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.