Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Even Small Productions Need Commercial Liability Insurance Coverage


To protect a small entertainment business from potential lawsuits, liability insurance is necessary. Policies vary greatly, and they cover different classifications of risks for varying costs. It is important to educate yourself about entertainment liability insurance.

Business Liability Insurance Is Available in Many Different Forms

Commercial General Liability, which is also called CGL, is a very broad insurance product. It covers claims from accidents, injuries, or negligence when the business is at fault.  Small businesses may face a wide array of damage charges. Personal injuries, property damage, libel, and slander are just a few examples.

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

Professional Liability coverage pays for damages caused by services.  It is also called “errors and omissions” coverage.  Covers the legal liability and defense for the production company against lawsuits alleging unauthorized use of title, format, ideas, characters, plots, plagiarism, unfair competition or piracy. Also, protects for alleged libel, slander, defamation of character or invasion of privacy. This coverage will usually be required by a distributor prior to release of any theatrical or television production.

An Employment Practice Liability Insurance policy offers insurance protection against claims and lawsuits that are brought against a business, its officers or directors, or its employees and managers, against harassment, wrongful termination, breach of employment contract, discrimination, invasion of privacy, compensation issues, and employee benefits administration.

There are other types of insurance designed for specialty businesses.  The nature of the business determines what type of coverage is necessary.

John William Hart III Insurance Agency, presents a brief description of the various types of insurance coverages available to the Motion Picture and Television production company. These descriptions are general in nature and are not a complete explanation of the policy terms. 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, December 14, 2016

The Risks of Using Animals in Productions



Entertainment Insurance Update

John Hart insurance offers entertainment insurance for films that includes unique coverages specific to movie making and other productions, including; cast coverage, animals, props, sets and wardrobe coverage; extra expense coverage; third party property damage coverage; miscellaneous equipment coverage; faulty stock coverage; and negative coverage

Animals have been used in movie-making, advertising, documentaries and other print, films and production functions since the early days of the industry. 

We can offer special entertainment insurance coverage for the animals used in your production. This coverage protects you against loss.  Plus, the policy will pay the agreed value of the animal actor if death was caused by one of the perils listed on the policy. Animal Extra Expense would provide a “cast-type coverage” for insured animals that would reimburse the out-of-pocket expense incurred as a result of the interruption, postponement or cancellation of the production resulting from injury, death or illness to the animal so insured.

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.

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.


Tuesday, November 29, 2016

A Little Preparation Can Get Your Entertainment Business Running After a Loss




A Entertainment Insurance Update

No one wants to think about an event so severe that it would cause your business to close.  However, disaster planning needs to be part of your ongoing business plan.  Major events can include floods, storms, data breach, fires, accidents, death of an owner, or lawsuits.  Whatever the risk, a little pre-planning can go a long way toward getting your business up and running again.

A key part of your plan should be a review of your business insurance program.  Your business insurance should include the following:

Property insurance: Covers your buildings, equipment, machines, and other property from loss or damage. Coverage should include business income coverage.

Commercial Liability Insurance: Provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others.

Commercial Auto Insurance: Covers your company vehicles if they are involved in an accident. It can also cover your business if you, or an employee, uses a personally owned vehicle on behalf of the business.

Cyber Liability Insurance: This insurance can protect your business from a data breach.  If your business stores sensitive or non-public information about employees or clients, you are responsible for protecting that information. 

Management Liability Insurance: Management Liability can encompass these important business insurance coverage’s; Professional liability, and Directors and Officers Liability.
Having the right kind of entertainment insurance is not the only thing your business should consider. You need to develop a plan in the event your business is shut down.


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, November 17, 2016

How To Hire Part Time Seasonal Workers

Entertainment Insurance update 

Many entertainment companies may be hiring part time workers to fill production needs. For the most part, you will not need to modify your business insurance, but if you add new classifications or payroll, it may affect your workers’ compensation insurance.  Now might be a good time to have us complete a review of all your business insurance policies.

