Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Now Is The Time To Review Your Entertainment Insurance

Benefits of an Insurance Review

Everyone, at some time, should have entertainment insurance reviewed by an independent insurance agent. If it has been more than a year since your last review, now may be a good time. We review all our clients’ insurance needs on a regular basis. There are many benefits to an insurance review including:
  1. Prices change and a review can determine if you are getting competitive rates on your personal insurance.
  2. Your coverage needs may have changed and your policy should reflect these changes.
  3. There may be new insurance companies to which we have access.
Why Review Entertainment Insurance Policy?

We have identified a number of questions that might indicate your personal insurance is out of date.
  1. Have you started a new production?
  2. Are you planning a foreign work?
  3. Have you invested in new camera equipment?
  4. Are you developing any partnerships?
  5. Have you signed any new talent?


We live in difficult financial times and making sure we save money wherever we can is very important. Having us preform an insurance review might just be what is needed to protect your assets while putting money back in your pocket. 

Thursday, December 11, 2014

How To Produce Entertainment Insurance

Entertainment Insurance

You are in the entertainment and education business. You create and design products that truly amaze us all. In doing so, you also create risks for your company, employees and others. We can produce an entertainment insurance policy that fits your needs. John Hart Insurance produces entertainment insurance that will match your risks. We work with many of the leading insurers in the entertainment industry.

To protect your firm you should consider the following kinds of insurance:
  • Worker’s Compensation- Covers injury to employees.
  • Business income - If you have a loss and can’t operate, this insurance provides replacement income for period of time.
  • Cast Insurance- Reimburses the production company for any extra expense necessary to complete principal photography of an insured production due to death, injury or sickness of any insured performer or director.
  • Errors and Omissions- Covers legal liability and defense for the production company against lawsuits alleging unauthorized use of title, format, ideas, characters, plots, plagiarism, unfair competition or piracy.
  • Props, Sets and Wardrobe- Provides coverage on props, sets, scenery, costumes, wardrobe and similar theatrical property against risks of direct physical loss, damage or destruction occurring during the production.


The entertainment industry is a very competitive and complex business that comes with uncommon exposure risks. Entertainment insurance can help protect against many liabilities and we are ready to help you. 

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Equipment Theft On Production Sets


Entertainment Insurance

One risk faced by production companies is the loss of equipment on sets. Even when sites are secure, there seems to always be a way for thieves to get in and create a loss. In a recent case, the thief actually took an entire 1300 pound metal fence. Some losses may be covered under the commercial insurance policy, but there could be high deductibles.

Here Are A Few Tips On How To Reduce Theft:
  •          Have a sign in for all vehicles.
  •          Have security.
  •          Complete background checks on all employees.
  •          The control of keys is essential on a site.
  •          Keep all equipment locked.
  •          Mark all equipment.
  •          Encourage employees not to keep personal equipment on site.
  •          Post signs that video cameras are located on site.
  •          Post “keep out/no trespassing” signs.
  •          Lock all vehicles at night.
  •          Stamp ID numbers conspicuously on all large equipment 
  •          Require all subcontractors to have commercial insurance, workers’ compensation and       employee dishonesty insurance.


The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of the best coverage and most economical solutions to help them manage the risks inherent to their unique business.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Production Companies Need Replacement Cost Insurance


Entertainment Industry & Replacement Cost Insurance

You purchase insurance to cover losses you may have to your commercial buildings, equipment, cameras, props and other property. There are a number of decisions you make regarding your coverage that will determine how the loss will be viewed by the insurance company. According to the latest surveys by major insurers, many in the entertainment industry have a critical gap in their insurance coverage. The reasons vary from; not fully understanding how certain coverage applies to their business, buying insurance from an agent who does not understand entertainment insurance, thinking their commercial coverage provides the coverage, and finally believing they don’t have the risk.

What Is Replacement Cost Coverage?

