Performance, Film and Media Insurance: A Practical Guide

What is performance, film and media insurance?

Performance, film and media insurance covers a broad range of activities within the creative and entertainment industries, including filming, live performance, broadcasting, and media production. Because this sector often involves temporary locations, hired equipment, and public or audience interaction, standard business insurance may not fully address the risks involved.

Policies in this category are typically built from several sections, which might include public liability for cast, crew, and audiences, equipment cover for cameras, lighting, and other gear, and sometimes cover for production costs or cancellation of an event or shoot due to unforeseen circumstances.

Who needs this cover?

This type of insurance is relevant to film and video production companies, performers and entertainers, event organisers, broadcasters, and freelance media professionals such as camera operators or sound engineers. Anyone whose work involves temporary filming or performance locations, hired equipment, or interaction with audiences and the public may need cover tailored to these activities.

Venues or locations hosting filming or performances often require proof of public liability insurance before granting access, and productions may also require cast and crew to have appropriate cover in place as a condition of participation.

What's covered and what's excluded

Common sections within this type of policy include public liability for injury or damage claims arising during filming, performances, or events, equipment cover for cameras, lighting, props, and other gear (whether owned or hired), and employers’ liability where cast or crew are directly employed. Some policies also offer cancellation or abandonment cover, which can help with costs if a production or event has to be cancelled due to circumstances like severe weather or illness of a key person.

Exclusions can include damage caused by improper handling of equipment, unlicensed use of locations, certain hazardous stunts or activities not declared to the insurer, and losses arising from circumstances known about before the policy started. Given the wide variety of activities in this sector, it's particularly important to accurately describe the nature of the production or performance when arranging cover.

• Public liability for cast, crew, and audience-related claims
• Equipment cover for cameras, lighting, and other production gear
• Employers' liability for employed cast or crew
• Cancellation or abandonment cover (often optional)
• Undeclared hazardous activities are typically excluded

What affects the price

Premiums depend on factors such as the type and scale of the production or performance, the value of equipment to be insured, whether filming involves stunts or hazardous activities, the number of cast and crew, and the locations used. A small local performance will generally be viewed differently to a larger production involving travel, hired venues, and specialist equipment.

The experience and track record of those involved, the length of the production or tour, and whether cancellation cover is included can also affect the price. Insurers may ask for details of risk assessments or safety procedures, particularly for activities considered higher risk.

Tips for productions and performers

Provide a clear and accurate description of your production, performance, or media activity when seeking cover, including any unusual locations, stunts, or hazardous elements, as this helps ensure the policy matches the actual risk. Keep an up-to-date inventory of equipment values, particularly if you regularly hire in additional gear for specific projects.

If a venue or client requires a specific level of public liability cover, confirm this requirement in advance so you can arrange a suitable limit of indemnity. For productions involving multiple locations or international travel, check whether your policy extends to cover these circumstances or whether additional arrangements are needed.

How to get a quote

If you work in performance, film, or media and need cover for a production or ongoing activities, you can complete a short form with relevant details, and a specialist broker will contact you to discuss suitable options, with no obligation to proceed.

Frequently asked questions

Does this insurance cover hired equipment?

Many policies can cover hired as well as owned equipment, but it's important to confirm this specifically, as terms can vary between insurers.

Do venues require proof of public liability insurance for filming?

Many venues and locations require evidence of public liability insurance, often to a specified minimum, before allowing filming or performances to take place.

Does it cover cancellation of a shoot or event?

Cancellation or abandonment cover is often available as an optional section, helping with costs if a production or event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, but it isn't always included as standard.

Is employers' liability needed for a film crew?

If crew members are directly employed rather than engaged as self-employed contractors, employers' liability insurance is generally a legal requirement.

What affects the price of this cover?

Scale of the production, equipment value, type of activities (including any stunts or hazards), and number of people involved are among the main pricing factors.