Here are few tips to help you manage seasonal employees
  • Make sure part time employees get the same training as all other employees.
  • Conduct background screenings on part time candidates.
  • Unless the job requires it, it is not a good idea to give seasonal employees access to computers or other secure information.
  • Don’t allow seasonal employees to work alone.
  • Remember the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to properly classify workers, pay the legal minimum wage, and pay overtime if applicable.
  • Part time employees should also read and sign the employee handbook.
  • Your business is legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage, as most fair-employment laws cover seasonal employees. 
  • If you notice cliques or bad habits forming, don’t assume that they will self-correct. 
  • Employers with 15 or more employees are subject to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal and state employment laws. This means your seasonal employees, just like your regular workforce, must receive adequate training on what conduct is illegal, how to report it, and how to request a reasonable accommodation.
  • Maintain a detailed account of where each employee works, the kinds of tasks they are assigned, number of hours completed, and their rate of pay.
  • When it is time to end the part time employment, follow the same procedures as you would with a full-time or permanent employee.

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 26, 2016

Can Entertainment Companies Reduce Workers’ Compensations Costs?


It is a fact that many employers actually overpay for their workers’ compensation premiums.  Workers” Compensation Coverage provides medical, disability or death benefits to any cast or crew member who becomes injured in the course of their employment. Coverage usually applies on a 24 hour per day basis whenever employees are on location away from their homes. Individuals who call themselves "Independent Contractors" will usually be held to be employees as far as Workers' Compensation is concerned, and failure to carry this insurance can result in having to pay any benefits required under the law plus penalty awards.

The experience mod is a factor unique to each employer. In simple terms, this formula is designed to compare a specific employer’s historical claim and payroll data, to other employers with similar business operations. An individual employer’s experience mod is calculated using claims data compared to premiums from the three most recently completed years, excluding the expiring term.

Key points to consider

  • If your losses are increasing, your mod most likely will go up even if your payroll goes down.
  • The frequency of losses hurt you more than the severity of losses.
  • It is important to check the calculations on the experience modification worksheet each year.
  • The most common errors are incorrect or incomplete payroll data.
  • Your workers’ compensation mod is the single most important factor insurers use to identify your risk.
  • Your mod can be reduced through effective safety and loss control programs.


How to reduce your mod?

  • Develop a safety program.
  • Reward safety in the workplace.
  • Start a return to work program.
  • Investigate every accident and make corrective actions if needed.
  • If you suspect fraud, immediately inform the insurance company.
  • A disciplinary program also should be incorporated into the safety program; it should hold employees accountable for breaking the rules.



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, October 13, 2016

The Value of Having The Right Kind of Entertainment Insurance


Entertainment companies have very unique risks. John Hart Insurance Agency offers customized insurance products specifically to the entertainment industry. We have years of experience in covering musicians, entertainers, live events, artists, stage productions, motion pictures, and foreign productions.

While each production is different, we have found these entertainment insurance coverages can address many of the risks associated within the entertainment industry.

  • Film & Video Production Insurance
  • Special Event Production Insurance
  • Professional Liability Insurance
  • Equipment Floaters
  • Case & Crew Insurance
  • Copyright infringement Insurance
  • Negative Film & Videotape Insurance
  • Props, Sets and Wardrobe Coverage
  • Theatrical Production Insurance
  • Rigging, Lighting Technician And Sound Technician Insurance
  • Property Insurance Specifically For Drones
  • Animal Mortality Insurance

John William Hart III Insurance Agency, presents a brief description of the various types of insurance coverages available to the Motion Picture and Television production company. These descriptions are general in nature and are not a complete explanation of the policy terms. 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, September 28, 2016

Does The Entertainment Industry Need TO comply With State And Federal Laws?


The regulatory climate is always changing for businesses including every firm in the entertainment business.  Almost every month there is some new law, regulation, or statue that your business now must comply with. We want to share a few of the latest regulatory trends to help with your business planning. All entertainment firms must comply with California and Federal laws.

The Department of Labor (DOL) is cracking down on employers who misclassify independent contractors who really should be employees. If you are an employer who hires contractors, the DOL has issued new guidelines to help you. If your entertainment firms hire part time production assistants, camera men or others, you need to understand have use review your worker’s compensation program.

Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The federal definition of marriage has changed and employers must modify health insurance and benefits packages to comply with the law

The new workers’ compensation coding system went into effect in 2016. All businesses covered under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) will be required to use the International Classification Coding Systems (ICD-10) to report injuries and illnesses to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Whistleblower investigations are on the rise. The SEC’s whistleblower program continues to have an impact on businesses. The single biggest issue has been “Corporate Disclosure and Financials,” which accounted for 18.2% of all submissions.