Replacement cost coverage essentially means that the insurance company will replace the damaged or destroyed property with new property up to the policy limit, as long as it is with like kind and quality.  This may seem simple, but it's not quite that simple in every case. If the value is not accurate, your loss may not be fully covered.

Replacement cost insurance can be purchased to protect buildings, props, cameras, production equipment, machinery, office equipment and more. This insurance pays the full amount needed to replace the asset or property up to the policy limit. Any gradual reduction of the asset value or depreciation is not taken into account for insurance claim purposes.

The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of  the best coverage and most economical solutions to help them manage the risks inherent to their unique businesses.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Why Insure Animals During Your Production

The use of animals as onscreen performers creates many interesting legal, risk and insurance issues for production companies. Animals are used in almost every kind of production including; movies, advertising, documentaries, print and more.

Technology has allowed production companies to use fewer animals such as; the 2011 movie The Rise of The Planet of The Apes starred no real animal’s actors. In addition animal rights groups have continued to urge film makers to follow current rules regarding the treatment of animals during production.

Can You Insure Animals?

Animal Mortality insurance will pay an agreed value for your animal 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.


The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Common Mistakes Made When Purchasing Entertainment Insurance

There are a number of common mistakes some entertainment companies make when it comes to purchasing insurance. Insurance is the product you buy in case the unexpected happens. Unfortunately, by the time you need it, it's too late to make sure you have the right type and amount of insurance coverage. Make sure you don't make the following mistakes while buying business insurance or personal insurance.

Common mistakes

Not using an agent who knows and understands the entertainment industry
The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of the best coverage and most economical solutions to help them manage the risks inherent to their unique businesses.

Having two agents is better because they keep each other competitive
Having two agents duplicates effort and can create coverage gaps. For example, there are certain coverage’s that can be included under a liability policy and auto policy. One agent is better able to manage your entire insurance program.

The lower the premium the better- wrong
Premiums are determined by a combination of exposures and coverage. If you get a lower premium you may be missing needed coverage. For example, does the lower premium include replacement cost   coverage on buildings and equipment?

The internet is a great place to get good insurance deals
Low cost internet insurance usually allows you to select the coverage and limits you want. But in most cases you end up with a limited and inadequate program. You find this out after you have an uninsured claim.

Mexico? No problem, we are covered
If you travel to Mexico as part of your production, we recommend special foreign coverage.

There isn’t anything I can do to manage my insurance costs except shop low price
·         There are many things you can do to reduce your premiums, here are a few:
·         Consider increasing your deductibles.
·         Consider the vehicle model when make a purchase, some are more expensive to insure.
·         Add smoke and security alarms to your office.

Through our relationships with many A-rated national and regional insurance companies, we provide a comprehensive array of insurance products for a variety of personal and commercial clients. Our goal is to provide exceptional service while giving you peace of mind so you can focus on what you do best, create. Give us a call and let us show you how we can save you time and money on your insurance.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Replacement Cost For Production Equipment


You purchase property insurance to cover losses you may have to your commercial buildings, movie and production equipment, props and property. There are a number of decisions you make regarding your coverage that will determine how the loss will be viewed by the insurance company. One of the most important aspects of your entertainment insurance policy is how your property is valued; there is replacement cost coverage (RC), and there is actual cash value basis (ACV).

What Is Replacement Cost Coverage?

Replacement cost coverage essentially means that the insurance company will replace the damaged or destroyed property with new property up to the policy limit, as long as it is with like kind and quality.  This may seem simple, but it's not quite that simple in every case. If the value is not accurate, your loss may not be fully covered.

This insurance pays the full amount needed to replace the asset or property up to the policy limit. Any gradual reduction of the asset value or depreciation is not taken into account for insurance claim purposes. This can be very important in the entertainment industry with all the high valued equipment.

Replacement cost works for most types of property, however, it's not perfect for everything. A copy of a Picasso is not a Picasso, so fine art is not always covered under a replacement cost policy. It also doesn't work for one of a kind machinery or tools and dies. For those types of items you probably need to have a scheduled policy that actually agrees upfront what the value of those items should be.

