FILM & MEDIA ERRORS & OMISSIONS INSURANCE
Specialty Errors & Omissions coverage for film, television, web series, documentary, multimedia, and digital production. Distribution-ready policies that satisfy network, streamer, and distributor certificate requirements — with KIG's 50+ years of entertainment placement experience.
DISTRIBUTION READY
START YOUR FILM E&O QUOTE WITH THE INTAKE FORM
Film & Media E&O is not a blind quote product. Carriers need project details, clearance information, distribution requirements, limits, deductibles, term, and production background before they can respond. Complete the intake form first so we can approach the right markets without wasting time.
COMPLETE THE FILM E&O INTAKE FORMDISTRIBUTION-REQUIRED COVERAGE FOR FILM & MEDIA PRODUCTIONS
FILM & MEDIA E&O protects production companies, producers, and distributors from claims of copyright infringement, trademark issues, defamation, invasion of privacy, libel, slander, and unauthorized use of intellectual property. Most distributors, streamers, and networks require it as a contractual condition before they will accept delivery of a film or series.
WHAT IS FILM & MEDIA E&O INSURANCE?
Specialty Professional Liability for productions, producers, and distributors — the policy that lets your project actually go to market.
Most production companies place media Professional Liability just before the piece is purchased or distributed. If you plan on selling or distributing a film, web series, documentary, or any other media project, chances are you will need — or be required — to purchase Film & Media Distribution Errors & Omissions Insurance.
The policy responds when a third party alleges that your production used copyrighted material without permission, infringed a trademark, defamed a real person, invaded privacy, or improperly cleared an idea, character, location, or song. It pays defense costs, settlements, and judgments tied to those allegations.
For producers seeking deeper background on the legal framework, see our explainer on Fair Use & Copyright Law in Film and Media.
TYPES OF FILM & MEDIA E&O COVERAGE
Different productions need different coverage structures. Each card below describes a distinct policy form available through KIG.
DICE PRODUCERS E&O
Media Liability coverage that typically lasts 12 months and renews annually. DICE-based media E&O is not specific to any one project — it blankets the production company's entire portfolio of projects throughout the policy term.
MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY
Annual term coverage that is more blanketed in nature. Often extends to multiple projects and multiple media types — though scope and inclusions vary by carrier and underwriting decision.
MEDIA DISTRIBUTION E&O
Project-specific coverage placed just before distribution. Addresses what happens when productions accidentally capture brands, use disparaging imagery, or trigger third-party claims tied to delivered content.
FILM CONSULTANTS MALPRACTICE
Errors and Omissions for producers — covering wrongful brand use, invasion of privacy, defamation, libel, slander, and "that was my idea" claims. Even accidental misuse can trigger lawsuits without coverage.
MEDIA LIABILITY & FILM E&O
Coverage for original content, scripts, costumes, sets, films — anywhere "original ideas" weren't properly cleared. Insurance language refers to this as patent infringement, intellectual property, and creative material exposure.
PRODUCTION COMPANY E&O
Project or operations-level coverage for production companies. Addresses brand-capture incidents, contract gaps, and the full range of media-related allegations tied to the company's output.
Have a real distribution deadline or producer requirement? The quote process starts faster when the underwriting details are complete.
Complete The Film E&O Intake Form →TRADEMARK & BRAND CLEARANCE EXPOSURE
One of the most common claim categories in film and media. Brands you didn't license can become brands you have to defend.
WHEN A REGISTERED MARK SHOWS UP UNCLEARED
UNINTENDED BRAND CAPTURE happens constantly on set — a logo on a coffee cup, a billboard in a wide shot, signage on a passing car. If the brand is used in a way the trademark holder finds objectionable, that's a claim waiting to happen.
Distribution E&O responds to TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT, BRAND DISPARAGEMENT, AND UNAUTHORIZED USE claims that arise from the delivered work. The coverage is most valuable in the moment a distributor's legal team flags an exposure during delivery review.
