Vertical Production Series Insurance
What Is Vertical Production (and Why Does It Need Special Insurance)?
Imagine you’re holding your phone like you always do - straight up and down. That is referred to as “Vertical Mode."
Now... picture a movie, TV show, or short video that fills the whole screen perfectly in that upright position, without you having to turn your phone sideways. That’s what Vertical Production is all about!
So, instead of filming the traditional “wide” way, Vertical Production uses a different aspect ratio, which means basically flipping the frame so it’s tall instead of wide. This format matches the way people naturally hold their phones, known as "portrait mode." Most of the time, movies and TV shows are filmed in horizontal ("landscape mode"), which means they’re wider than they are tall, like your TV. But if you hold your phone upright, like most of us normally do when texting or scrolling, that wide video will only use part of the screen.
Vertical Production FLIPS that idea! The video filmed taller than it is wide, so it fills your screen from top to bottom. The standard for this is called the 9:16 aspect ratio.
Vertical Production Series Insurance is a long-term insurance solution designed for Television/streaming series or multiple projects under a single production entity. Instead of getting separate short-term policies for each episode or project, this insurance provides continuous, annualized coverage for all projects under the production banner - kind of like a master policy umbrella.
Vertical Production Insurance is often used by streaming platform services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and others. It is also used by production companies creating multiple episodes and/or seasons, and studios with rolling content schedules rely on Vertical Production Insurance, as well.
Vertical Production Insurance is a long-term insurance solution designed for television/streaming series or multiple projects under a single production entity. Instead of getting separate short-term policies for each episode or project, this insurance provides continuous, ongoing, annualized coverage for all projects under your production banner!
Think of Vertical Production Series Insurance like this:
- Landscape (16:9): Good for TVs and computer monitors.
- Portrait (9:16): Perfect for phones - no tilting required.
Where You’ve Seen It:
If you’ve ever used TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or Snapchat, you’ve already watched vertical production in action. These videos are designed to be full-screen, immersive, and mobile-first oriented, meaning they were created knowing people will be watching on their phones, not in a theater or on a big television screen.
Some streaming services are even experimenting with full-length vertical dramas and films, so it’s no longer just for quick clips!
Why It’s a Big Deal in Filmmaking:
Shooting vertically changes everything for a production crew. Issues like:
- Framing – Instead of wide, panoramic shots, the focus is stacked vertically — top to bottom.
- Storytelling – Directors think differently about what appears in frame and how the action flows.
- Equipment & Editing – Camera rigs, lighting, and editing software all have to be set up with vertical orientation in mind.
Because this style is newer in professional settings, many filmmakers are learning new tricks. And yes, it comes with its own risks and production challenges!
Why You Might Need Vertical Production Insurance:
Just like any other film or series, vertical projects involve actors, crews, expensive equipment, sets, and deadlines. That means they face the same risks - injuries, damaged gear, location mishaps - plus some other unique ones:
- Filming with specialized vertical rigs that could be costly to replace.
- Shooting in unique locations to make the vertical view more interesting.
- Coordinating with platforms that have strict format requirements. (Re-shoots can be expensive!)
Vertical Production Insurance protects you financially if something goes wrong, covering areas such as equipment damage or loss, cast illness or injury, location liability, extra expenses from delays, Errors & Omissions (E&O) for content disputes, and more!
The Bottom Line
Vertical production is growing fast, and if you’re creating for today’s mobile-first audience, it’s a format worth exploring. Just like traditional filmmaking, it’s a business investment, and protecting that investment with the right insurance keeps you safe from unexpected costs. For more information on this important service call us today! (818-295-2266) or contact us online for details and assistance. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have about Vertical Production Series Insurance!
Comparison: Vertical Series Insurance vs. Traditional Production Insurance:
| Feature / Factor | Vertical Production Series Insurance | Traditional Production Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Use Case | Ongoing TV/streaming series, rolling projects, or slate productions | One-off films, music videos, commercials, or short-term projects |
| Policy Duration | Annual or long-term coverage | Short-term (per project or episode) |
| Coverage Scope | Multiple productions under one umbrella | One production per policy |
| Admin Efficiency | High – streamlined setup | Lower – paperwork per project |
| Cost Structure | Often more economical over time (bulk pricing) | Higher cumulative cost for multiple short-term policies |
| Speed of Execution | Faster – no need to wait for policy quotes each time | Slower – requires underwriting each time |
| Customization | Tailored to series format & needs | Specific to one project only |
| Ideal For | Streaming platforms, production houses, content studios | Indie filmmakers, ad agencies, limited-run productions |
| Carrier Availability | Offered by select entertainment insurers | Widely available across many providers |
Contact us for more information and assistance!