What is Actual Cash Value?

ACV is replacement cost less depreciation.  For example, if you have a 6 year old expensive camera that will cost $55,000 to replace, ACV would value the camera at $55,000 minus 6 years of depreciation or as low as $7,000. The depreciation is usually calculated by establishing a useful life of the item determining what percentage of that life remains. This percentage multiplied by the replacement cost equals the ACV.

We almost always recommend RC for all customers. 

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Five Keys To Safety For Any Production

It seems that there are far too many injuries and accidents around movies and other productions. In our mind one accident or loss is too many. While our agency does not provide safety services, safety should be part of every production. If we can help reduce accidents there will be fewer insurance claims and a more productive work force. Having a comprehensive safety program cannot guarantee your production will be accident free, but it is the right thing to do.

Five Keys to Safety
  1. Have well written safety procedures for all activates. Know what OSHA requires and then attempt to exceed their standards
  2. Provide regular training. Safety only works if your crew understands what their roles and responsibilities are.
  3. Celebrate success. There is nothing better than to complete a production with no accidents or injuries. Provide rewards and celebrate with your crew!
  4. Make safety more about behavior rather than rules. Effective safety in the entertainment industry is about changing behavior. This attitude must start at the top. Producers and managers must be onboard with creating an environment where safety is valued and appreciated.
  5. Safety should not be just about following OSHA guidelines, but reducing unsafe behavior and accidents. OSHA guidelines should always be followed, but more important, is that you should have a accident free production. That may take more work than just following OSHA rules.

Safety and insurance when combined is a powerful tool to help production companies reduce losses, minimize accidents and even keep premiums as competitive as possible. John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of  the best coverage and most economical solutions to help them manage the risks inherent to their unique businesses.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

At John Hart Insurance.... "If it's fun, we insure it"

That is our motto, but just what do we mean by this? JohnHart Insurance specializes in the entertainment industry. The entertainment industry creates fun, educational and even inspirational movies, TV, film and more. With this activity comes a certain amount of risk. Risks can include lost or damaged equipment, injury on sets, copy write litigation, injury to cast and crew and more. Our job is to partner with our clients to help them reduce their risk and protect their assets.

Our clients develop, create and produce fun productions for the public. At John Hart Insurance, we help manage the risk associated with creating fun. 

Here are some of our key products and services:
  • Insurance For  Props, Sets and Wardrobe: Covers damage to specific equipment during production or events.
  • Producers Errors & Omissions: Covers legal liability and defense for the production company against lawsuits alleging unauthorized use of title, format, ideas, characters, plots, plagiarism, unfair competition or piracy.
  • Workers Compensation: Covers injury to crew members as required by state law.
  • Insuring Equipment: Covers cameras, sound/lighting equipment and rented or leased equipment.
  • Cast Insurance: Covers production companies’ extra expenses in the event of death, injury or illness to performers.
  • Comprehensive Liability Coverage: Protects the production company against claims for bodily injury or property damage liability arising out of filming. Coverage includes use of all non-owned vehicles (both on and off camera) including physical damage to such vehicles. This coverage will be required prior to filming on any city or state roadways, or any location sites requiring filming permits.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

What Is The Difference Between An Independent Agent And A Direct Writer?

Commercial insurance including some entertainment insurance can be purchased on line these days. Many companies spend millions in ads. These ads may be entertaining, but how in the world can you really tell these companies apart? What are the differences?  Is one company really better than any other?  Will the coverage, price, and service meet my needs?

There are two distinct kinds of agents in the United States; Independent brokers and direct writers. Let’s define these for you.

Independent Broker- John Hart Insurance

An independent broker is a business that is owned and operated by local business professionals. Some larger firms may have a board of directors and many partners, but usually the ownership is local and independent. These brokers offer many different insurance products through many different insurance companies. Independent brokers sell the products that most appropriately meet the needs of their clients. Independent brokers typically are very well trained and knowledgeable of the complexities of the insurance market and insurance law.

