What Kind Of Insurance You Need To Shoot A Production Short

Every day in Los Angles there are literally dozens of production companies shooting, commercials, training films, full length motion pictures and documentaries. All these activities bring with them unique risks that should be insured. And when it comes to entertainment insurance, John hart Insurance has the solutions.

Here is a short overview of what you might consider:

·         Rented Equipment

·         Owned Equipment

·         Cast Coverage

·         Props, Sets and Wardrobe

·         Negative & Faulty Stock

·         Third Party Property Damage

·         Extra Expense

·         General Liability

·         Automobile Liability and Physical Damage

·         Workers Compensation

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

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.

Allow Us To Manage Your Entertainment Insurance Program

An Entertainment Insurance Update

We recommend you start 2018 strong by having us complete a review of your entertainment insurance program.  We will review your exposures to risk and compare these to your current coverage.  If we do not find any gaps, we will tell you, and if we do find gaps, we will provide recommendations to you.

Here are some things you can do today to strengthen your business insurance program for 2018:

•        Read your insurance policies. It is better to know what coverage you have before a loss occurs.
•        Meet with your agent and have him/her review your program and make recommendations.
•        Review your losses over the past few years and determine if there are any areas where improved safety might help reduce losses.
•        Take advantage of any loss prevention services offered by your business insurer.
•        Consider adding additional coverage like Professional liability, media liability, or copyright infringement, employment practices liability, or a commercial umbrella policy.
•        Review all your safety policies to make sure they are up-to-date
•        Make safety training a priority in 2018 with safety incentives for accident-free months.

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.

Rental House Coverage for the Entertainment Industry

Rental houses and other post-production facilities are an important part of the entertainment industry.  These locations all have unique exposures that need to be insured.  Our agency has the markets for this type of risk, and can offer you many options for your rental house insurance.

What Kind of Coverage Do Rental Houses Need?

•          Commercial General Liability
•          Umbrella
•          Workers’ Compensation
•          Crime Coverage
•          Equipment Breakdown Coverage
•          Property of others in your care
•          Commercial Business Automobile
•          Commercial Property
•          Earthquake or flood insurance
•          Business Interruption
•          Entertainment Property Floater

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.

Equipment Floaters For The Entertainment Industry

Your entertainment company may own specialized equipment, like cameras, props, sets, or other production equipment that you take on location. You also may have a need for special floater coverage for a short period of time or as part of your overall insurance program. No matter what the case we can help with the best possible combination of coverage, price and service.

Entertainment Equipment Floater

•          Coverage is available for a wide variety of property, during production or while in your care, custody and control.
•          Property located on or off your premises.
•          Property in transit.
•          Coverage generally can be provided for risk of direct physical loss, including earthquake.

Types of Equipment Covered

•          Cameras
•          Production equipment
•          Sound equipment
•          Theatrical equipment
•          Editing equipment
•          Musical instruments
•          Other misc. equipment

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.

Insurance For Production Companies

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

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

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

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

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

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

      

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

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.

We Insure Fun

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
•          Promoters- Contractual liability
•          Special Events- Event cancellation
•          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. 

Does Your Entertainment Business Need an Insurance Review?

Benefits of a Business Insurance Review

Every Entertainment company, at some time, should have their entertainment insurance reviewed by an independent insurance agent like John Hart Insurance. 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:

·         Prices change and a review can determine if you are getting competitive rates on your insurance.

·         Your coverage needs may have changed and your policy should reflect these changes.

·         There may be new insurance companies to which we have access.

·         Laws and regulations are changing and may require a different kind of insurance

Why Review My Entertainment Insurance?

• We have identified a number of questions that might indicate your business insurance is out of date.
•  Did you purchase any new equipment?
• Are you planning any foreign productions?
• Do you have new talent on contract?
• Are you involved in any new partnerships?
• Have you seen an increase in your claims?
• Do your vehicles cross state lines?
• Have you experienced growth?

We live in interesting 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.

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.

Entertainment Property Insurance….Coverage Is King!

Most entertainment business owns business property, and may also own the building in which you run your operations. Entertainment property insurance protects the physical assets of your business, such as computers, office equipment, cameras, film, buildings, furniture, fixtures, and other property.

