Thursday, December 12, 2013

Theatrical Productions Insurance

Theater productions have very unique needs when it comes to insurance. At John hart Insurance we can design the right combination of coverage and price. Theatrical Productions insurance provides coverage for theatrical companies at fixed locations or while on tour. Insurance generally can cover a wide range of shows and locations. We can cover traveling theater groups, choirs, drama schools, lighting & sound companies, theater companies, ballets companies and orchestras.

Coverage Your Theater Company May Need:
  •            Workers’ Compensation – Covers injuries to employees
  •          Event Insurance – Covers the liability arising out of an event
  •          Directors & Officers – Covers the board and key executives
  •          Foreign Liability – Covers the production company if there is travel to a foreign country
  •          General Liability – Provides general business insurance arising out of the businesses operations
  •          Equipment/Property – Provides insurance in the event of damaged, lost, or stolen equipment



Remember that contracts between your firm and the event organizer most likely require insurance to be in place. We can help you by providing the right combination of coverage and price. 

Friday, November 29, 2013

Shooting a Commercial In LA…? You need Insurance

Every day in Los Angles there are literally dozens of production companies shooting, commercials, training films, full length motion pictures and documentaries. All these activities bring with them unique risks that should be insured. And when it comes to entertainment insurance, John Hart Insurance has the solutions.
Here is a short overview of what you might consider:
  • Rented Equipment
  • Owned Equipment
  • Cast Coverage
  • Props, Sets and Wardrobe
  • Negative & Faulty Stock
  • Third Party Property Damage
  • Extra Expense
  • General Liability
  • Automobile Liability and Physical Damage
  • Workers Compensation


Once a film, television pilot, commercial, or documentary is finished, the next step is normally distribution. Most distributors will require the production company obtain an Errors and Omissions policy on the production. If you are a distributor, you should always carry your own E&O policy, in addition to requiring each of the productions you distribute to be covered. When purchasing your insurance policies, it is once again important to remember that the amount of coverage you purchase is wholly dependent upon the type of project you’re working on.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Why Film & Movie Producers Need Professional Liability Insurance

From small productions to Hollywood blockbusters, substantial liability claims can arise for video, film and television producers. Even where you have ensured that all necessary clearances have been obtained you never know what will happen. Video Film and Television Producers Professional Liability insurance provides you with the peace of mind you need.
What Errors & Omissions insurance does is indemnify producers from lawsuits that may arise from the content of a production, including lawsuits alleging:
  • Invasion of privacy
  • Unauthorized use of titles
  • Failure to obtain appropriate rights for music and film clips
  • Improper handling of unsolicited scripts
  • Unfair competition
  • Professional errors in judgment
  • Infringement of copyright
  • Breach of contract
  • Libel or slander
  • Unauthorized copying of ideas

This coverage will usually be required by a distributor, broadcaster or financier prior to the release of any theatrical or television production. Production financing will usually not flow until E&O coverage is in force. Contact John Hart today.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Value of Participant Accident Insurance

Production companies and the rest of the entertainment industry have very unique and diversified risks. Many activities include having an audience, using volunteers, and feature performers and actors. For any given event there is exposure to accidents. Most entertainment firms purchase general liability coverage to ensure against losses and injuries to third parties. One problem with this is that the injured parties might have to sue or be involved in a lengthy claims process to obtain claim payments. 

Medical benefits coverage under a general liability policy has limitations. One alternative is for production companies or recreational organizations to purchase Participant Accident Insurance. Participant Accident Insurance can provide accident medical benefits and, at the sponsor’s option, may include accidental death, dismemberment, dental and disability benefits, as well.  If you have operation in foreign countries they also can include worldwide travel assistance services that provide emergency medical, emergency travel, and pre-trip information services.

Actual claim example:

Ten participants were injured at a live event when the stage collapsed causing injuries to the audience. The event production company had secured participant accident coverage and the policy covered the medical bills.  As a result no lawsuits were filed.