Most independent brokers have multiple companies from which to shop your insurance needs. This makes it more likely that they will find the exact fit for your specific situation. It also allows for greater competition, which benefits the client.

The goal of the independent broker is to provide the best possible combination of coverage, price and service. For example, independent agents have experience in understanding what services insurance companies provide and are able to match unique services with client needs. Not all insurance companies are alike.

The John Hart Agency specializes in the entertainment industry. The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.

Direct Writers
A direct writer is an agent who distributes policies for only one insurance company. Direct writers are agents paid by the insurance company and cannot utilize the entire insurance market.

The value of the insurance you buy truly is established when and if you have a claim. Independent brokers advise and help clients through the claim process.


Thursday, July 10, 2014

Stunt Insurance is no Accident


Many productions in California and other places use stunt men and women in their filming. Stunts can be risky and dangerous, but we all love the final outcome. Even training films often include stunts as part of the production.  However, many traditional insurance packages don’t automatically cover stunt work. We can provide the right kind of insurance for your production company.

Stunt Insurance
We can provide special stunt coverage for many of the productions you are involved in. Producers 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

The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of the best coverage and most economical solutions to help them manage the risks inherent to their unique businesses.



Thursday, June 26, 2014

What Does Property Insurance Cover?

Entertainment Property Insurance

John Hart Insurance has provided all facets of the entertainment industry with highly specialized insurance coverage and service. Whether it's for crew, talent, props, equipment, or intellectual property, our experts can satisfy your unique insurance needs.

Most of our entertainment clients purchase property insurance. There is a variety is coverage options depending on your individual needs.
Types of Industries we insure
  •      Commercial films
  •          Music videos
  •          Musicians
  •          Concert promoters
  •          Entertainers and performers
  •          Performance venues
  •          Commercials, documentaries, industrial & educational training films
  •          Commercial films
  •          Music videos
  •          Musicians
  •          Broadway productions
  •          Rental houses
  •          Concert promoters
  •          Entertainers and performers
  •          Performance venues
  •          Commercials, documentaries, industrial & educational training films


What are the kinds of property coverage needed in the entertainment industry?
  •          Property in transit and temporary locations
  •          Insurance for buildings and office equipment
  •          Property for special props and sets
  •          Specialized insurance for cameras
  •          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.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Common Claims for the Entertainment Industry

The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music, and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of the best coverage and most economical solutions to help the client manage the risks inherent to their unique businesses.

Common Entertainment Industry Claims

  •             A production company was contracted to complete a film with certain time and budget constraints. The production came in 30% over budget and 120 days late. The production company was sued for failure to perform per the contract terms.
  •             An event planner scheduled a concert with an international performer. The event was planned and scheduled, with over 5,000 tickets sold. The performer got sick two days before the event and had to cancel. The event planner had Event Cancelation Insurance and had the resources to settle all claims and reschedule the event for a later date.
  •             A production company had $200,000 worth of equipment damaged on set by a sudden wind and hail storm. Insurance provided full recovery.
  •            A post production firm was contracted to produce 20,000 DVD’s for the Christmas season. Due to production issues the firm missed the release time and the owners of the DVD sued the firm for lost revenue.



We can help you design an insurance product that meets your individual needs, Call us today!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Multimedia Production E&O Insurance

Multimedia Production Errors & Omissions Insurance

Multimedia Production Errors & Omissions Insurance protects the Production and/or Distribution Company from various lawsuits that allege a third party has suffered a loss. Some of the most common kinds of claims come from:

Multimedia Production Errors & Omissions Insurance protects the Production and/or Distribution Company from various lawsuits that allege a third party has suffered a loss. Some of the most common kinds of claims come from:
  • Libel, slander or other forms of defamation- Did the material damage someone’s reputation? Was there false or inaccurate information stated about someone?
  • Infringement of copyright- Did you use material, images, or a script without persimmon?
  • Unauthorized use of names, trade names, service marks, titles, formats, ideas, characters, character names, characterizations, plots, musical compositions, performances, slogans, program material or any similar material.