In response to immigration reform, employers will need to monitor changes to the immigration system that may impact their hiring; particularly Form I-9 procedures and work authorization documentation





Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Your Entertainment Company Needs To Understand These Three Risks


Entertainment Insurance

Every entertainment business has risks and most professionals have an understanding of their risks. But there are a few business risks that can be addressed by commercial entertainment insurance that you may not have considered.

Business Interruption- The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that more than 40% of businesses never reopen following a disaster such as a fire or earthquake. Is your business prepared to weather the storm if disaster strikes? If a fire causes your facility to be temporarily unusable, what would you do? To mitigate this risk, consider adding Business Interruption coverage to your Property Insurance policy.

Employment Practices- From the moment you begin the pre-hiring process until the final goodbyes at the exit interview, you are at risk for a lawsuit. In fact, three out of five employers will be sued by a prospective, current or former employee while they are in business. Although many lawsuits are groundless, defending against them is costly and time-consuming. Your business should take a hard look at whether it can afford to defend itself against accusations of wrongful employment practices. Employment Practices Liability that will protect your company against wrongful termination, discrimination (age, sex, race, disability, etc.) or sexual harassment lawsuit.

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.


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.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

John Hart Insurance Can Help Your Entertainment Business Survive an Interruption



An Entertainment Insurance Update

Have you considered the cost to you if your production had to shut down for a week, month, or even longer?  We have, and we can offer a few tips to help your entertainment business continue even in the midst of a shut down.

A production can be shut down for a number of reasons. Your business or commercial insurance policy will cover the cost to repair or rebuild your building, and replace business property.  But are you protected if it takes time to re-start production? Business Interruption Insurance keeps you financially stable during the period that you are forced to vacate.  You can continue to provide your employees with pay, and manage bills during the period in which the business cannot operate.

When considering business income, you also need to determine if you have certain risks that would require specific limits within the overall coverage. If these are not managed correctly, you may suffer a loss and not have enough insurance to ensure your recovery.

We can also provide coverage for those times when your key talent is lost. Having the right coverage when your talent is injured can stop production and cost your thousands of dollars.

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, August 18, 2016

Even Small Productions Have Big Risks



Many think that operating a small or short term production has little or no risk. The fact is, operating a small production has just about the same risks as any other operation.  Employees can still sue you, your production can become delayed, third parties can claim copyright issues, and more. 

Entertainment liability risk is very real for small firms and it is important to have an entertainment insurance program that addresses these issues.

To protect a small production firm from potential lawsuits, entertainment liability insurance is necessary. Policies vary greatly, and they cover different classifications of risks for varying costs.
Entertainment Liability Insurance
·         Bodily Injury - Bodily injury to a third party.
·         Property Damage - Damage to a third party’s property (equipment building etc.).
·         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
·         Personal Injury - Injury to the mind or emotions, as opposed to an injury to property.
·         Products & Completed Operations - Liability arising out of products you sell or business operations and services conducted, excluding professional services.
·         Premises - Covers liability arising out of injury to third parties while on your premises.
·         Professional Liability – 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. Also protects for alleged libel, slander, defamation of character or invasion of privacy. This coverage will usually be required by a distributor prior to release of any theatrical or television production.
·         Umbrella - Provides excess liability over primary auto and commercial liability policies.

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.


Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Why Special Event Insurance Is Needed

Every promoter or event organizer knows how important to keep the operation running right up to the very end. But bad thing happens, and that is why you need event cancellation insurance. In the event that you have to cancel or postpone your special event due to an unforeseen circumstance, John Hart Insurance can offer event cancellation protection will cover non-refundable deposits and non-reimbursable expenses.

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.

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, July 13, 2016

Why Stunt Insurance Can Save Your Production

Almost every movie or production has some level of stunt activity. And it is these brave men and women who can make the difference between a good scene and a great scene. 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. 

Many insurance companies provide special stunt coverage packages for film productions. The insurance company provides quotes per stunts performed during film shoots.

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, June 29, 2016

Best Practices for Entertainment Property Losses

Movie Insurance Update

Most every entertainment business owns business property, which may include the building in which you run your operations.  Property insurance protects the physical assets your business owns – such as computers, props, movie sets, camera equipment, office equipment, buildings, furniture, fixtures, and other property.  Every entertainment business should have a comprehensive property insurance portfolio to respond to the many risks associated with property ownership.