Call us today for more information. 

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Film Production Stunt Insurance

Safety of performers is always the number one priority; whether it is maintaining a safe working environment or ensuring the physical safety of actors and stunt professionals. Many productions use stunts while filming their movie, commercial, or short film. Even training films often include stunts as part of the production.  However, many traditional insurance packages don’t automatically cover stunt work.

John Hart Insurance can provide special stunt coverage for any production you are involved in. Directors and production companies can attain coverage for the following... Stunts, aerial scenes, falls, fight scenes, recreational vehicles, water scenes, weapons, precision driving, and animals. 

Here are a few if the stunts that should be insured:
  •          Aerial Work
  •          Fight Scenes
  •          Animals
  •          Scripted Falls
  •          Special Driving
  •          Use of Weapons
  •          Underwater Work

 SAFETY BULLETIN #4 that provides guidelines for safe stunt sequences.

Call us today for more information.


Thursday, September 26, 2013

Safety For Animals On Set

If you use animals in your production, you want to hear, ‘No animals were harmed in the making of this production.” That is not always the case. In the making of the first movie in the new "Hobbit" trilogy, 27 animals died at a farm where they were housed during the filming. HBO’s “Luck” had a hose that got frightened and ended up fracturing its skull; it had to be put down. As much as safety is observed accidents happen. The movie Evan Almighty uses over 85 species of animals and no animals were hurt.

Here are a few suggestions for you to consider as part of your safety plan. You may be required to have a representative of the American Humane Association on site.
  • Have proper trainers on the set
  • Animals must be trained, prepped and in appropriate physical and behavioral condition to perform the required work
  • Lame or ill animals may not be used and may not resume work until the condition has been corrected, as determined by a veterinarian
  • Have extra water
  • Animals should have access to shelter
  • Animals should  be checked daily for injury and/or illness
  • Dogs should have a collar and be kept on a leash
  • Owners must provide proof of the animal’s vaccinations as recommended for the species of animal
  • Animals should never be left unattended
  • No alcohol shall be used around animals at any time
  • The American Humane Association offers resources for you. Remember that John Hart Insurance can insure your animal talent, call us today. 

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

What Does Property Insurance Cover?

Most of our entertainment clients purchase property insurance. One question we often have is, do clients ever actually read their policies? We hope so. We recommend that every client read their policy and try to understand it. But in case you have not gotten to that, here is an overview of commercial property insurance. Policies will vary, so consider this a brief overview.

The purpose of property insurance for the entertainment industry is to provide financial assistance in the event of a loss (fire, wind, theft) so that the organization can continue to operate with as little disruption as possible.

What is typically covered under a property policy?
  • Buildings, furniture, fixtures, inventory, personal property, equipment, cameras, props, sound equipment, etc.
What kinds of losses are covered?
  •  Fire, wind, lightning, vehicle damage to the building, weather, theft plus others
What are common exclusions?
  •  Earthquake, flood, wear and tear, hurricanes, property not owned by your firm

What are the kinds of coverage needed in the entertainment industry?
  •     Property in transit and temporary locations
  •          Property for special props and sets
  •          Intangible coverage: Includes patents, scripts, copyrights and trademarks
  •          Computer virus protection: Covers the loss of data and business through computer viruses
  •          Crime and employee dishonesty
  •          Business income and extra expense
  •          Boiler and machinery coverage

We can examine your current policies to see if you have the coverage you need. Just request an insurance review. An experienced agent will meet with you to go over your policies and explain any details you might not be sure about. As an independent commercial insurance agency we work with a variety of insurers who may be able to provide a quote for your property coverage that could save you money as well.