There are many types of actions that can cause a third party to sue you, your production company, individually or collectively. Having the right kind of insurance will protect you from incurring expenses--even if you are in the right.
We always recommend a policy and operational review before we suggest specific coverage. But here are a few coverage highlights:
  • Limits of $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. More if needed.
  • Title coverage
  • Merchandising coverage
  • Worldwide coverage
  • Ability to add additional insured

The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of the best coverage and most economical solutions to help the client manage the risks inherent to their unique businesses.
We handle many kinds of entertainment risks including; Animation, Commercials, Documentaries, Educational & Training, Feature Films, Industrials Infomercials, Music Videos, Radio Series, Television, Theatrical Productions, Training Videos, Video Distributors




Thursday, May 15, 2014

Special Event Insurance

Entertainment Special Event Insurance

Whether you are a production company, studio, independent film company, event planning company, or a private firm planning a client event, Special Event Insurance should be part of your planning. Special Event Insurance can provide the necessary security to ensure that if something does go wrong, you and your guests are protected.

What is Special Event Insurance?

There are many different kinds of Special Event insurance.  Special Event Insurance is designed to protect the event sponsors or planners against liability claims associated with the event. Claims can come from participants, vendors, and other third parties. Depending on your event, there is insurance coverage that addresses the specific risks. Here are a few of the different kinds of events that require insurance

Festivals - Music/Concert Events - Holiday Festivals - Private Business Events –Cast Parties – Media Events – Special Showings and more
What Kind of Insurance Should I Have?

Here are the different kinds of insurance that you should consider when holding your event. There is other coverage that you may need, but I wanted to identify at least three:

General Liability- General Liability insurance provides bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury to third parties arising out of the negligence of the event sponsors or organizers. 

Liquor liability- If you are serving alcohol at your event, you need to make sure there is Liquor Liability coverage in place. Liquor Liability Insurance provides protection from claims relating to the sale, distribution, serving, or use of alcoholic beverages.

Event Cancellation- Event Cancellation Insurance is one of the most important items to consider. Event Cancellation Insurance protects the event planners or hosts from an unforeseen circumstance that requires the event to be canceled. It would provide funds to cover deposits and other costs that you may have already paid. Unforeseen circumstances could be related to weather, construction at the venue, or illness of the featured speaker or entertainer.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Do Summer Interns Increase Your Risk?

Many entertainment businesses offer college students the opportunity to hold a summer intern position. These can be rewarding for the college student as well as provide some help to the business. Offering paid or non-paid internships can create risk for your business. We wanted to highlight some of the business risks associated with having interns. Before you bring that person on board, make sure your insurance is well prepared.
  • You should have a written plan. It should include a job description, hours, and line of authority.
  • Check to see if there are any state regulations that might be impacted.
  • If you offer a paid internship, you will need to treat the intern like any other employee. We suggest having a formal agreement indemnifying the terms of the agreement, including the time period of the internship.
  • If the internship is a paid position, don’t forget about workers’ compensation.
  • Make sure you comply with Healthcare Reform relating to employee benefits.
  • Make sure the intern understands they are not entitled to “regular” company benefits, i.e.  retirement, insurance, vacation, etc.
  • The internship must provide similar training that would be given in an educational environment.
  • There must be a “true” benefit for the intern.
  • The internship cannot be for the sole benefit of the company.
  • The intern must not replace regular employees, and should work under the close supervision of existing staff.
  • Unpaid internships for for-profit companies are subject to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act. There are provisions if you offer educational credit. Here is a link to the U.S. Department of Labor. 

We recommend you check with the department of labor to make sure your program meets all of the requirements. There have been many businesses who have been sued as a result of improper internship programs.