Every business should have a comprehensive property insurance portfolio to respond to the many risks associated with property ownership. Property policies offer many unique kinds of coverage, some of which we have highlighted:

• Building Coverage - allows you to quickly rebuild or repair buildings or other property damaged by fire, theft, natural disaster or other events, allowing you to return to normal operations.
• Business Personal Property Coverage - covers costs to replace the contents in your building if they are stolen or destroyed by a covered unforeseen event.
• Business Income Coverage - provides for continued income or lost revenues while the building and its contents are being rebuilt and replaced.  Business income helps you to cover operating and normal payroll expenses needed to keep an organization operating after a loss, usually for a specific time period.
• Production Equipment – Covers your cameras, and other production equipment.
• Building Ordinance Coverage - covers the increased cost to comply with building codes, ordinances or laws that have changed after your building was originally constructed. For example, under revised building codes you may now be required to install sprinklers which would increase the value of construction. 
• Outdoor Signs and Property Coverage - covers costs to replace outdoor fences, signs, trees, shrubs or plants.
• Equipment Breakdown Coverage - covers loss due to failure or breakdown of equipment such as boilers, heating systems, and electrical equipment.
• Computer Coverage - covers costs to replace or repair damaged hardware, software, data or media vital to your operations.
• Earthquake Coverage - provides insurance to repair or replace damaged equipment and/or buildings resulting from an earthquake. Earthquake coverage is typically excluded under most property 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.

We Can Insure Your Stunts

Producers on action films need stunt professionals. Sometimes the production provides the insurance and other times the stunt performer may be required to carry their own insurance.

Many productions may even use stunts while filming a commercial or short film. Even training films often include stunts as part of the production.  However, many traditional entertainment insurance packages don’t automatically cover stunt work.

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

Here are a few if the stunts that should be insured:

• Aerial Work
• Fight Scenes
• Animals
• Scripted Falls
• Special Driving
• Use of Weapons
• Underwater Work

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.

The Key To Your Entertainment Insurance Renewal

Important Topics For A Entertainment Insurance Renewal

There are many common renewal dates for commercial risks. July and January are two of the most common. July is just around the corner, so we thought we might share some of the topics which are important to review as part of your business insurance renewal.

Big Picture Business Insurance Renewal Questions

What Has Changed In Your Business?

These questions are important, as the resulting answers can change your risk, insurance program design, and ultimately your business insurance premiums.

• Have you added any new locations?
• Did you update or remodel your facility?
• Have you hired new talent?
• Do you store any film or tape?
• Did you make any investments in your business?
• Have you sold any personal property or equipment?
• Have there been any changes in ownership?

Other Important Business Insurance Renewal Questions

These are also important and can affect your premiums

1.    Have you added any employees?

2.    What are your projected sales for the next year?

3.    Are you planning on any changes with your commercial autos?

4.    Have you entered into any new leases or contracts?

5.    Have you designed protocols in the event of a cyber-breach?

6.    Have you added any security systems, including alarms, surveillance cameras, etc?

Putting a little effort into your business insurance renewal can reap rewards in the form of better coverage and lower premiums. 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.

How Event Cancellation Insurance Can Save Your Production

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

Event Cancellation Insurance/Special Event Insurance from Movie Insure 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.

How We Help Employers Manage Workers’ Compensation Costs

An Entertainment Workers’ Compensation Update

There are over 4.1 million workplace injuries in the Unites States each year, according to OSHA.  Employers spend about $155 billion on work related injuries each year.  There is no doubt workers’ compensation is a big expense for employers.

The good news is there are many actions an insurance agent can do to help employers reduce workers’ compensation costs.

• Search the market for options and program designs that fit the individual needs of each employer.

• Help build a bridge between the insurer and business.

• Educate employers about how workers’ compensation works.

• Work with employers in the development of a safety program.

• Analyze all classifications to make sure they are correct.

• Help the company prepare for the workers’ compensation premium audit.

• Provide the framework for an early return to work program.

• Help the company review accidents and claims to determine trends and then create safety solutions.

• Facilitate a claims review with the insurer to make sure all claims are being processed correctly.

• Be a resource to the business by bringing in other service providers to solve problems; i.e., attorneys, safety professionals, and third party claims consultants.

Workers’ compensation is an important part of your entertainment insurance program. It is required by state law that your business has workers’ compensation 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 businesses.

Test Your Entertainment Business Insurance IQ

An Entertainment Business Insurance Update

We don’t expect you to be experts in business insurance, but we thought it might be fun to test you on what you do know about your entertainment insurance. Business insurance is designed to cover unexpected losses. We can offer a wide range of business insurance options, so please call our office today.

