2017Legal / Business Practices forum
Insurance coverage for Steadicam operators and the distinction between employee and contractor status on productions
What the thread found
- Production insurance may exclude coverage for owner-operators classified as contractors in California, potentially requiring operators to carry their own insurance.
- The determination of employee versus contractor status depends on factors such as whether production controls work hours, location, method of work, and provides equipment and training.
- Steadicam operators should require production companies to provide a Certificate of Insurance covering their gear, though a COI does not constitute a contract or guarantee of coverage.
- Equipment insurance can be obtained through specialty providers, and operators working through the Steadicam Operators Association may access policies through designated carriers.
- Short-term daily or project-based insurance coverage is available but comes at higher cost than annual policies.
- Standard practice in the industry is for operators to refuse work unless the production provides proof of insurance coverage for the gear being brought to set.
- A written agreement specifying that the production company is responsible for gear damage, loss, or theft not covered by insurance helps protect operators from deductibles.
Depends on
- Discussion references California state law specifically; requirements may vary in other jurisdictions.
- The conversation does not definitively resolve whether the producer's statement was accurate for all production insurance policies.
- Specific insurance provider recommendations are mentioned but may reflect individual experience rather than industry-wide availability.
- The discussion focuses on gear protection rather than liability coverage for personal injury.