12 Feb Disaster on the Road: The Commercial Set That Never Made It

It was supposed to be a groundbreaking commercial—an elaborate set designed to resemble a futuristic cityscape, complete with huge LED screens, custom-built props, and high-tech lighting rigs. The production company, BrightFrame Studios, had invested over $500,000 into set design and special effects to create an immersive experience for the client, a major tech brand launching a new product.

The entire set was loaded onto two 18-wheelers, carefully wrapped and secured for transport to a remote filming location in the Arizona desert. A convoy of trucks and production crew vehicles set off in the early morning, expecting a smooth five-hour journey.

The Catastrophe
Three hours into the trip, on a winding stretch of highway, disaster struck. A freak dust storm—common in the Arizona desert—rolled in suddenly, reducing visibility to near zero. One of the 18-wheelers jackknifed, causing a massive chain reaction. The truck carrying the most expensive parts of the set swerved off the road and overturned, spilling massive LED panels, custom-built structures, and delicate props across the highway.

The Aftermath
By the time emergency responders arrived, the damage was catastrophic:

• Crushed LED panels, shattered beyond repair.
• Destroyed props, including handcrafted futuristic city elements.
• Twisted metal frames, leaving the custom-built structures unusable.
• Production delays, as half the set was unsalvageable.

The studio was faced with a total loss of over $300,000 and a two-week delay in the commercial’s production. Without insurance, they would have been forced to absorb the loss—and possibly shut down operations for good.

The Insurance Lesson
Luckily, BrightFrame Studios had Inland Marine Insurance and Props, Sets, and Wardrobe (PSW) coverage, which reimbursed them for:

✅ The full value of the destroyed set ($300,000).
✅ Emergency transport costs to rush new materials to the location.
✅ Rental equipment replacement to stay on schedule.

The production still suffered delays, but instead of financial ruin, the insurance payout allowed them to rebuild and complete the project with only a minor budget overage.

Moral of the Story
Had they not carried the right insurance, the commercial would have been canceled, the client would have sued for breach of contract, and the studio could have gone bankrupt. This disaster reinforced a critical lesson in commercial production:

Anything can happen in transit—always insure your sets, props, and equipment.

Inland Marine Insurance: What It Is & Why It Matters for Film & Commercial Production

Inland Marine Insurance is a specialized type of coverage that protects movable property while it’s in transit or being used at various locations. It originated from ocean marine insurance (which covered goods transported by sea) but evolved to cover property transported over land.

Why It’s Important in Commercial & Film Production

Since film and commercial production involves transporting and using expensive equipment, props, sets, and wardrobe across multiple locations, inland marine insurance provides protection against damage, theft, or loss of these assets.

What It Covers:
✅ Cameras, Lighting, and Sound Equipment – Whether owned or rented, coverage applies to damage or theft.
✅ Props, Sets, and Wardrobe (PSW) – Covers costumes, set materials, and physical production assets.
✅ Editing & Post-Production Equipment – Protects computers, hard drives, and editing systems if they’re moved.
✅ Equipment in Transit – If production gear is being transported to different filming locations.
✅ Rented or Borrowed Equipment – Many rental companies require inland marine insurance before leasing gear.

What It Doesn’t Cover:
❌Wear and tear or gradual deterioration.
❌ Items left unattended in unsecured locations.
❌ Damage due to improper use or negligence.

Who Needs Inland Marine Insurance?

• Film & Commercial Producers transporting expensive gear between locations.
• Production Companies & Studios working with rented or high-value equipment.
• Freelancers & Videographers who own or rent film equipment.

How It’s Different from General Property Insurance

📌 General Property Insurance covers equipment at a fixed location (like a studio).
📌 Inland Marine Insurance covers equipment in transit or on location.

Need help determining the right coverage limits for your production? Contact Barrow Group’s film and television specialist, Natasha Bobbit at 770-338-7392.