Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance for Film, Television and Documentary Productions

In the world of screen production, creativity and risk go hand in hand. Whether you’re producing a feature film, documentary, or television series, even the most carefully crafted project can attract unexpected legal challenges.

Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance protects producers, production companies, and distributors against claims alleging mistakes, omissions, or legal infringements that arise from the content of a production. Without it, a single allegation — whether or not it has merit — can delay distribution, threaten financing, or result in significant legal costs.

At Galvaniize Insurance, we specialise in protecting the creative industries. Led by David McEwan, who brings over 27 years of broking experience, our team understands the intricate exposures within the screen sector and ensures your E&O coverage satisfies the strict requirements of broadcasters, financiers, and global distributors.

What E&O Insurance Covers
The intention of E&O insurance is to provide protection for claims arising out of the performance of film and television production activities. In simple terms, it responds when something goes wrong in the content or production process that results in a claim being made against you during the policy period.

Typical covered allegations include:
• Copyright and trademark infringement, including misuse of titles, artwork, characters, music, or other creative material.
• Breach of licence where use of a third party’s work exceeds permitted limits of duration, territory, or media.
• Plagiarism, piracy, or misappropriation of scripts, formats, or ideas.
• Defamation and product disparagement, including libel, slander, and injurious falsehood.
• Invasion of privacy or breach of confidentiality, such as public disclosure of private facts or misuse of likeness, voice, or identity.
• Failure to provide proper credit or attribution to writers or creators as contractually required.
• Negligence, including negligent acts, errors, or omissions within your media content.
• Unfair competition or deceptive business practices when linked to content allegations.
• Trespass, false arrest, or malicious prosecution depicted or implied within your production.
Cover is strictly subject to your chosen Insurer and the terms, conditions, and exclusions contained within their policy wording, as each insurance policy may vary.

E&O insurance may also extend to claims made against additional insured parties — such as broadcasters, distributors, or co-producers — for claims arising from your production.

Once again, Cover for Additional Insureds is strictly subject to your chosen Insurer and the terms, conditions, and exclusions contained within their policy wording and its endorsements, as each insurance policy may vary.

Defence, Indemnity and Payment
One of the most valuable features of an E&O policy is its commitment to defend and indemnify. Insurers not only reimburse you for defence costs and damages — they may advance those payments on your behalf as costs are incurred, rather than requiring you to fund them first.

This means your legal representation, court fees, settlements, and claimant damages are managed and paid directly by the insurer (subject to your policy excess and Policy terms).

If a claim is only partially covered, the insurer still has the duty to defend you and will work collaboratively with you to allocate covered and uncovered defence costs fairly — ensuring transparency throughout the process.

Importantly, your insurer, if cover is granted, also undertakes to defend claims against your additional insureds, such as broadcasters or distributors, provided the allegations arise directly from your production and within the scope of your indemnity agreements.  Cover for Additional Insureds is strictly subject to your chosen Insurer and the terms, conditions, and exclusions contained within their policy wording and its endorsements, as each insurance policy may vary.

Why E&O Insurance Matters
For film, television, and documentary producers, E&O insurance isn’t just a safety net — it’s a gateway to distribution. Distributors, networks, and streaming platforms will usually not acquire or broadcast your project without proof of adequate E&O coverage.

Beyond compliance, it protects your reputation, finances, and creative integrity. From idea development to final release, an E&O policy ensures you’re not personally exposed to costly legal action arising from your content.

Why Choose Galvaniize Insurance
At Galvaniize, we bring extensive expertise in film and production insurance, ensuring your E&O policy is tailored to your unique project and delivery obligations.

With David McEwan’s 27 years of experience, we provide producers with more than just a policy — we provide confidence that every creative risk is properly insured.

Protect Your Production and Distribution Future
Before you roll cameras or sign a distribution agreement, talk to Galvaniize Insurance about protecting your work with a purpose-built Errors & Omissions Insurance solution.

Our specialists will ensure your policy satisfies broadcaster and distributor requirements, covers the full spectrum of potential content-related claims, and safeguards both your production and your professional reputation.

Please fill in the form below and a Galvaniize Insurance Advisor will be in touch.

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