Friday, August 16, 2013

California Business Interruption Insurance

Coverage for every movie production company

Business Interruption Coverage is part of commercial insurance policies. This coverage is most commonly found in Commercial Property Insurance Policies and Business Owner’s Policies (a package policy for small businesses, often referred to as a “BOP”). If you own a production, film, TV, media, or Entertainment Company, California Entertainment Business Interruption insurance should be part of your program. Remember John Hart Specializes in your industry. There are a number of important elements to Business Interruption Insurance:

  1.     .  Coverage is triggered by a covered loss; for example fire, wind, etc.
  2.     .  There is a waiting period that acts like a deductible.
  3.     .  Coverage is limited to lost net income, temporary relocation, and ongoing expenses such as payroll that enables businesses to continue paying employees rather than laying them off.
  4.     .  There is a time period for recovery, usually 12-18 months.

Extra Expense Insurance reimburses your company for expenses, over and above normal operating expenses, to avoid having to shut down during the restoration period. Usually, extra expenses will be paid if they help to decrease business interruption costs

Business Interruption Insurance can be as vital to the survival of your production firm, studio or company as Fire Insurance. Make sure your policy limits cover a sufficient amount of time to rebuild your business. It can take more time than anticipated after a major disaster to get your business functioning again. 

Monday, August 12, 2013

John Hart Insurance Agency Insures Animals

Animals have been used in movie-making, advertising, documentaries, print, and various production functions since the early days of the industry.  The American Humane Association has worked for many years to protect animals in films. This confirms how important animals are in movies, TV, documentaries and other productions.

Animal Mortality insurance will pay an agreed value for your animal actors if it dies from any accidental or natural cause. This coverage protects you against loss as a result of a variety of perils, including fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, theft, collision, upset while in transit, accidental shooting, and drowning.  Plus, it pays the agreed value of the animal actor if death was caused by one of the perils listed on the policy.
How it Works…it is simple

We get the resumes on the animal actors and their wranglers.  We can then write Animal Mortality coverage (life insurance) on the animals for a predetermined value.


How do you place the value on a unicorn?  On two unicorns? Ask John Hart to find out.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Property Insurance For Production Firms Part II

Part one of property for film and production companies we talked about; definition of covered property, leased or rented property, accounts receivable, extra expense, and business personal property. Now let us cover some additional areas. 

Rental Reimbursement -Coverage for continuing rental or lease charges you are legally obligated to pay under a written lease or contract for covered property you rent or lease from others when that property has a loss.

Newly Acquired Property-newly acquired entertainment equipment is covered usually, for up to $10,000, for 45 days or until the expiration or cancellation of the policy, whichever comes first.
Valuable Records, Data, and Software-Record keeping is essential for any business. Your policy can include coverage to restore, replace or reproduce your valuable records, data and software.

Unexplained Disappearance-Your coverage is extended to provide up to a specific limit towards the cost to replace covered property that is discovered to be lost or missing upon taking inventory and for which you can furnish a sales receipt or manufacturer’s packaging.

Exhibitions-Equipment that is physically damaged by a covered cause of loss while on temporary exhibition is covered. Error in Repairing, Restoration, or Retouching Your policy also extends coverage to the loss resulting from your employees’ defective workmanship in repairing, restoring, or retouching covered property. 

John Hart insurance can provide your film or production company with:
  • Coverage is available for a wide variety of equipment used in the arts and entertainment industry
  • The policy typically covers:
  •  Property in storage
  •  Property in transit
  •  Property owned by others and in your care, custody, or control
  •  Property on exhibition
  • Expediting expense, rental reimbursement, exhibitions, and other important coverage additions and basic limits can be built-in
  • Coverage is available on a scheduled or blanket basis
  • Limits may be customized to meet your individual needs


Note: All coverage described here would be subject to specific limits depending on policy terms.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Property Insurance For Film & Production Companies Part I

We get questions every day regarding what are the common coverage’s found in commercial property insurance for film and production companies. Part one of our series, film & production company property insurance, we will review; definition of covered property, leased or rented property, accounts receivable, extra expense, and business personal property. Let’s get to it.