We hope to help you indemnify a proactive plan in the event of a fire, theft, storm, or some other kind of damage that might involve your entertainment insurance policy.  There are a number of actions you can do to help get the best possible settlement from the insurance company.

Pre-Loss Practices
  • Maintain vital records
  • Have photos of all buildings, major equipment, etc
  • Blueprints- keep complete sets
  • Property inventories
  • Financial records
  • Appoint key individuals as communicators
  • Have emergency response plan
  • Secondary locations identified

During The Loss
  • Notify the insurer
  • Protect the property
  • Track claim costs
  • Separate budget line items
  • Keep records of all internal and external costs
  • Make temporary repairs
  • Communicate with insurer as to the use of any consultants
  • Meet regularly with the agent and Insurer
  • List and address key issues and concerns
  • Note any changes from original design
  • Will you rebuild or not?
  • What might cause delays?


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.

Friday, June 17, 2016

Heat Stress Prevention For The Entertainment Industry

As summer approaches, workers all over Los Angles and the rest of the country will experience the risk of heat stress.  Heat stress is especially prevalent in the summer months due to climate changes in July and August. Summer is the time when outside performances and other related work increases.
Heat stress is a signal that says the body is having difficulty maintaining its narrow temperature range. The heart pumps faster, blood is diverted from internal organs to the skin, breathing rate increases, and sweating increases, all in an attempt to transfer more heat to the outside air and cool the skin by the evaporation of sweat. If the body can't keep up, then the person suffers effects ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion, and finally to heat stroke.

Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as set construction, stunt workers, outside theater productions, filming and others. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat.  Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Prevention Tips

  • Drink water frequently and moderately. 
  • Take breaks and rest periodically out of the sun and heat.
  • Eat lightly.
  • Do jobs that are more strenuous during the cooler morning hours.
  • Utilizing ventilation or fans in enclosed areas.
  • Remembering that it takes about 1-2 weeks for the body to adjust to the heat; this adaptation is quickly lost – so your body will need time to adjust after a vacation.
  • Avoiding alcohol consumption. Many cases have occurred the day after a "night on the town”.
  • Wear light-colored, cotton clothes, and keep your shirt on; desert nomads do not wear all those clothes for nothing.


Additional sources: CAN

We will review your entertainment insurance and compare them to your operations to make sure that you have the coverage that matches your risk.  Make sure your workers’ compensation coverage is designed to cover your legal obligations.

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, May 18, 2016

How Will the New Minimum Wage Impact The Entertainment Industry

Many states and cities are enacting new minimum wage laws, and all will feel the impact.  Not only will the cost of goods go up, but also every business will see an increase in workers’ compensation costs.  Those business with a high minimum wage work force will see an even higher premium increase.

In California for example, the wage increase affects 43% of the state’s workforce and makes California’s minimum wage the highest in the country.  Oregon Just passed a statewide minimum wage as well.  Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont also increased minimum wages in 2016.
The $15 per hour may not seem like it would have much of an impact the entertainment industry, with its reliance on handsomely paid creative professionals and union presence. Caterers, prop houses, nurseries and numerous other businesses that support Hollywood productions pay many of their worker’s minimum wage or close to it, and an increase in their costs for workers would likely get passed along. (Variety.com)

Increased wages will mean increased payroll, and your workers’ compensation premiums are based on your payroll.  With increased payroll, come increased benefits, which lead to increased overall claims costs and experience mods.

What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers' compensation insurance is insurance that provides lost income, medical benefits, disability benefits, and rehabilitative services for workers injured on the job or while performing work-related duties.

Why Your Business Needs Workers’ Compensation Insurance
When one of your employees gets hurt on the job or has a work-related illness, only workers’ compensation will cover them.  Health insurance benefits will not provide coverage for on the job injuries.

It is important to use an agent with commercial experience to help your business find the right combination of coverage, price, and service.


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

Monday, May 9, 2016

Entertainment Lability Trends For 2016 and Beyond


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.

The most important liability trends are involving intellectual property rights liability; such as copyright and trademark infringement. There is increased litigation around the unauthorized use of third party content; images, film, ant music without permission.