POLICY TERM OPTIONS
Most film companies require a 3-year term for distribution-related media Professional Liability. Premium structure differs from standard annual policies.
1 YEAR TERM
The minimum term available when distribution requires E&O. Annual premium is not typically 33% of a 3-year premium — pricing reflects underwriting load rather than pure time scaling.
3 YEAR TERM
The standard term most film companies require. The premium shown on the declarations page is the total premium for the entire 3-year term — paid once, not annually.
BLANKET / ANNUAL
DICE-based annual coverage that blankets the production company's portfolio across multiple projects. Renews annually rather than tied to a single distribution event.
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE CONSIDERATIONS
Most carriers offer endorsements that materially expand coverage — and the cost differential is often surprisingly small.
CARRIER ENDORSEMENTS CAN MEANINGFULLY EXPAND COVERAGE for what some carriers consider modest premium increases. As an example, USLI (United States Liability Insurance) offers patent infringement, intellectual property coverage, creative material coverage, and media liability add-ons under their Professional Liability program.
Always ask your agent about every applicable endorsement available under your insurance program — the cost differential between baseline and enhanced terms is often surprisingly modest. Strong coverage enhancements can sometimes be added for pennies on the dollar relative to the protection they provide.
Sexual abuse and molestation coverage is increasingly available under Professional Lines policies (E&O or D&O). Generally purchased before commencement of filming, this coverage has become more common given recent industry events.
SCRIPT CLEARANCE & FAIR USE
Section 107 of the US Copyright Act allows certain unlicensed uses of protected material — but the safe-harbor only extends so far.
FAIR USE LEGAL DOCTRINE — KNOW THE BOUNDARIES
Section 107 of the Copyright Act allows certain uses of copyright-protected material without license in special circumstances. One key feature is the manner in which the protected property is used.
Example — using a leading soft drink brand in a feature film. If the protagonist uses that brand's product in a way that degrades the brand or as a weapon to harm a person or thing, that use sits outside what's typically acceptable under Section 107. A lawsuit or civil complaint from the brand becomes nearly inevitable.
HIRE AN ATTORNEY EARLY to navigate clearance, then call us. A complete explanation of Copyright Law is available at copyright.gov/fair-use.
PRODUCERS LIABILITY CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS — EXAMPLES
Real distributor certificate language (sanitized for confidentiality). Many carriers cannot provide all required contractual endorsements — KIG works the markets that can.
PRIMARY & NON-CONTRIBUTORY LANGUAGE
_______ will purchase at their own cost; and maintain in effect during the term a producer's or media-type Professional Liability Insurance Policy (Errors and Omissions) underwritten by at least an A or B+ rated Insurance Company approved by ____________. _______ will provide _______ with a Certificate of Insurance from the Underwriting Company requiring at least _____ days advance written notice of any adverse circumstances involving the policy — cancellation for whatever reason, claims or reports of any claims, and any endorsements or policy documents released. Any change in the policy whether or not material must be reported to ____________. Such coverage must be primary and non-contributory in nature in favor of the Distributor. Where applicable, waivers of subrogation must also be in place in favor of the Distributor.
3-YEAR TERM & LIMIT REQUIREMENTS
_______ will secure for the three (3) year period following delivery of the Episodes, producer's Errors and Omissions insurance in the minimum amount of US$1,000,000 (one million U.S. Dollars) per claim and US$2,000,000 in the aggregate with a deductible of not more than US$10,000, which will name _______ as an additional insured. Producer will provide a certificate of insurance for such policy upon delivery of the final Project under this Agreement.
RELATED FILM & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE
Other coverages that pair with Film & Media E&O on production accounts.
FILM & MEDIA E&O VARIANTS
PRODUCTION & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE
PARENT & HUB CATEGORIES
WHY KIG FOR FILM & MEDIA E&O
Boutique entertainment placement with five decades of industry experience.
