Film Distribution 101: The Media E&O Checklist You Actually Need

Posted by Patrick Martin, Head of Kerry London Underwriting & Surety

You’ve spent months, maybe years, getting your project through post. But as you stare down a distribution contract, one line stands out: Media Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance.

Most platforms like Netflix, Amazon, or even indie distributors, won’t touch a film without it. But here’s the kicker, you don’t just “buy” E&O. You earn it by proving your production is legally clean. 

​At Kerry London, we handle the heavy lifting for Film and Media Insurance, but the process goes a lot faster if you’ve got your ducks in a row first. Here is your pre-quote checklist to ensure your Media E&O Insurance for filmmakers doesn’t become a bottleneck. 

1. Solidify Your Chain of Title

​In plain English? You need to prove you own every frame of your movie. Insurers are cautious of “ownership disputes.”

Writer Agreements: Whether it’s an original screenplay or a commissioned rewrite, ensure the “work for hire” language is airtight.

The Option Agreement: If you’ve adapted a novel or a podcast, that paperwork needs to be fully executed and current.

Actor/Crew Releases: Handshakes don’t count. If someone’s face or work is on screen, there needs to be a signed release granting you rights “in perpetuity.”

2. The Music Clearance Headache

Music is arguably the biggest legal pitfall in modern media. To get a quote, you’ll need a Music Cue Sheet.

​Sync vs. Master: Remember, you need the rights to the composition and the specific recording.

​The “Fair Use” Trap: Don’t bank on Fair Use/Fair Dealing for archive footage without a formal legal opinion. If an insurer sees uncleared clips, they’ll want to see a letter from an entertainment lawyer explaining why it’s protected.

3. Get a Professional Script Clearance Report

This isn’t something you can do yourself. You need a third-party report. They’ll flag:

Defamation Risks: Does a character too closely resemble a real person?

Hidden Branding: That “cool” poster in the background of your lead’s bedroom? If it’s copyrighted art, it might need to go.

Product Placement: Be careful with logos. If your lead is drinking a very recognisable soda while doing something illegal, that brand might have a bone to pick.

What We Need to Give You a Quote

​To get an accurate Film Production Insurance quote, have these details ready to go:

The Production “Top Sheet”: A summary of your total budget.

The Distribution Agreement: Where is this being shown? The risk profile for a YouTube series is very different from a global theatrical release.

Key Names: The CVs of your Producer and Director. Experience matters to underwriters.

Why Timing is Your Best Friend

​The biggest mistake we see? Waiting until the week of delivery to think about insurance.

​Start your media liability process during pre-production. It’s much cheaper to change a character’s name in the script than it is to re-record dialogue in ADR because a clearance report flagged a naming conflict.

Why Kerry London?

​We know the UK film industry isn’t just about spreadsheets, it’s about creative vision. We want to help you with Insurance for Media Errors and Omissions. This way you can focus on telling the stories.

Need a Media E&O quote for your next project? Get in touch with our Film & Media Team and let’s get your film across the finish line safely.

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Kerry London is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The company is a leading UK independent and Lloyd’s registered broker, which means that we work with a wide range of niche and major insurers.

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