“Media companies are increasingly exposed to claims for copyright, right of publicity and misappropriation of ideas under implied contract. The exposure to these causes of action has increased as media companies try to generate content to keep up with the public’s consistent and growing appetite for news, information and entertainment. Internet exposures arising from third-party generated content are also a concern. These causes of action can give rise to large verdicts, settlements and defense costs. Moreover, a defendant in an intellectual property suit is less likely to prevail through motion practice or on appeal. Most intellectual property suits are likely to settle because they are economic disputes as compared to those involving claims for emotional distress and reputational damages.” P.Blake Keating, VP Media Claims, One Beacon Insurance.

Other Risk and Insurance Trends To Watch
  •        Use of drones including safety and privacy
  •          Suite involving social media
  •          Hacking of entertainment firms form foreign countries
  •          Development of internet products and copyright issues
  •          Un authorized used of images in marketing or advertising



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, April 21, 2016

Commercial Insurance Offers Real Solutions For The Entertainment Industry

Commercial Insurance 101

If you are involved in any entertainment operation, you know how important it is to keep your production running smoothly. There is nothing worse than an interruption in your production that may cause you to under deliver products or services to your producers, studio or networks. One very important parts of running a company, is ensuring that you have proper entertainment insurance coverage.

What Is Commercial Insurance For The Entertainment Industry?

Entertainment insurance is designed to protect your business from unforeseen losses like fire, theft, business income loss, and third party liability claims.
There are many different kinds of coverage that can be included in a commercial insurance policy, and depending on your business, you may need other specialized coverage including:
Property- including coverage for props
Business income- loss of potential income
Inland marine- coverage for drones, cameras, etc
Workers’ compensation- including injury to stunt professionals
General liability-
Professional liability- copyright infringement coverage
Automobile
Director and officers
Employment liability

It is important to use an agent with commercial experience to help your business find the right combination of coverage, price, and service.


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.

Monday, April 11, 2016

Your Experience Mod Is Your Workers’ Comp Identity



It is a fact that many entertainment employers actually overpay for their workers’ compensation premiums.  According to the latest reports, employers are paying around 20% more in surcharges than they need to. Most surcharges come from increases in the experience modification factor (mod).
The experience mod is a factor unique to each employer. In simple terms, this formula is designed to compare a specific employer’s historical claim and payroll data, to other employers with similar business operations. An individual employer’s experience mod is calculated using claims data compared to premiums from the three most recently completed years, excluding the expiring term.

Key points to consider
  • If your losses are increasing, your mod most likely will go up even if your payroll goes down.
  • The frequency of losses hurt you more than the severity of losses.
  • It is important to check the calculations on the experience modification worksheet each year.
  • The most common errors are incorrect or incomplete payroll data.
  • Your workers’ compensation mod is the single most important factor insurers use to identify your risk.
  • Your mod can be reduced through effective safety and loss control programs.


How to reduce your mod?
  • Develop a safety program.
  • Reward safety in the workplace.
  • Start a return to work program.
  • Complete regular safety inspections.
  • Investigate every accident and make corrective actions if needed.
  • If you suspect fraud, immediately inform the insurance company.
  • A disciplinary program also should be incorporated into the safety program; it should hold employees accountable for breaking the rules.


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, March 30, 2016

Risks That Keep Producers Up At Night

Is Your Commercial Insurance Right For You?

Recently, Forbes ran an article about the top 10 risks business face. The article focused on some of the risks that are hard or impossible to insure through “standard” business or commercial policies. Business insurance is designed to cover unforeseen accidents to third parties, per the terms of the insurance policy. There are many risks that may keep a business owner or manager up at night, and we thought we might share our list with you.

We thought it might be good to address the risks producers and other entertainment professionals may lose sleep over.

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 equipment, sets and wardrobes. If equipment, sets or wardrobes are damaged or 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.
Employment Liability. Now more than ever, employees know their rights. The State and Federal Governments are also creating new laws to protect employee’s rights. This increases the risk of being sued for many different reasons including; civil rights, discrimination, and even lawsuits from illegal workers. Employment Practices Liability insurance addresses many concerns business owners may have regarding their employment liability.
Regulatory Risk. Over the past 10 years, government has become more involved in regulating your business. Since the financial crisis in 2008, governments have stepped up their regulatory functions in setting and determining policies for businesses.
Event Cancelation can shut down your production company. Event cancellation insurance protects revenue or expenses from an event against cancellation or postponement of the event for reasons beyond the control of the event organizer.


