody whose policy contained an exclusion known as the “Unattended Vehicle Exclusion.” This exclusion states that the insurance policy doesn’t cover equipment kept in an unlocked car or that’s left unprotected. The bad thing was that my client didn’t know that he needed to ask about that. He had no idea that the exclusion was going to come back to haunt him later. He figured that he got a proper certificate and that’s all that’s needed, right?

I’ve already written a blog post about what rental houses should look for in a certificate. In there, I explain why it is essential that you’re on top of what your client’s insurance policy says. In this case, my client was thankfully insured by his own policy. But now his insurance company is paying out almost $80,000, and they are not going to be renewing his policy due to the increased claims.

Need More Information on Insurance Coverage?

Make sure you carefully review certificates and have a strong rental agreement, or you could be out $80k as well! Feel free to call me with any questions on insurance certificates and rental house insurance.

Happy Holidays from Equipment & Production Insurance

December 23, 2024 by Luke Gelineau

To Our Clients and Friends,

Thank you and Happy Holidays from all of us at Equipment & Production Insurance.

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for entrusting us with the service of your insurance policies and financial protection. Our relationships with you took on even greater meaning this year as we navigated this strange and difficult year together.

While 2020 has been very challenging, we believe 2021 will be much better. Although the holidays may look a little different this year, all of us here at United Agencies wish you the very best of health, happiness, success, and peace during this holiday season and into the year ahead.

As always, you should feel free to contact me with any questions you might. I am always happy to help you with any of your insurance needs. Be well and please stay safe.

Sincerely,

What You Need to Know to Hire a Makeup Artist

March 4, 2024 by Luke Gelineau

Makeup can make or break a production. Too little, and the person in question is suddenly washed out on camera. Too much, and they can look like a clown. Makeup is about finding the beauty and the balance in a person’s appearance and help a film appear balanced as well. In short, a good makeup artist can bring an element of quality to a film that no one else can.

What should you look for in a makeup artist?

There are several principles to follow when hiring a makeup artist for your filmmaking set. Consider the following tips:

Ask for a referral.

Chances are you have either worked with a makeup artist in the past and want to repeat a good experience. That’s an easy choice. If not, can you get referred to other options by a member of your team or a colleague you trust? A referral is always the best option as you can feel assured based on the experiences of trusted team members or colleagues. The next step would be to review their resume. Does it contain the type of past work that is relatable to your project? If in doubt, are there any references you can contact and ask for their personal experience with the individual in question?

Schedule test runs.

Test runs are not just for performers. Most films thrive on rehearsals; why should makeup be any different? Scheduling test runs with a potential makeup artist offers an opportunity to perfect certain looks, as well as determine whether or not the artist’s style and personality really fits with your team and the vision of the film.

Ask questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask the stylist questions. Important things to ask include their fees. Is your production a private or a union production? If it’s union, you are therefore knowledgeable about rates and hours. You should also review the shooting schedule, driving distance, and their provision of needed makeup supplies.

Asking questions at the beginning saves you from unpleasant surprises down the line.

Be clear and upfront.

Likewise, you must be honest and upfront with the makeup artist yourself. Clearly state your vision, desires, and expectations for the artist. This, too, saves everyone from confusion later.

Make sure you’re covered.

Typically, costume designers, hair stylists, and makeup artist are hired by small production companies as contract labor. They are not “employees” but rather vendors that will send you a bill for your services. Even though they may not hire on as full-time employees, you may still need to purchase Workers’ Compensation insurance. California has strict laws on this type of coverage. The best way to know what types of insurance you need for your film production is to call your insurance agent.

Here at Equipment and Production Insurance, we want to help you see your business succeed. Call us today with any questions you have, and let us help you choose the production insurance that is right for you.

How to Find the Right Costume Designer

February 10, 2024 by Luke Gelineau

Since films appeal to the visual, the right costuming can help “sell” your film. A director works closely with their costume designer as part of a collaborative process.

What does a costume designer do?

Once the director imparts his vision, the designer will put together sketches, images, and ideas for discussion. The designer will also take into account the setting and lights.

After the director approves the ideas, then the designer meets with Wardrobe and actors. To achieve the director’s goals, the designer depends on group input and communication

How can a director help the costume designer?

Make sure they have access to the script and character analysis.
Notate certain themes or messages that costuming can convey.
Hold regular meetings and give input throughout the process.
If there are any technical practicalities that must be considered, such as flying harnesses, make sure to point them out early.
Clearly communicate your costuming budget.

Where can you find a good costume designer?

Larger film production companies will often have full-time costume designers on staff. However, if you are producing a short film or a small theater production, you might consider hiring a freelance costume designer. Many freelancers will open accounts on Fiverr or UpWork. There, you can view their portfolios and read reviews of past clients.

If you do hire a freelance designer, then they will work for you as contract labor. Keep in mind that in the state of California, you must have Workers’ Compensation Insurance for employees, interns, AND contract labor. It’s also a good idea to ask your agent about short-term insurance to protect your costumes and sets.

How can you learn more?

To make sure your production has the best insurance protection possible, give us a call. We can guide you relative to what types of insurance you need.

The team at Equipment and Production Insurance are film, photographic & entertainment industry insurance specialists. Whether you need short-term or annual insurance, you can rely on their quick and knowledgeable assistance to meet all of your production insurance needs.