Entertainment Insurance 101: The Basics of MPTV Insurance

If you’re producing film or television, insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential. Without the right coverage, a single accident, delay, or lawsuit can derail a production and cause lasting financial harm.

For most projects, the foundation of that protection is motion picture television insurance (MPTV insurance)—a specialized form of entertainment insurance built for the unique risks of production.

This guide breaks down what MPTV insurance is, how it differs from other entertainment insurance programs, and why every producer should understand how these policies work before stepping on set.

Understanding what entertainment insurance is

Entertainment insurance is a broad term for policies that protect people and companies working in film, television, and media. It includes coverages for everything from physical production risks—like equipment damage or crew injury—to post-production and distribution concerns such as copyright or defamation.

In other words, entertainment industry insurance encompasses all the moving parts that make a production possible. Within that category, one policy stands out as the most common and comprehensive for feature films and television series: motion picture television insurance (MPTV insurance).

What motion picture television (MPTV) insurance covers

An MPTV insurance policy is written for a single film, episode, or series. It covers risks from pre-production through post-production, ensuring your project can recover from unexpected setbacks without jeopardizing your budget or schedule.

MPTV policies are designed and underwritten by entertainment insurance brokers and companies who understand the production process. Coverage can be customized to fit your project’s budget, schedule, and risk level.

Typical MPTV coverage options include:

• General liability insurance – Protects against third-party bodily injury or property damage on set or on location.
• Workers’ compensation insurance – Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for crew members injured while working. (This coverage is often provided through your payroll provider, like Wrapbook.)
• Inland marine insurance – Protects rented or owned equipment, vehicles, props, and locations from loss or damage.
• Auto liability insurance – Covers accidents involving production vehicles, plus “non-owned” auto coverage for crew using personal cars for production business.
• Excess liability insurance – Extends your policy limits, adding extra protection above your primary liability coverage.
• Specialty coverages – Optional protection for drones, pyrotechnics, stunts, or underwater shoots, depending on your production’s needs.

Each MPTV policy is unique, built to reflect your project’s specific risks and requirements.

How MPTV insurance differs from standard commercial insurance

Standard commercial business insurance protects everyday operations, but it doesn’t account for the unpredictable nature of production. Commercial policies often exclude activities like stunts, location shoots, or specialized gear rentals altogether.

By contrast, entertainment liability insurance—and especially MPTV insurance—covers the creative, logistical, and physical risks that are part of filmmaking. Whether it’s a cast member falling ill, a camera truck stolen overnight, or a sudden location shutdown, MPTV coverage helps productions stay on track.

It also extends protection to a broad network of stakeholders—producers, distributors, rental houses, and even property owners—ensuring that everyone involved in your production is covered.

How MPTV insurance differs from DICE insurance

DICE insurance and MPTV insurance share many coverages but differ in scope and duration.

• MPTV insurance is written for a single production. It protects a specific film, television series, or season from start to finish—covering risks tied directly to that project.
• DICE insurance (Documentary, Industrial, Commercial, Educational) is an annual policy designed for companies that produce multiple smaller projects throughout the year. It’s ideal for commercial houses, production service companies, or content studios that work on continuous client-based projects.

Think of it this way: A DICE policy covers your production company. An MPTV policy covers your film.

If your company shoots commercials, branded content, or short videos year-round, a DICE policy provides ongoing protection. But if you’re producing a feature film, scripted series, or other large-scale project, you’ll need an MPTV policy tailored to that specific production.

Why MPTV insurance is essential

Productions are expensive, and every shoot carries risk. Without proper entertainment industry insurance, even a minor setback can become catastrophic.

Consider a few examples:

• Your lead actor is injured, halting filming for weeks.
• A rented camera package is damaged or stolen during transport.
• A crew member is hurt on set, requiring medical care.
• A pyrotechnic effect damages a rented location.

Without MPTV coverage, these events could cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. With the right motion picture television insurance, your production can absorb those losses and continue safely.

MPTV coverage also protects your ability to obtain permits, secure locations, and meet vendor requirements. Most rental houses, studios, and municipalities require valid Certificates of Insurance (COIs) before allowing work to begin.

What happens if you rely on the wrong policy

Producers sometimes assume their DICE policy or general business insurance is enough for a large film or series. Unfortunately, that can leave major coverage gaps.

For example, if your company normally produces $1 million in commercials each year and suddenly takes on a $5 million feature film, your existing DICE limits likely won’t cover it. Stunts, aerial work, and extended production schedules often exceed a DICE policy’s parameters.

Without the right MPTV entertainment liability insurance, you might face denied claims, permit restrictions, or financial exposure far beyond your coverage limit.

How to get motion picture television insurance

Getting MPTV Insurance starts with connecting to an entertainment insurance broker who understands production. The process typically looks like this:

1. Contact a broker or insurance company. Work with providers who specialize in entertainment insurance solutions for film and television.
2. Provide production details. You’ll share key documents like your budget, shooting schedule, and script. These help underwriters assess risk and set coverage terms.
3. Review your quote. Your broker will present an MPTV insurance quote that outlines your coverage options and premium costs.
4. Bind your policy. Once finalized, coverage takes effect from pre-production through post, protecting your production every step of the way.

With Wrapbook, producers can manage both payroll and production insurance under one streamlined system. Our brokers are experienced in crafting entertainment insurance programs that balance cost, compliance, and complete coverage.

Wrapping up

Every production, big or small, needs insurance tailored to its scope. Motion picture television insurance is the cornerstone of that protection—covering the real-world risks that come with bringing a story to life.

If you’re producing film or television, don’t start without it.

Reach out to Wrapbook’s insurance specialists to learn more about MPTV insurance, compare coverage options, or get a personalized quote today.