This year’s MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) have once again showcased the power of visual artistry in the global pop culture and entertainment landscape.
Music videos are complex productions with a variety of moving parts, considerations, and –inevitably – risks. Chuck Redington (pictured), director of risk control, entertainment, with Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, spoke to Insurance Business about managing risks while filming music videos, and the role of insurance in protecting artists and their teams during production.
Along with the creative aspects of producing music videos, production teams must navigate a host of logistical and regulatory considerations. From obtaining permits to ensuring the safety of the crew and environment, location management plays a pivotal role in minimizing risks and avoiding costly mistakes.
One recent high-profile case that highlights the importance of location management is the controversy surrounding Katy Perry’s music video shoot for “Lifetimes”. The pop star is under fire for allegedly causing damage to an environmentally protected beach while filming in the Spanish islands of Ibiza and Formentera.
Spanish officials claimed Perry’s team did not obtain proper authorization for the shoot and launched an investigation. However, a spokesperson from Capitol Records told Variety that the local video production team assured them that the necessary permits were secured and that they had “verbal authority to go ahead.”
Redington noted that Spain, like the US, has stringent regulations for location filming aimed at preserving the natural environment and local ecosystems. This means filming permits typically come with limitations on the number of people and amount of equipment that can be brought in.
“The goal of the production is to make a beautiful film, and the goal of the local authority is to increase tourism while protecting their treasured habitat,” Redington said.
Often, insurance coverage is required to secure filming permits. Redington shared an example involving the US National Park Service, which mandates liability insurance for productions filming on its land.
Depending on the location and risk, extra permits, such as a fire permit, may also be required, and safety measures like having a water truck or a fire officer on set are often mandated.
“If a production says, ‘We want to do special effects like fire,’ they have to notify the local authority, and that authority tells them what they need to do to make sure they don’t damage the property,” Redington explained.
Insurance costs can vary significantly based on the terrain where filming takes place. Shooting on land versus water presents entirely different sets of risks. Redington urged production teams to notify their insurer if they plan to film in water or engage in other high-risk activities, such as working around train tracks or performing stunts.
“The insurance could go up if there’s a higher risk, even if they have the proper safety controls and experienced crew,” Redington said, adding that, in some cases, despite all the precautions, the insurer may still charge a premium due to the risk involved.
Artists and production teams not only face physical risks while filming on location. They must also consider liability exposures.
2024 VMA winner Sabrina Carpenter, whose “Feather” music video stirred backlash for being staged inside a Catholic church, is a recent example. According to entertainment media reports, the priest who approved the filming was reportedly unaware of the explicit nature of the scenes, which led to his dismissal.
The case highlights the importance of transparency between the production and the location’s owners or authorities. Redington said: “The location manager should have been aware… and ensured everyone was informed. Communication is crucial, especially for special effects or sensitive scenes, like sexually explicit content.
“When filming on location, transparency extends to the surrounding community. Productions are responsible for notifying nearby residents and businesses about what will happen, especially if special effects are involved.”
Ultimately, meticulous production planning and location assessments are vital in mitigating risks for music videos, especially amid a growing preference for natural location shoots over studios or backlots, and a boom in smaller, web-based productions.
“A lot of (smaller production teams) are inexperienced and might not be aware of proper safety measures. When we get a submission, we try to educate them,” said Redington.
He also noted that the UK and Canada have strict requirements for productions to submit detailed risk assessments to both the local authority and the insurance company, but this step is less formal in the US. He believes it’s a standard that should be followed everywhere.
“In the UK, every production going into pre-production has to submit a risk assessment, outlining all the risks and the measures they’ll take to minimize them,” Redington said.
“This contrasts with the United States, where risk assessments are not mandatory. Both the UK and Canada consistently prioritize risk assessments. Every Canadian film (production) I’ve looked at has had a risk assessment as part of the submission.”
Finally, insurance shouldn’t be overlooked, especially considering the financial costs of production. Filming on location can be expensive, with costs such as travel, crew pay, equipment rental, and permit fees adding up quickly.
Redington emphasized that cutting corners might save money upfront, but it could lead to bigger problems later, including legal battles, damaged reputations, and increased insurance premiums.
What are your thoughts on the risks related to music video production? Please share them in the comments.