Our goal is to provide exceptional service while giving you peace of mind so you can focus on what you do best, create. Give us a call and let us show you how we can save you time and money on your insurance.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Planning a Documentary? Make Insurance Part of Your Planning

Documentaries come in many forms. Some take years to shoot and produce, while others may only take a few months. No matter how big or small, having the proper insurance for your documentary can be one of the most important things you can have. All the activities associated with filming a documentary bring 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 coverage 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 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 on which you are working.


The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of the best coverage and most economical solutions to help manage the risks inherent to the client’s unique businesses.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

The True Value of an Independent Agent

John Hart Insurance is an independent agency. This means we don’t work for any one insurance company. We have access to many markets that specialize in the entertainment industry, giving us the ability to shop your account, and search the market for the best option for you. With captive insurance agents, you may only get the guidance of one company that sells one brand of insurance.


The Value of John Hart Insurance

  • John Hart Insurance specializes in the film and production industry that is all we do. We know and understand your industry.
  • We have over 60 years of combined service.
  • Our focus is exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.
  • We will work with you to make sure your claim is processed to your satisfaction
  • We provide a number of coverage options
  • Are not obligated to any one company
  • We search the market for the best combination of price and coverage
  • We are licensed professionals with strong customer and community ties
  • Our staff is qualified and trained to explain coverage in understandable language
  • We can review coverage and make necessary changes based on your needs


There is no singular insurance company that is the best for everyone. As independent agents, we can find the right company for your specific needs. And as your needs change, we’ll always have an insurance company that is right for you.



Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Is Short Term Entertainment Insurance Available?


Your firm may be embarking on a short term project that requires special or unique insurance coverage. John Hart Insurance can help you with this coverage. Many filming locations require that you present them with a certificate of insurance, naming them as an additional insured, before they allow you on the property. You may need to rent very specialized equipment that requires insurance. All these issues can be managed through the proper kinds of insurance products.

Our short term coverage can include:

  • General Liability - General Liability protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage and personal injury arising out of filming activity.
  • Third Party Property Damage - Covers damage to property in your care. For example, a building in which you film a commercial.
  • Owned & Rented Equipment - An equipment floater may be needed to insure property that moves from location to location.
  • Workers' Compensation - Covers injury to employees while on location or on the job at any site.
  • Set and Prop Coverage - Property coverage in case sets or props are damaged.
  • Non-Owned and Hired Auto - Insures you from liability arising out of using or renting a vehicle that you do not own.
  • Excess Liability Insurance - Provides additional Liability protection over the General Liability and Non-owned/Hired Automobile Liability.

Generally, short term coverage is designed for productions less than 60 days and with smaller budgets. Call John Hart today for more information. 

Monday, March 10, 2014

Entertainment Issues -- Risk and Reward

We all love watching the fine work that comes out of Hollywood and other production companies. If you think about the many risks facing production and entertainment companies, most people might run like Forrest Gump!  But we at John Hart Insurance know that with risks come rewards.

We have over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies. Call us today for more information.

Here are a few of the risks faced by the entertainment industry:
  • Stunts and action scenes. There are times when lead actors want to do their own action scenes. If the lead actor is injured it might lead to long delays in production.
  • Foreign locations.  Many productions are filmed outside of the USA. This can lead to safety, cultural and legal issues. Especially if the production is travelling with a full crew and production team.
  • High valued set and wardrobes. If sets are damaged or wardrobes destroyed, they must be replaced. Even under the best of situations, a few weeks delay can cost thousands of dollars.
  • Documentaries or other true stories can lead to creating errors in the truth. While there is always some defense in artistic freedom, it really depends on what was agreed to between the parties involved. Also, rewriting scripts during production can lead to errors in factual information. 



Friday, February 28, 2014

John Hart Insurance Top Five Insurance and Safety Ideas

The following information may not make the lineup of any late night TV show, but it can help your entertainment company become more profitable. Call us today for more details.