Definition of Covered Property-Covered property includes your equipment and related property used in the entertainment industry including audio, visual, computer, recording, lighting and projection equipment, wardrobes, props, costumes, and fine arts, as well as similar property of others that is in your care, custody, and control.

Property Loaned, Leased or Rented to Others-You’ll have coverage for direct physical loss to covered property you own that you loan, lease, or rent to others.

Accounts Receivable- Coverage is provided to reestablish accounts receivable records damaged as a result of a covered, direct physical loss.

Extra Expense- Commonly used equipment is easily and quickly replaced. Specialized or customized equipment may not be. To help you keep your performance commitments, your policy can cover the necessary and reasonable expenses up to a specific limit to expedite the repair or replacement of covered property. We can also cover the expenses to temporarily rent replacement property until your damaged property can be reasonably repaired or replaced.

Business Personal Property-Your policy covers direct physical damage to your business personal property resulting from a covered cause of loss.           


Note: All coverage described here would be subject to specific limits depending on policy terms.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Why Insure Your Production Equipment For Replacement Cost?

Here is a quick definition of replacement cost coverage; Replacement Cost value is the amount it would cost to repair or replace an item with one of the same kind and quality as the original — in today’s market.
Replacement Cost Coverage usually reimburses you for the full cost of replacing the items you lose, rather than simply reimbursing you for the value of the item at the time it was lost. In other words, your insurance policy would pay what it would cost to go out to a store and purchase the item today.

From theatrical costumes, sets, to musical instruments, amplifiers and sound boards, from cameras, video equipment, and computers to custom-made puppets –equipment is an integral part of the entertainment an integral part of the entertainment business.


Having replacement cost coverage will allow you to continue operations after a loss with the least amount of disruption. 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Distracted Driving in the Entertainment Industry

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger the safety of the driver, passengers, and bystanders.  Many of our clients face the freeways and roads in California and the heavy traffic itself can be distracting. Here are a few facts from the National Highway Safety Association:


  •  16% of fatal crashes in 2011 involved reports of distracted driving.
  •  20% of injury crashes in 2011 involved reports of distracted driving.

Remember there are state laws that prohibit the use of phones while driving. California has several laws banning the use of cell phones (wireless telephones). The first two laws prohibit all drivers from using handheld wireless phones or cell phones and prohibit drivers under 18 from using hands-free cell phones. A third law bans texting while driving.

Distracted driving includes:

  •     Texting
  •     Calling your agent or studio
  •     Using a cell phone or smartphone
  •           Eating and drinking
  •     Talking to passengers
  •     Grooming
  •     Reading, including maps
  •     Using a navigation system
  •     Watching a video
  •     Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

Safe Driving Prevention
  • While your crew is moving props or equipment from location to location we would like to offer a few safety tips:
  • Pull off the road to make a call, or have the passenger do it.
  • Plan your route before you get in the vehicle.
  • Always buckle up.
  • Do not tailgate.
  • Allow sufficient time to reach your destination.
  •  Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.


   

Thursday, May 30, 2013

The show must go on...But when it doesn’t, John Hart has a solution


Most entertainment companies do everything possible to make sure that shows and productions are opened on time. But sometimes there are circumstances that just can’t be helped. Fire, natural disaster, and talent illness can cause events to be cancelled. Special Event Insurance can provide the necessary security to ensure that if something does go wrong, you and your guests are protected.

Event Cancellation Insurance/Special Event Insurance from John Hart Insurance protects production companies from unforeseen circumstances that require the show to be canceled. It would provide funds to cover deposits and other costs that may have already been paid. Unforeseen circumstances could be related to any number of things including weather, construction at the venue, or illness of the featured speaker or entertainer. Policies can be created to protect revenues or expenses for those with insurable interests should an event be cancelled.

Event Cancellation Insurance is an important insurance to consider. If a loss occurs, John Hart will work closely with you to file documents quickly and accurately so your event can go on as planned.


