Model Insurance Addendum for Film & TV Drone Shoots (Studios, Stunts, Extras)
Imagine: You're on set. The lighting is perfect, that "golden hour" magic, the kind we all crave. Your drone operator is planning a spectacular sweeping shot that will make the opening sequence memorable. The props are set, the actors are in place, and the director says, "Action!"
Then, suddenly, something happens. A strong gust of wind, a miscommunication with the stunt coordinator, and your $15,000 drone is now colliding with a vintage car that was a crucial part of the scene.
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| Model Insurance Addendum for Film & TV Drone Shoots (Studios, Stunts, Extras) |
Your heart starts pounding. But you had everything covered, right? You hired a licensed drone pilot who has his own insurance. You're covered.
...is it really?
If you don't have a specific Model Insurance Addendum for film or TV drone shoots, the answer is likely a resounding "no." Hi, I'm [Your Name], and I've heard this horror story many times from talking to filmmakers working in the content world. Let's make sure it doesn't happen to you.
Understanding the Model Insurance Addendum
Simply put: Think of your main production insurance policy as the base model of a car, it gets you from A to B. The Model Insurance Addendum is an upgrade, like all-wheel-drive, extra airbags, reinforced chassis, that's needed for riskier tasks. This is a special document that adds to an existing policy and covers specific, high-risk activities.
Drone use isn't a luxury in a film; it's essential. Most production insurance policies have exclusions for aviation-related activities. And yes, your drone is often considered an "unmanned aerial vehicle" in the eyes of the insurer.
A good addendum closes those exclusions and clearly states, "The use of drones in this production is covered."
Comprehensive Coverage Beyond the Drone
The addendum doesn't just cover the drone. A strong addendum is a safety net for your entire production. Things to look out for:
Protecting the Studio and Production Company
First, the studio and production company (you), this is your primary protection. If the drone damages third-party property (like that vintage car) or injures someone, your production company could be liable without an addendum. An addendum ensures your policy responds first, protecting your assets and the project's future.
Real-life example: A drone was filming a chase scene and a malfunction broke a window in a nearby office building, damaging equipment and shutting down the business for a day. Without a proper addendum, that business could sue your production.
Handling Stunts and High-Risk Maneuvers
Stunts and high-risk maneuvers, the stakes are even higher here. Insurers are nervous about stunts or flying drones near people.
Practical tip: Specify in the addendum if you're doing "stunt flying" or "close proximity flying." Tell the insurer the truth. If you say you'll only do wide landscape shots and then end up doing a drone-to-actor stunt, coverage may be void. Detail the stunt, explain safety protocols (such as protective cages, certified stunt coordinators on set), and share planned flight paths.
Ensuring Safety for Cast and Extras
The safety of the cast and extras, those on the ground, should be a top priority. What happens if the drone malfunctions and injures an actor or extra?
A good addendum will include provisions like "non-owned aviation liability" and will often call for specific "hired physical damage" coverage for the drone. This means that if the hired pilot's insurance isn't sufficient, your policy will kick in. This ensures that if an injury occurs, your production's accident insurance will protect the cast and crew.
Practical Checklist for Your Drone Insurance Addendum
Practical Checklist, When you talk to your insurance broker, these things should be in the addendum:
- Specific Pilot Qualifications: The pilot's name should be clear and they should have a valid FAA Part 107 Certification (or local equivalent) and at least $1 million in liability insurance.
- Drone Equipment Schedule: List the make, model, and serial number of each drone and camera just like specifying vehicles in car insurance.
- Flight Operations Details: Be prepared to provide the flight's purpose, planned altitude, proximity to people and property, and specific shots.
- Waiver of Subrogation: Simple idea, this prevents your insurance company from suing your pilot's insurance company after a claim. This is helpful for peace of mind and is often required when hiring a pilot.
- Additional Insureds: An addendum should automatically make your production company, studio, and necessary entities (like location owners) “additional insured” to the pilot's policy.
The Peace of Mind Factor in Film Production Insurance
A little empathy also comes in handy: I know you're thinking, “All this paperwork is too much, it costs money.” And you're not wrong. But look at it differently, think of this addendum as a staff member who saves your entire production from financial ruin. This provides the peace of mind that allows the director and crew to focus on the creative work, rather than worrying about ruining everything with one small mistake.
You've invested your time, money, and energy into the project. Protecting it with the right paperwork is a professional move that shows you're a pro and take your work seriously.
Next Steps: Secure Your Production Today
Next step: Whenever you're going to shoot that epic drone shot, make the Model Insurance Addendum a non-negotiable item on your pre-production checklist. This is your essential tool for managing film production risk, protecting the studio from liability, and ensuring the safety of stunt sequences and extras.
Don't let a simple paperwork oversight crash your production.
Your next step? Talk to your production insurance broker immediately. Don't have a broker? Get a recommendation from filmmaker friends, a broker who specializes in entertainment insurance will understand the process well. Talk to them, get an addendum quote, and shoot with confidence.
Have you ever had an experience where proper insurance solved a problem, or did not have insurance cause a nightmare? Share your story in the comments, let's learn from each other.
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Editorial note: This article was prepared by the DroneInsuranceUSA editorial team using official FAA guidance, insurer resources, and industry FAQs. We update the content regularly to reflect changes in drone regulations and best practices.
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