Hello Filmmakers! Welcome to the thirteenth issue of the Johnsonese Brokerage's Film Production Insurance Newsletter. The goal of our newsletter is to provide useful information about insurance to the film and video production industry. And you can follow-us on Facebook for more regular updates on film insurance issues and news.
At the Johnsonese Brokerage we are always searching for less expensive insurance options for our clients. We can offer filmmakers Short-Term Film Production Insurance starting at a minimum premium of just $250!
Contact us to learn more!
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James Cameron Wins Another 'Avatar' Copyright Lawsuit
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Cameron has successfully defended another lawsuit against his  huge money-maker 'Avatar'. A screenwriter had claimed that elements such as a weak hero, the plot twist of bad guys attacking good guys, and even the flora had been copied from his own screenplay.
The court ruled in Cameron's favor saying that the screenplay were not substantially similar and that plot twists are not copyrightable.
-The Inquisitr, September 18, 2012
The insurance lesson here is that you don't need to lose a lawsuit to have expenses. Cameron still needed to pay his legal team to defend the suit. Producer's E&O Insurance can apply to legal expenses.
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ABC News Sued Over 'Pink Slime' Reports
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 A meat processing company is seeking $1.2 billion in damages in a defamation suit against ABC News. The processor claims that ABC made false and disparaging statements about its meat filler product that has come to be widely called 'pink slime'.
Since ABC's reports, major companies such as McDonald's and Taco Bell have announced they will no longer use the product. ABC News says that the lawsuit is without merit.
-Insurance Journal, September 13, 2012
This is yet another example of the need for Producer's Errors & Omissions Insurance.
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Reality Show Producer Sued for Age Discrimination
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The production company responsible for the Fox reality show "Cops" has been sued for age discrimination. An associate producer with over 20 years experience claims that he was fired to make way for younger employees who would work for less money.
-The Hollywood Report, September 27, 2012
People in the film business often don't think they are not vulnerable to these types of suits. But employment discrimination laws apply to all industries. Employment Practices Liability Insurance is intended to help with the cost of defense and settlement of these types of suits.
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Why Are Commercial Insurance Rates Increasing?
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Many commercial clients are currently experiencing rate increases when their insurance policies renew. No one likes a price increase, especially with economic growth still less than stellar. Independent Agent magazine recently gave a helpful explanation for why insurance companies are pushing rate increases at this time.
Record property catastrophe losses in 2011 are a major factor. Protracted low interest rates have decreased investment income for insurers. Insurers invest premiums to help fund future claims. Increased scrutiny by ratings agencies after the financial crisis is forcing insurers to maintain higher levels of capital to protect their credit ratings. Finally, reinsurance rates have increased. (Reinsurance is essentially insurance coverage purchased by insurance companies themselves.)
-Independent Agent, September 2012
As an independent agency our job is to find the most cost effective coverage for our clients. If you're experiencing premium increases, let us know and we will 'shop your coverage' looking for a better deal!
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The Johnsonese Brokerage can assist you with most of your film and video insurance needs. To get started immediately call 773.857.0242 or Email info@johnsonese.com. Thanks, Christopher Johnson
(dba Johnsonese Insurance Agency LLC in CA)
insurance for the creative community
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About the Johnsonese Brokerage | |
The Johnsonese Brokerage LLC is a licensed and bonded independent insurance agency focused on insuring film industry.
Who we insure:
-Production Companies -Independent Films -DICE Productions -Short-Term Productions -Editing Facilities -Recording Studios -Photographers -Prop Companies -Equipment Providers -Costume Companies -Film Festivals -Special EventsWe are licensed in the states of Arizona, California (license #0G69323), Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.
How are we doing? Your feedback is always welcome! |
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Common Insurance
Terms
This quarter we focus on Commercial Auto terms:
Comprehensive Coverage - Physical damage coverage for losses by fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects and other non-crash related perils. (Called 'Other Than Collision Coverage' on Personal Auto policies.)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - No-fault benefits in states that have enacted no-fault automobile insurance coverages.
No-Fault Insurance - Auto accident victims collect from their own insurance company regardless of who was liable for the accident.
Auto Loan/ Lease Gap Coverage - In the event of a total loss to an auto that is subject to a loan or lease , the amount of outstanding indebtedness will be paid if it is greater than what the insured could otherwise recover.
Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist
- Coverage for accidents for which another driver is liable, but who is unable to pay due to having insufficient insurance or no insurance
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We Are a Trusted Choice ® Agency
Trusted Choice® agencies are insurance firms whose access to multiple companies and commitment to quality service enable us to offer our clients competitive pricing, a broad choice of products and unparalleled advocacy.
"You need an independent insurance agent"
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Our Business Partners
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AmWins -
AXA -
Berkley -
Chubb -
CNA -
Hartford -
HCC Specialty -
Insurance Noodle -
Markel -
Philadelphia -
Risk Placement Services
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We Appreciate Referrals!
As a service business, referrals are our biggest source of new clients.
If you know of any other filmmakers needing insurance, please let us know. We promise to give them the same personal and professional service that you've come to expect from the Johnsonese Brokerage.
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Illinois Production Alliance
We are members of the Illinois Production Alliance. We support the group's efforts to increase film production in Illinois.
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