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Conducting Safety Inspections in the Entertainment Industry



Every production company and firms in the entertainment industry must have an effective safety inspection program. While there may be certain differences depending on your operations, there are many “standards” with which all entertainment companies must comply.

The format of safety inspections varies. Some safety coordinators do visual walk-through inspections of offices, studios, or even locations. Potential safety violations should be noted during the inspections.



Safety inspections should include the following:
Document all findings during the safety inspections using notes or checklists developed by your company.
Determine how any issues found will be corrected.
Set up a timetable for the completion of the assignments and follow up to make sure they've been done.
Communicate findings to management.
Keep good records for OSHA compliance


A checklist is one of the most effective means of documenting problem areas. There are many generic checklists available, some designed for specific industries.Here are some resources:




Monday, May 6, 2013

Umbrella Insurance for the Entertainment Industry


Some professionals in the entertainment industry may unsure what an umbrella policy is or what it covers. I will explain the basics of Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance and the benefits to your company.

When you are outside and there is a light rain or breeze you generally don’t need or want an umbrella. However, if it is pouring down rain with high winds, you take your umbrella. An Umbrella Insurance policy works much the same way.

Umbrella Insurance provides extra protection or limits above the liability insurance you currently have. An Umbrella Insurance policy protects you from losing the entirety of your resources and assets in the event of a large claim. Umbrella Insurance provides limits above your primary commercial insurance program.

Here is an example: A production company leased a studio for the filming of commercials. During filming, part of the rigging fell on an employee of one of the advertisers causing major injuries. The employee’s medical expenses were $750,000 plus an additional $200,000 for two years of lost work. The production company had a primary commercial liability policy with limits of $500,000 but also had an Umbrella with a limit of $1,000,000. The Umbrella policy covered the excess $450,000 of the claim.

It is true that Umbrella Insurance may not be for every firm, but if you are building financial resources for your company’s future, Umbrella coverage needs to be part of the plan.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

What is Extra Expense Insurance Coverage?

A typical property insurance policy will cover the cost to repair or replace buildings or equipment.  However, it will not cover extra expense a business is likely to experience during the time period from the occurrence of the loss to the resumption of the business operation.

According to the International Risk Management Institute, “Extra Expense Insurance is commercial property insurance that pays for additional costs in excess of normal operating expenses that an organization incurs to continue operations while its property is being repaired or replaced after having been damaged by a covered cause of loss”. If you are operating a business that cannot afford to stop production for any period of time, Extra Expense Insurance is likely right for you.

Claim example:
There is a fire in your production building and you are required to temporarily share space at another location. The expenses you incur, including sending out notices to your clientele to notify them of the change, the cost of renting the temporary space and equipment, the cost of staff sharing, the cost of utilities as well as the cost associated with setting up the new phone lines to receive calls from clients, are all covered under Extra Expense Insurance coverage.

These types of excess expenses must be incurred to avoid or minimize the suspension of business due to a covered cause of loss, and can include repairs and replacement of property as well as the restoration of lost information. We recommend Extra Expense coverage for all our clients. Limits can be adjusted according to need. 

Monday, April 15, 2013



The Value of Replacement Cost Coverage
Most production companies, and related businesses buy insurance to cover the repair/replacement of loss of damaged property, cameras, production equipment and office equipment. Generally speaking, insurance companies do a good job of managing claims and helping the owners get their property back to a pre-loss condition. One important part of the insurance process is to understand the difference between Replacement Cost (RC) and Actual Cash Value (ACV) coverage.  Let’s start with definitions of each:

Replacement Cost (as defined by the International Risk Management Institute)
A property insurance term that refers to one of the two valuation methods for establishing the value of most of the insured property for purposes of determining the amount the insurer will pay in the event of loss. It is usually defined in the policy as the cost to replace the damaged property with materials of like kind and quality, without any deduction for depreciation.

