Luke Gelineau, Author at Equipment & Production Insurance

Going Freelance With Your Filmmaking Business

March 10, 2026 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

Production Insurance Claims: True Stories – General Liability Insurance

February 12, 2026 by Luke Gelineau

Over the years, I’ve written quite a few articles on the different production insurance options that our customers have with Equipment & Production Insurance. So far we’ve covered General Liability Insurance, Equipment Insurance, Hired Auto Insurance, Workers’ Comp, plus several more. I hope that many of you have gained some valuable insight through those articles. However, I understand it all gets a little confusing at times.

To help make production insurance easier to understand, we are going to put together a series of ‘real world’ examples. I will detail ACTUAL insurance claims that I’ve seen during my career. It’s one thing to read about insurance coverages, but it’s another to hear of what an actual customer had to go through. Hopefully, their experience can give you valuable insight into your production insurance needs.

Production Insurance Claims: True Stories – General Liability Insurance

If you read my blog post on General Liability, you are aware this type of coverage does NOT cover damage done to the location where you are filming. It only covers damage or injuries to third parties. So let’s talk about the claim, and keep in mind that I’m prevented legally from mentioning names or saying how much was paid. Regardless, I think you’ll get the point anyway.

This scenario happened about five or six years ago. One of my customers bought a short-term General Liability policy to film in an apartment complex. They were filming in one of the apartments, and somebody knocked over a cup of coffee without noticing that they had done it. By the time they found the stain, the coffee had seeped down through the carpet, and it had started to drip into the apartment below. It dripped onto some very costly gator skin boots that the eccentric man downstairs was keeping in his closet. The insured submitted the claim, but the insurance company did not cover the damage to the carpet. The reason they denied the payout was because the carpet was under the insured’s care and control. They covered the damage that was done to the neighbor’s ceiling and his boots and then the claim was closed.

I frequently use this claim as an example when discussing with clients the difference between Third Party Property Damage (the coverage that insures damage done to your location), and General Liability. I hope this helps illustrate this important insurance coverage. If you have any other questions, then please feel free to call me to discuss things further. (818) 295-2266

Producer Errors and Omissions Insurance

January 5, 2026 by Luke Gelineau

We get a lot of calls about Producer Errors and Omissions Insurance, so in kicking of the New Year, we thought this was a great time to revisit this topic in greater detail.

What is Producer Errors and Omissions Insurance?

I wrote a blog a while back explaining what Errors and Omissions Insurance covers and why it’s needed.

Errors and omissions insurance covers losses other than property damage caused by your production company or its employees.

Infringement of Copyright
Invasion of Privacy
Plagiarism
Libel or Slander

Your General liability insurance covers damages to a third-party or their property.

Why Do You Need Producer Omissions and Errors Insurance?

If you are a filmmaker, you need E&O before establishing your production’s distribution network. Errors & Omissions insurance is not limited to movie producers. In fact, radio and television producers are also eligible for liability coverage.

Errors and Omissions Insurance protects film producers from lawsuits that can and do arise over the content of their production. Take, for example, a couple of the many legal cases surrounding the Harry Potter series.

In 1999, Nancy Kathleen Stouffer alleged copyright infringement by J.K. Rowling, based on Rowling’s use of the word “Muggles.”Another case involved a scene where Rowling named a band called the Weird Sisters. Apparently, there was a group that owned the rights to the name in Canada. Both cases resulted in a drawn-out legal battle and high legal fees.

Copyright infringement can occur without you even realizing it. In the case of the band name, how could you possibly research every group in every country? Most writers don’t think that far ahead. They just hope to produce a script that people like.

That is why you need Producer Errors and Omissions Insurance.

The Fine Print

Movie producers are not the only ones who should consider Errors and Omissions Insurance. Any type of production that involves a written script should definitely consider E & O as a supplement to their general liability policy.

Movies
Short Films
YouTube Videos
Radio
Theater
Television

However, you must get Producer Errors and Omissions Insurance BEFORE distribution. Productions facing litigation due to content errors are not eligible for coverage.

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 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.

Happy Holidays from Insured Production!

December 23, 2025 by Luke Gelineau

Happy Holidays To Our Clients, Friends and Family

We wanted to take a moment to thank you for your continued support, and entrusting us with the service of your insurance policies and financial protection. Wishing you a very Happy Holiday season, and a prosperous New Year in 2026!

Warmest wishes,

From your friends at InsuredProduction.com
a Division of United Agencies Insurance

Luke Gelineau

A One-Man Show: How to Film a Video by Yourself

December 15, 2025 by Luke Gelineau

Film producers are obviously not the only ones making videos nowadays. Bloggers, influencers and digital marketers know that video increases customer engagement and improves their presence on search engines and social media.

This sudden need for more video, especially in 2020 since the coronavirus occurred, has caused companies and individuals alike to develop their own video departments. Unfortunately, not every business has the resources to hire multiple people just for filming. Instead, that task is often laid upon one individual.

So, if that is you, how can you shoot a high-quality film for little money and with only one person? It can be done! Here are some tips on how to film a video by yourself.

Where will you shoot?

Obviously, you cannot film in a busy office. While a studio is not necessary, you do want to find a location without distraction or background noise. For instance, grab an empty conference room (with a lockable door) and make sure you hang a sign outside that says “Quiet please, filming.”

Once you’ve pinpointed where you will film, take some time to dress up your set. Add decor and if necessary, extra lighting.

What kind of camera do I need?

If you are shooting your video solo, then you will need a camera that works remotely (we are assuming you are also the on-screen talent). Even better, get a camera with autofocus.

DSLR Camera
Tripod
Microphone
External Monitor

For smaller budgets, it’s often possible to rent filming equipment rather than purchase it outright. (Relying on your cell phone to shoot video just doesn’t always cut it!) Check with local rental houses to see what types of equipment are available and keep in mind that they will require you to have rental insurance before letting you rent.

Positioning the Camera

Adjust the tripod so that the camera lens is just above your eye line and point it down slightly. Position a laptop or external monitor nearby so that you can view the shot remotely before starting to film. Attach the microphone to the stand or position it near where you will be standing so that it picks up the audio clearly.

Lighting is also crucial. Soft light is best and make sure that it is balanced. You can place lights to either side of the camera at about the same height as the lens. Dial the brightness up or down depending on how you want the video to look. Remember to check that external monitor to see how it looks and if any shadows are going to mar the footage.

Then, start filming.

It’s as easy as that.

Where to Purchase Video Production Insurance

Luke Gelineau United Agencies Welcomes you to the Equipment & Production Insurance website. Where to purchase? That’s easy… come to us! For more information on rental insurance or other types of film 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, or Workers’ Comp Insurance, you can rely on their quick and knowledgeable assistance to meet all of your production insurance needs.