NAICS UNIVERSITY · Free research for insurance agents
Motion Picture and Video Distribution
NAICS 512120 · United States · 2022 edition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in acquiring distribution rights and distributing film and video productions to motion picture theaters, television networks and stations, other media broadcast and streaming outlets, and exhibitors.
Start with the work promised to the client.
For Motion Picture and Video Distribution, clarify the services, contracts and consequences of an error. Review media e&o / errors & omissions, contractual liability, cyber liability. Confirm which professional activities and additional services the proposed coverage actually addresses.
Questions to ask
- What types of content are being distributed — theatrical releases, television, streaming, documentary, or other formats?
- Does the operation involve acquiring and managing distribution rights, or is it primarily acting as an agent for a studio or producer?
- Are there any international distribution rights or cross-border licensing agreements?
- Does the operation handle physical media fulfillment or warehouse inventory, or is distribution entirely digital?
- Any prior Media E&O claims, copyright disputes, or IP litigation in the last five years?
- What types of contractual indemnification obligations are embedded in distributor agreements with content owners and exhibitors?
- For Motion Picture and Video Distribution, what should the underwriter know about prior media e&o claims, copyright litigation, or ip disputes in the last several years?
- For Motion Picture and Video Distribution, what should the underwriter know about distribution of adult, controversial, or politically sensitive content?
Activities described by this code
Other activities to examine
- Producing and distributing motion pictures and videos: 512110 — Motion Picture and Video Production
- Operating television broadcasting stations, that may acquire the right to distribute content and subsequently broadcast or distribute that content: 516120 — Television Broadcasting Stations
- Providing media streaming distribution services or operating media broadcasting and cable television networks, that may acquire the right to distribute content and subsequently broadcast or distribute that content: 516210 — Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers
- Providing cable and satellite television distribution services using facilities and infrastructure that they operate: 517111 — Wired Telecommunications Carriers
- Merchant wholesale distribution of blank digital video discs (DVDs): 423690 — Other Electronic Parts and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers
- Merchant wholesale distribution of prerecorded digital video discs (DVDs): 423990 — Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers
- Providing mass duplication and packaging of video tapes and discs: 334610 — Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media
- Providing motion picture footage (via film libraries) to producers: 512199 — Other Motion Picture and Video Industries
- Renting video tapes and discs to the general public, including through vending machines: 532282 — Video Tape and Disc Rental;
- Retailing digital video discs (DVDs) to the general public: 44-45 — Retail Trade
Census classification reference
For educational purposes only. AI-generated insurance research and automated logic can contain errors. Independently verify classification and coverage decisions.
Compare another operationInsurance operations research — draft
Motion picture and video distributors acquire the rights to distribute completed film, television, and video content and then license or deliver that content to theaters, streaming platforms, television networks, broadcasters, and other exhibitors. Day-to-day work typically involves contract negotiation, rights management, royalty accounting, and coordinating delivery of digital files or physical media to downstream partners. Physical premises exposure is generally limited to office space, with some operations also managing physical media inventory or fulfillment.
Questions to investigate
- What types of content are being distributed — theatrical releases, television, streaming, documentary, or other formats?
- Does the operation involve acquiring and managing distribution rights, or is it primarily acting as an agent for a studio or producer?
- Are there any international distribution rights or cross-border licensing agreements?
- Does the operation handle physical media fulfillment or warehouse inventory, or is distribution entirely digital?
This insurance research was generated in April 2026. It has not received a complete human review. The October 12, 2026 audit checked codes and titles only, not descriptions or coverage assertions.