Actual Cash Value (as defined by the International Risk Management Institute)
ACV is typically calculated one of three ways: (1) the cost to repair or replace the damaged property, minus depreciation; (2) the damaged property's "fair market value"; or (3) using the "broad evidence rule," which calls for considering all relevant evidence of the value of the damaged property.

When you suffer a loss of equipment you want to have the funds to replace it, as close to the actual item cost as possible. Replacement cost does that. This is especially true for companies that have expensive production equipment. We will always recommend replacement cost coverage.

Is there ever a time when ACV would be recommended?
The only time we might consider ACV is if there is such a unique building or piece of equipment that the insurance company might only offer ACV, or if the cost of replacement cost is so expensive that it is not cost effective.  

The good news is today, most insurance companies have reduced the cost of RC to the point where it motivates the buyer to not even consider ACV. Considering the high value of production equipment, cameras and specilaity equipment, RC coverage is important.There is little doubt that RC provides the most positive claims experience.  So unless cost becomes the obstacle, RC is the preferred way to go

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Certificates of Insurance




If you rent production equipment or shoot on someone’s property, there is a good chance you will be required to provide a certificate of insurance. Here are a few things to remember about certificates of insurance:

What is a certificate of insurance?
A document issued by an insurance agent/broker that is used to confirm the existence of insurance coverage. The document provides the effective date of the policy, the type of insurance coverage purchased, and the types and dollar amount of applicable liability.

Is there a cost?
A certificate of insurance does not cost anything to issue.

Can certificates of insurance change coverage?
No, certificates of insurance cannot modify insurance coverage. Certificates only provide information about policies that are in place. Certificates of insurance are designed to be informational. That is, they are not intended to confer any rights on the insurance company, policyholder, or the certificate holder.

What is usually on a certificate of insurance?
  • Name of insured
  • Company to which the certificate is issued
  • Insurance company
  • Policy dates
  • Limits
  • Type of coverage
  • Any special policy terms
  • Additional insured (with limitations) 


Additional things to remember
  • Certificates issued incorrectly don’t necessarily bind the insurer.
  • Additional insured issues must be addressed on the actual policy.
  • When you receive a certificate, do not just file it away. Read it to see whether it complies with the contract’s requirements. If it does not, then do not accept it.


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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

TEN CLAIMS REDUCTION IDEAS




TOP TEN CLAIM REDUCTION IDEAS

Want to reduce claims? Try some of these ideas. 

1.    Spend the time to double-check the inventory on the returns to lessen the L&D.
2.    Treat it like you own it. Make sure the person who is dealing with very valuable equipment has the experience to use it.
3.    No Slurpees! – Never leave the truck unattended. A white box van on the street screams out, “Steal Me”.  There have been claims where the PA went in for a Slurpee and the truck was gone. Or the $15,000 camera in the van was stolen.
4.    Remember, Separate Occurrences follow as they happen. Just like your car insurance, if you smash the side of the car in the morning and wreck the rear at lunch, it is two separate occurrences and subject to two separate deductibles.
5.    Mitigate the Loss – act as if you didn’t have insurance. It will help you later when you go make the claim.
6.    A great film is when nobody gets hurt. Start every day with the safety meeting
7.    Repeat After Me – Counter to Counter. When shipping equipment, repeat the mantra as you go to the airline counter to ship and continue it when you pick up at the other end.
8.    Make sure you have two sets of eyes when backing up the 5- ton truck. Think of all the blind spots. When backing the truck out of the location parking lot, make sure there is someone outside the truck that you can see in your side mirrors watching your rear-end. Also think about this when pulling into a gas station and the roof.
9.    A little video goes a long way. When locking a location, take a video of the all the areas that the company will use. If or when a claim arises the video is proof that the crack in the wall was there before your crew set foot on the premises.
10. I am convinced that shows with good craft services have fewer claims. Don't skimp on the healthy snacks and munchies. A happy crew is a safe crew.