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, March 9, 2016

Commercial Umbrella Insurance For The Entertainment Industry

Entertainment Umbrella Insurance

Almost every entertainment business large or small needs some level of added protection afforded by a commercial umbrella insurance policy. A commercial umbrella policy provides a layer of coverage over and above a primary business and auto policy.  There are at least five important lessons, or facts, to be aware of when considering commercial umbrella insurance.

  • An umbrella policy can, but may not always, provide the same coverage as the primary policy.   If you have a “following form excess policy” you can be guaranteed that the excess policy will provide the same coverage as the primary policy.
  • Most umbrella policies require at least $1 million dollars of primary or underlying limit.
  • Umbrella pricing is usually a predetermined rate based on the underlying premium, but can include the judgment of the underwriter.
  • If the primary policy has additional insured’s, they will carry over into the umbrella policy.
  • Umbrella policies may have exclusions not found in the primary policy; for example, pollution, workers’ compensation, and product recall.  If you have a true following form excess policy, your exclusions will be the same as in the primary policy.


You may need added coverage if you are involved in

  • Film schools
  • High risk productions
  • Foreign productions
  • Use of stunt men
  • Concerts and other events


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, February 25, 2016

Insurance For Promoters and Event Planners

What Coverage Do I Need for My Special Event?

Are you involved in promoting a special event? Special Event Insurance must 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. Depending on your event, there is insurance coverage that addresses the specific risks. 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. Here are a few of the different kinds of events that require insurance:

Festivals- This kind of event would include a community gathering in celebration of a community leader, special day, or organization. These events often include food and activities consistent with a theme. Festivals are usually held in parks or other public places which creates liability for the event sponsors. Festival Liability Insurance is the perfect solution to help sponsors manage these risks.

Music/Concert Events – Concerts are events where the sponsor is responsible for managing a large or small crowd around both professional and nonprofessional performers and musicians. Concert sponsors have a responsibility to manage crowds, provide security, and deal with the “talent”. Concert Event Insurance is the most effective method to protect against liability that can occur during concerts and other music related festivals.

Holiday Festivals- Holiday Festivals are usually centered around a specific cultural or religious holiday. They can include crafts, food, performers, and even alcohol. Holiday Festivals, like other events, create liability for the event sponsors. Special Event Insurance provides the necessary coverage to protect the sponsors and other liable parties such as the building owner.

Private Business Events- Companies large and small plan and organize client events, employee training, seminars, and parties. Much like weddings, these events create liability to the company organizing them. Special Event Liability Insurance can provide protection against claims that might arise from third parties. 

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.


Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Workers’ Compensation Best Practices For The Entertainment Industry

As a business owner in the entertainment industry, you go to great lengths to provide a safe working environment for your employees. But when dealing with humans, accidents can happen and Workers’ Compensation Insurance can help. Workers Compensation Insurance should be an important part of your entertainment risk management program.

What is California Workers’ Compensation?
Workers' compensation insurance is insurance that provides lost income, medical benefits, disability benefits, and rehabilitative services for workers injured on the job or while performing work-related duties.

Why Your Business Needs Workers’ Compensation Insurance
When one of your employees gets hurt on the job or has a work-related illness, only workers’ compensation will cover them. Health insurance benefits will not provide coverage for on the job injuries.

What Is The Best Way To Keep Costs Down?
·      Provide training for hazardous work, especially for new or inexperienced workers.
·      Enforce safety rules and practices.
·      Enforce drug and alcohol rules.
·      Require safety equipment to be worn at all times.
·      Keep work areas clean.
·      Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry around machinery.
·      Where required, you must wear protective equipment such as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves, hair nets, etc. appropriate to the task.
·      Safety equipment such as restraints, pull backs, and two-hand devices are designed for your protection. Be sure such equipment is adjusted for you.
·      Do not ever remove machine safety guards.
·      Develop a system for reporting unsafe practices.
·      Have monthly safety meetings that review safety issues and related topics.
·      Create accident investigation procedures that focus on prevention and change.

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.