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.

Safety For Animals On Set

If you use animals in your production, you want to hear, ‘No animals were harmed in the making of this production.” That is not always the case. In the making of the first movie in the new "Hobbit" trilogy, 27 animals died at a farm where they were housed during the filming. HBO’s “Luck” had a hose that got frightened and ended up fracturing its skull; it had to be put down. As much as safety is observed accidents happen. The movie Evan Almighty uses over 85 species of animals and no animals were hurt.

Here are a few suggestions for you to consider as part of your safety plan. You may be required to have a representative of the American Humane Association on site.

• Have proper trainers on the set
• Animals must be trained, prepped and in appropriate physical and behavioral condition to perform the required work
• Lame or ill animals may not be used and may not resume work until the condition has been corrected, as determined by a veterinarian
• Have extra water
• Animals should have access to shelter
• Animals should  be checked daily for injury and/or illness
• Dogs should have a collar and be kept on a leash
• Owners must provide proof of the animal’s vaccinations as recommended for the species of animal
• Animals should never be left unattended
• No alcohol shall be used around animals at any time
• The American Humane Association offers resources for you. Remember that John Hart Insurance can insure your animal talent, call us today.