      While I can't guarantee you won't have any losses, you will have fewer losses and you will have a happy crew and production company. When everyone is happy you have a better time, and tend to get things done on time and budget. 


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

John Hart Insurance Coverage for Key Artists



The success or failure of your production is often tied to the artist or talent that you have selected. Usually the bigger the artist the bigger the risk and profit potential. Many artists also have a large fan base which can bring in additional revenue for the production. Insuring your investment often is a good way to protect your investment. We understand it is important to protect your assets and offer a variety of insurance products that address your issues.

John Hart Insurance offers cast insurance that protects your investment when the unexpected illness, injury or even death occurs. Cast insurance covers additional costs that may arise if a production loses a cast member, director, or scheduled personnel. Call John Heart Insurance today for more information. 

Monday, February 11, 2013

Completion Bonds


Many times some investors will have a contract that requires  the production to be completed. Completion Bonds are the instrument used to protect  the investors.

A Production Completion Bond monitors the production and  steps in if your production can’t be completed or is going over budget. These bonds are written by a special group of bonding companies. The bonding company will finish the film, so that it can be released allowing the investors the opportunity to recoup their investment and or profits. The bonding company can’t guarantee the production will be a “success” but rather it will be completed.

John Hart Insurance does not write the Completion Bond.  We work very closely with the Bond company making sure the production is sufficiently covered and professionally underwritten.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Production Company Safety


Production companies have very unique safety issues. One of the most important is keeping the crew and actors safe. Production companies often use senior citizens and the disabled as part of the overall production. Some of your productions may include children as well. You will need to make sure you have looked at and manage the special needs of all these groups. Managing the special needs of these group increases the need for general set safety. Here are some general safety tips.
  • Have at least one crew who is trained in first aid, and have a first aid kit handy
  • Observe strictly the producing company/venue’s workplace policies in respect of:
           1. children in the workplace, including when they are part of a performance
           2. animals, including pets (but excluding companion animals) in the workplace
  • Ensure that the systems, ropes, slings, barrels, safety chains, etc are in good order
  • Appropriate fire extinguishers must be available
  • Don’t remove safety guards from and equipment
  • Keep all areas clean
  • Hold safety meetings with the crew to review safety concerns
  • Containers shall be provided for collection and separation of all refuse
  • Lighting equipment likely to reach high temperature shall be suitably guarded with a clearance maintained from flexible cords to prevent overheating
  • Don’t allow smoking on the set
  • At no time shall any illegal drug/s be brought into or consumed in the working environment
  • Make sure cables and other wiring is not in places where they can cause trips and falls.

These are in no means all the safety guidelines you must follow. Safety should be the responsibility of everyone engaged on the film or TV production.


Monday, January 7, 2013

Entertainment Equipment Insurance


Production companies have made a significant investment in lighting, costumes, cameras and props. The entertainment industry has specific needs which often require a customized insurance program. Your ongoing success depends on having the kind and quality of equipment your customers need. If equipment inventory is damaged or destroyed, your customer base and bottom line could suffer. We work to learn the unique exposures and risks associated with your entertainment company. We then work hand in hand with you to develop and design an insurance program to meet your specific needs
One way to avoid this kind of loss is to purchase appropriate Entertainment Equipment Insurance. John Hart Insurance specializes in providing insurance to the film industry. Some of the equipment you should consider insuring is:
  • Editing Production Equipment
  • Recording Studio Equipment
  • Location Recording Equipment
  • Musical Instruments/Band Equipment
  • Camera Production Equipment
  • Rented Equipment
  • Wardrobes

Entertainment Equipment Insurance provides all risk coverage, subject to policy terms. Coverage is designed to repair or replace lost or damaged property.

John Hart insurance can also provide coverage for:
  • Reshooting your lost or damaged data or film stock
  • Production office
  • Rented vehicles
  • Rented props, rented sets, rented wardrobe
  • Cast


Please call me for more information.