If you’re booking your first real location, you’ll hear the same question from almost every owner: “Can you send your COI?” Here’s what that means, from someone on the location side.
What a COI is. A certificate of insurance is a one-page summary that shows your production has general liability coverage. Most film schools can issue one for student productions through their production office, so ask there first.
Additional insureds. Locations will usually ask to be named as “additional insureds.” That extends your coverage to protect them if something goes wrong on their property. Get the names exactly right, and ask your insurer for the endorsement, not just a name typed on the certificate.
Dates matter. Make sure the policy covers every scout, prep, shoot and strike day.
The rest of the checklist. Expect a signed location agreement, a refundable deposit, house rules and, where your shoot needs it, a FilmLA permit that you pull yourself. Occupied buildings add quiet hours and no-go areas.
Why it helps you. Having paperwork ready makes you the crew owners say yes to, and it protects you as much as them.
We run Artist Housing, an artist co-living building at 807 S. Flower St. in Downtown LA. Its green screen studio, offices and common spaces can be booked for student shoots on Giggster:
https://giggster.com/listing/green-room-in-los-angeles
https://giggster.com/listing/private-office-i-in-los-angeles
https://giggster.com/listing/private-office-ii-in-los-angeles
https://giggster.com/listing/artist-community-center-in-los-angeles
Every booking there works exactly this way.
Kelvin
Artist Housing
818-925-5638