KELLY INSURANCE GROUP ISSUED ITS FIRST ENTERTAINMENT INSURANCE POLICY IN THE 1970s. Five decades later, our boutique approach to specialty entertainment placement still operates the same way — with focus, attention, and treatment of every client like the only show in town.
Our headquarters is in Pittsburgh, with offices in LOS ANGELES AND DETROIT. We work admitted and non-admitted markets, surplus lines carriers, and specialty programs. We position the account, write the narrative, and place coverage where it actually fits — instead of forcing it into a market that was never going to write it.
Whether you have been declined, are facing a hardening market, or simply have an unusual project — the path forward starts with a real conversation about what you do and how you do it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions from producers, production companies, and distributors evaluating Film & Media E&O coverage.
WHEN DO I NEED FILM & MEDIA E&O?
Most often immediately before a film, series, or media project is sold or distributed. Distributors, networks, streamers, and platforms typically require E&O as a contractual condition before they will accept delivery. Securing coverage during pre-production or early principal photography is also common for productions with significant clearance exposure.
WHAT DOES FILM & MEDIA E&O COVER?
Typical coverage includes copyright infringement, trademark infringement, defamation, libel, slander, invasion of privacy, plagiarism, idea misappropriation ("that was my idea"), unauthorized use of names or likenesses, and breach of implied contract claims. Specific scope varies by carrier and form.
HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL POLICY TERM?
Most distribution-related Film E&O policies are written for a 3-year term. The premium shown on the declarations page is the total cost for the full 3-year period — paid once, not annually. Some productions can secure 1-year terms when distribution requires it. DICE / blanket coverage is typically annual.
WHAT LIMITS DO DISTRIBUTORS TYPICALLY REQUIRE?
Common minimum requirements are $1M per claim / $2M aggregate with a deductible of not more than $10,000, with the distributor named as an additional insured. Larger projects, network productions, and major studio engagements typically require higher limits. Review distribution agreements carefully for specific limit and endorsement requirements.
WHAT'S DICE / DICE PRODUCERS E&O?
DICE-based media E&O is a blanket form that covers a production company's portfolio of projects rather than a single named project. The policy renews annually and "blankets" qualifying productions during the policy term. Useful for production companies with multiple ongoing projects.
CAN I ADD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COVERAGE?
Many carriers offer endorsements that expand coverage for patent infringement, intellectual property, creative material, and broader media liability exposures. USLI is one example of a carrier with these add-on options. Ask your specialty broker which endorsements are available under your form.
DOES FAIR USE PROTECT MY PRODUCTION?
Section 107 of the Copyright Act provides a fair use safe harbor for certain uses of copyrighted material without license. The doctrine considers the purpose, nature, amount used, and effect on the market. Fair use is a defense — not a guarantee. Productions that disparage, distort, or use protected material in ways the rights holder finds objectionable face real legal exposure even with fair use arguments available.
DO I NEED SCRIPT CLEARANCE BEFORE BINDING?
Most carriers require evidence of script clearance, errors and omissions clearance procedures, or a clearance opinion from qualified counsel before binding. Production companies typically engage clearance attorneys and script clearance services well before submitting an E&O application.
IS SEXUAL ABUSE & MOLESTATION COVERAGE INCLUDED?
Not by default. SAM coverage is increasingly available under Professional Lines policies (E&O or D&O) as a separate endorsement or sublimit. Generally purchased before commencement of filming. Talk to your specialty broker about whether SAM should be added to your placement.
WHY USE A SPECIALTY ENTERTAINMENT BROKER?
Standard agents typically cannot access the markets that write specialty media E&O. Distribution-required language — primary and non-contributory, waivers of subrogation, additional insured endorsements, claims-handling protocols — varies by carrier and form. KIG has placed entertainment policies since the 1970s and works the markets that can deliver the contractual language distributors require.
READY TO MOVE THE E&O QUOTE FORWARD?
We do not quote Film & Media E&O blind. The productions that move fastest are the ones that provide complete information up front. Start with the intake form and give us the details carriers actually need.
START THE FILM E&O INTAKE NOW