Basic Film Shoot Insurance
Our independent production insurance provides a basic film shoot insurance plan through Team Insurance Brokers that is available to our General Members with a Production Add On. They must be members in good standing, residents of Manitoba, and working on independent film or video projects.
We have a limited number of these certificates to offer within each fiscal year and they are made available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
* For the purposes of the Winnipeg Film Group, independent works are one where the director retains full creative and editorial control.
While a degree of coverage for the Winnipeg Film Group’s in-house equipment is provided automatically to our members, filmmakers may require shoot insurance if they are shooting on location, on City property (as this is a potential liability matter) or if they are using equipment from a commercial rental house.
This insurance is available at a significant discount for independent projects made by Winnipeg Film Group members, versus obtaining insurance independently:
- Rates for independent films and videos are $500 per project.
- If your shoot is cancelled or for any reason you need to cancel your insurance application, there will still be a $50 fee, meaning if you paid $500 for insurance you would receive a $450 refund upon cancellation.
Note: you must read the WFG insurance FAQ at the end of this page!
Application Process
This independent production plan is available to General Members who have purchased the Production Add On, working on independent, director-driven, non-commercial works. Eligibility for this plan is subject to a case-by-case assessment of projects by staff, and the Winnipeg Film Group reserves the right to refuse access to productions that do not meet the plan criteria.
As the processing time for this insurance depends greatly on the submission of a fully completed application package, as well as time for in-house assessment of eligibility, you should commence your insurance application process as early as possible, and no later than two weeks prior to your anticipated shoot date.
Important notes
- In order to gain access to the online application form, you must pay for your insurance in advance and contact Dylan Baillie to receive full access to the form. If you have questions about the payment methods, email Dylan at dylan@winnipegfilmgroup.com.
- You must read the WFG Insurance FAQ at the end of this page.
- Coverage is subject to change without notice.
Coverage
Coverage is subject to change without notice. If there is a discrepancy between the actual policy wordings and this page, the policy wordings will prevail. This page is for information only, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.
- Commercial General Liability: $2,000,000 coverage
- Tenant’s Legal Liability: $250,000 coverage
- Equipment: $50,000 coverage, $2,500 deductible
- Cameras, sound, lighting, recording, electrical, mechanical, effects, grip, editing, and projection equipment.
- All equipment rentals must have a written agreement in place to be covered by this policy.
- Rented or Hired Vehicles are not automatically covered by this policy. Contact your local Autopac Broker to inquire about Rental Car Insurance.
WFG – Team Insurance Brokers FAQs
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When should I apply for this insurance certificate?
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No later than 2 weeks prior to your anticipated shoot date. As the processing time depends greatly on the submission of a fully completed application package, as well as time for in-house assessment of eligibility, you should commence your insurance application process as early as possible.
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What is the cost?
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$500 per certificate (including 7% PST) and a $25 fee to change the certificate once it has been issued and e-mailed.
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Who should be the Named Insured on the application?
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Must be a resident of Manitoba.
The person applying for insurance (“the insured”) should be the person who is financially responsible for the shoot or who has control over the production (Director or Producer). The insured must be a member of the Winnipeg Film Group with a Production Add-on.
Minors* must have a parent or guardian co-sign the application and their name will appear on the certificate of insurance.
*A minor is defined as anyone who is not yet 18 years of age at the time of application -
Can the application process be all done online/remotely?
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Yes, payment can be made on The Winnipeg Film Group website by Visa, Mastercard, American Express and PayPal. Dylan will create an invoice for you to pay, please contact him directly.
The $25 Certificate Re-issue fee is paid to Team Insurance Brokers by E-transfer, cash or debit. -
I’m only renting gear from WFG, do I have to pay for a certificate of insurance?
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No, the WFG has insurance on equipment they own and rent to members.
Coverage is subject to a $2,500 deductible. -
Where do I find the online application form?
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Please Contact Dylan Baillie at the Winnipeg Film Group to determine eligibility for this insurance and he will then provide you with a link to the online form.
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Filming on public property or in a building owned by the City of Winnipeg
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Insurance needs to be in place before permit is issued.
Please complete the online application form to the best of your ability and according to the instructions below.
Certificates will be issued by e-mail, directly to the City of Winnipeg: Monique (MPerro@winnipeg.ca). -
I’m renting gear from another company, they want me to have insurance!
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This certificate includes up to $50,000 of coverage for Rented Equipment. Please provide the replacement value of the equipment.
Include the Name and full address of the rental company in the application, because they want to be listed as an Additional Insured.
Theft coverage note: The vehicle must always be locked and the equipment must be stored out of sight, otherwise there is NO Coverage for Theft. -
What is Hazardous Filming?
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Anything involving the use of stunt performers, stunts, animals or other domestic pets, special effects, fire, pyrotechnics, explosives, use of motor vehicles in stunt capacity, working underground, underwater or working at height of more than 10 metres; or in an environment which reasonably increases the risk of bodily injury or damage.
If you are unsure, please include this in your application and what precautions you are taking. Hiring a professional who specializes in this type of activity is the first step to preventing injury or damage. -
What constitutes as maintaining the safety of equipment overnight when not shooting?
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Equipment is expensive. It needs to be treated with care and we all need to do our part to protect it. That means, gear should be stored indoors (climate controlled), in a secure location where people can’t easily steal, or damage the equipment. Rented Film Gear must NEVER be left unattended in a vehicle!
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Do I need to give detailed activities for every day of the production?
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Yes, this should be included in your detailed Shoot Schedule. We need to know the schedule of activities at each location, per day.
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What is the maximum amount of days for filming?
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15 days. If you require more days, please explain why filming will take so long and activities for each day.
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Is there a limit to how many additional insured parties I can apply for?
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Not everyone needs to be listed as Additional Insured, only those who require coverage should be added. This will usually be The City of Winnipeg.
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If I’m not renting any equipment from the WFG, do I still need to be a member to purchase insurance?
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Yes. You must be a member to gain access to this exclusive insurance program. This is a beneficial service to the local filmmaking community to offer Commercial General Liability Insurance at a subsidized rate.
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Can I purchase insurance if I only have the $75 student/senior WFG membership?
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Yes. Your membership includes the Production Add-on. You don’t have to upgrade to the General Membership. The certificate fee applies.
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What does this certificate of insurance include?
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$2,000,000 Commercial General Liability: Bodily Injury or Property Damage; Tenants Legal Liability;
Non Owned Automobile; Cross Liability Clause & Severability of Interest. Including $50,000 of coverage for Equipment Rented From Others (ie. William F. White, Eagle Vision, Midcan, etc).
Subject to: $2,500 Deductible. All agreements must have a written rental contract.
Theft from vehicle exclusion: Equipment in vehicles must be stored out of sight and locked with no open windows, otherwise there is NO Coverage for Theft. -
When is a claim made?
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Named Insureds are responsible for paying any deductibles relating to their claim.
The Winnipeg Film Group reserves the right to submit a claim at their discretion. If there is a discrepancy between the actual policy wordings and this document, the policy wordings will prevail. This document is for information only, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.