Business Insurance Quiz (answers at the end)

1. Your deductible is the amount you are responsible for if a covered loss occurs.
2. Flood and earthquake coverage are always part of your business property coverage.
3. Cyber Insurance is protection against losses caused by hackers from businesses dealing strictly in e-commerce, but it does not exist.
4. Business Interruption covers your lost income no matter what kind of loss closes your business.
5. My employees are prohibited from suing me, as this would be a workers’ compensation claim.

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.

Answers

1.       True-

2.       False- You need to add this coverage under a separate policy

3.       False- Cyber insurance can be purchase by all business

4.       False- Business interruption only applies to covered losses under the policy

5.       False- Your employees have rights under federal and state laws to sue you if they feel they have been wronged.  You would need employment practices liability insurance in order to protect you and your business from employee lawsuits.

Workers’ Compensation Best Practices From John Hart Insurance

Business owners go to great lengths to provide a safe working environment for their employees. However, when dealing with humans, accidents can happen, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance can help.  Workers Compensation Insurance should be an important part of every risk management program.

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 an employee 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.

·      Workers should not wear loose clothing or jewelry around machinery.

·      Where required, workers must wear protective equipment such as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves, hairnets, etc. appropriate to the task.

·      Safety equipment such as restraints, pullbacks, and two-hand devices are designed for worker’s protection.  Be sure such equipment is adjusted for each worker.

·      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.

Are You Hiring An Intern This Summer?

An Entertainment Insurance Update

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. Most States now require these positions to be paid. Before you bring that person on board, make sure your business is well prepared.

•          Have a clear 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.
•          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.

·         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.

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.

Leased or Rented Equipment For The Entertainment Industry

Like many in the entertainment industry you may rent or lease equipment from time to time. You may be planning a special event and need a tent to accommodate 250 people as part of a fund raising activity. Or, perhaps you are renting a sound system for a concert, or leasing office equipment such as your copier.  These kinds of activities create added risk to organization.

It is important to have an understanding of who is responsible for the rented equipment and that your understanding is consistent with the written rental agreement. Not all rental agreements are the same. Some rental agreements will include property damage insurance as part of the rental fee. Other rental agreements may require the you to be responsible for all damage. And finally, some rental agreements may require you to pay a deductible if there is damage. This can be very confusing especially if you are leasing or renting a high value item.

There are many important things to remember when considering a rental agreement:

•           Leasing companies come in many varieties, including banks, brokers, equipment specialists, independents, and companies of all sizes. Each has different levels of flexibility and requirements.
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•           Understand what the agreement says regarding repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. This applies more to long term leases rather than short term leases.
•           It may be in your best interest to insure the equipment separately. It may be more cost effective depending on how the agreement is written.

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 

We Can Show You Simple Ways to Save on Your Entertainment Insurance

An Entertainment Insurance Update

Your business provides important and needed services to your customers and is a cornerstone in the community.  You also have the responsibility of employing many good people.  It is important to have the best possible combination of business insurance coverage, pricing, and service.

We can help you design an entertainment insurance program that is right for your individual business. 

We understand that having the right business insurance program can be the difference between recovering from a loss or going out of business.

Business Insurance Considerations

·         Do not overlook needed coverage like employment practice liability, business income, and cyber liability.  A business owner’s policy or “BOP” might be a good option for you.

·         Work with an independent agent. We can help by recommending coverage options and searching the market for the best options for your business.

·         Consider combining your business coverage with your commercial auto to provide additional discounts.

·         Have your agent educate you on what kind of business insurance you may need.

·         Make sure you read your insurance policies.

·         Request that your agent perform an annual program review.  This is a good way to determine if you need other coverage because of business changes.

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.

Common Mistakes Made When Purchasing Entertainment Insurance

Business Insurance 101

We work with hundreds of businesses and help them manage their commercial insurance programs. Our team recommends coverage and risk options as part of our regular services. Over the years, we have seen some businesses make preventable mistakes when considering their insurance coverage.  We thought it would be good to share these with you.

Entertainment Insurance Mistakes

Mistake: Assuming you do not need an agent.

Your agent can provide valuable services including educating you on what coverage you need and may not need.  Your agent can search the market for the best possible combination of coverage, price and service.

Mistake: Thinking that your policy covers all losses.

Your business insurance policy is intended to cover unexpected losses and accidents subject to the policy terms.  There are limitations and exclusions in every policy.

Mistake: Assuming that the lowest price is the best option.

It may be that the lowest priced insurance excludes needed coverage.  Your agent can help you determine the best coverage option for you.

Mistake: Not including cyber liability, employment liability, and professional liability in your business insurance program.

In today’s litigious climate, all businesses need to be protected with this coverage.

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