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. 

Reduce Workers’ Compensation Costs In The Entertainment Industry

Is your company interested in reducing operating expenses and workers’ compensation insurance costs over the long term? Most California Entertainment firms should concentrate on safety and loss prevention, as it provides the best return on investment. John Hart Insurance can provide your firm with insurance options for your workers’ compensation needs.

An effective safety program will include many different items, but we are going to focus on how to reduce common workers’ compensation injuries.

Here are the body parts most commonly injured:

•          Back                24% of injuries
•          Hands              10% of injuries
•          Shoulder          9% of injuries
•          Knee                8% of injuries

Consider these suggestions as part of your safety program:

•          Consider pre-work stretching.
•          Vary working positions frequently; don’t stand, sit, kneel or squat for long periods.
•          Use special equipment when lifting; like lifting straps.
•          Wear non-slip boots.
•          Review accidents and learn how to prevent future ones.
•          Use your legs, and keep your back in a natural position while lifting.
•          Mark out clear walkways.
•          Review your NCCI classification - Accountants will tell you that most workers compensation programs have a 30-35% error rating when it comes to business classification.
•          Do not twist while carrying a load.
•          Complete a safety check of equipment; tools, forklifts, etc.
•          Provide general ergonomics training and task-specific training to all employees.
•          Work with your arms close to your body, not reaching away or overhead.
•          Bags, containers, bundles, etc. should be stored in tiers that are stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so that they are stable and secure to prevent sliding or collapse.
•          Post safety reminders in common areas throughout your workplace and hand out fliers with safety tips.
•          Change work practices or use equipment to avoid repetitive actions or prolonged tasks.
•          Develop a safe worker rewards program. Offer incentives when your firm has reached 90 days with no accidents. 

Theatrical Productions Insurance

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

Coverage Your Theater Company May Need:

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

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

Shooting a Commercial In LA…? You need Insurance

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

Here is a short overview of what you might consider:

• Rented Equipment
• Owned Equipment
• Cast Coverage
• Props, Sets and Wardrobe
• Negative & Faulty Stock
• Third Party Property Damage
• Extra Expense
• General Liability
• Automobile Liability and Physical Damage
• Workers Compensation

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

Why Film & Movie Producers Need Professional Liability Insurance

From small productions to Hollywood blockbusters, substantial liability claims can arise for video, film and television producers. Even where you have ensured that all necessary clearances have been obtained you never know what will happen. Video Film and Television Producers Professional Liability insurance provides you with the peace of mind you need.

What Errors & Omissions insurance does is indemnify producers from lawsuits that may arise from the content of a production, including lawsuits alleging:

• Invasion of privacy
• Unauthorized use of titles
• Failure to obtain appropriate rights for music and film clips
• Improper handling of unsolicited scripts
• Unfair competition
• Professional errors in judgment
• Infringement of copyright
• Breach of contract
• Libel or slander
• Unauthorized copying of ideas

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

The Value of Participant Accident Insurance

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

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

Actual claim example:

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

Call us today for more information. 

Film Production Stunt Insurance

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

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

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

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

SAG-AFTRA established INDUSTRY WIDE LABOR-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE

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

Call us today for more information.