The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)

Film Production Companies & Pyrotechnics: Film Insurance Best Practices

Written by David Hamilton | Dec 4, 2012 10:42:00 PM

Pyrotechnics & Film Insurance

If you plan to use pyrotechnics during your production, determine the potential hazards and conduct a risk assessment for each potential hazard to minimize your film insurance costs.

Avoid the following common pyrotechnic mistakes:

  1. Triggering the pyrotechnic effect prematurely
  2. Using more pyrotechnic material than necessary
  3. Not having fire extinguishers of a suitable type and capacity available
  4. Assigning duties to inadequately trained or inexperienced pyro technicians/assistants
  5. Entering danger areas before the special effects coordinator has inspected them and the all-clear signal has sounded

Work safely to achieve realism: when planning stunts and special effects, always look for the safest way to execute the scene. Consider using scale models and computer simulations as replacements for live stunts and pyrotechnics.

Inform the Cast and Crew:

On call sheets, include safety information related to pyrotechnic special effects and make sure to inform your broker so that they can advise the underwriter. Specify restricted or no-access areas as well as viewing locations, if they are available.

Conduct a safety talk and dry run before filming a pyrotechnic special effect. If you make changes to scheduled pyrotechnics, hold another talk to explain the changes and any revised safety precautions.

A specialized film insurance broker is best able to present the risks associated with your production to the film insurance underwriter to ensure that you receive the best coverage and premium for your production.

Front Row Insurance Brokers are specialized film insurance brokers. Please contact us if you have any questions; we want to be part of your next production.

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