  1. Always carry E & O insurance - This covers legal liability and defense for the production company against lawsuits alleging unauthorized use of title, format, ideas, characters, plots, plagiarism, unfair competition or piracy. It also protects against alleged libel, slander, defamation of character or invasion of privacy. This coverage will usually be required by a distributor prior to the release of any theatrical or television production.
  2. Mind your cables - With most productions, keeping cabling organized is critical. Solutions like rubber mats, cable ramps, and creating an audience free zone in the center of the auditorium can help to ensure safe cable runs.
  3. Insure your props and wardrobe – This provides coverage on props, sets, scenery, costumes, wardrobe and similar theatrical property against risks of direct physical loss, damage or destruction occurring during the production.
  4. Most Common Rigging Mistakes – These include unrated hardware, incomplete installation, damaged equipment, and improper use.
  5. Always call John Hart Insurance for the best possible combination of coverage and pricing.


The staff at John Hart Insurance has over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies.  This knowledge base allows us to structure an insurance program specifically for each client that will be a balance of the best coverage and most economical solutions to help them manage the risks inherent to their unique businesses.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Professional Liability Risks for the Entertainment Industry

Today almost every production company, film distribution firm, or any business in the entertainment industry can find itself facing a liability lawsuit. A Professional Liability lawsuit can put assets at risk including business assets, resources, and in some cases the personal assets of owners. One simple mistake could cause financial devastation, as well as end a professional career. Some businesses mistakenly fail to realize that they have an exposure to professional loss.

Professional Liability Insurance is sometimes called Errors and Omissions (E&O) coverage. Claims come from errors or omissions in the performance of professional services. Companies that perform production services have an exposure to E & O claims. E & O insurance also protects against alleged libel, slander, defamation of character and invasion of privacy. This coverage will usually be required by a distributor prior to release of any theatrical or television production.

Often claims result from overlooking a critical piece of information, misstating a fact, misunderstandings, forgetting to do something, using copyrighted material or misplacing something. In today’s world, the definition of “standard of care” has broadened through court cases and statute changes. Professional Liability Insurance provides the entertainment industry with protection against potential legal action by clients and other third-parties.

Here are a few actual claim examples:
  • A post production firm used images without a license as part of the opening to the film. The owners of the images filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement. The case was settled for $12,000.
  • United Talent Agency filed in Los Angeles a breach of contract and fraud lawsuit against World of Wonder Productions over the packaging of the hit Oxygen TV series, Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. The agency accused the producer of “deceitful accounting” and underpaying profits to UTA, then refusing to let UTA have full access to its books or records as part of a “blatant attempt” to cover up its accounting practices. http://www.deadline.com/
  • Kevin Costner filed a lawsuit against the production company Morgan Creek. The lawsuit alleged it was the production company’s duty to disclose "truthful, accurate, full and complete" revenue information from the film, but it failed to do so. The case was dismissed.  The production company’s insurance paid for the defense of the lawsuit.  http://www.upi.com/


It is never too late to get a quote, so call John Hart today. 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

If It Is Fun….We Insure It

John Hart Insurance takes insurance seriously. But we understand that our clients are in the entertainment business, and many times that is fun. You are providing fun and relaxation for the public. Here are just a few of the kinds of entertainment we insure and the most common risk associated with each.
  •         Concerts- Injury to spectators
  •          Feature Films- Injuries to cast members
  •          Theme Parks- Injury to guests
  •          Theater Productions- Damage to props and wardrobe
  •          Documentaries- Copyright infringement
  •          Commercials- Property damage
  •          Short Films- Errors and omissions
  •          Special Events- Event cancelation
  •          Photographers- Owned Equipment
  •          Television- Injury to cast and animals
  •          Video Productions- Negative film and videotape damage or loss
  •          Film Schools- General liability
  •          Touring Performers- Non-appearance and cancellation


We have over 60 years combined experience in the field of entertainment insurance.  We focus exclusively on understanding the unique needs of motion picture, television, video, music and theatrical companies. Call us today for more information.