Insuring the entertainment industry

Insuring the entertainment industry

In the insurance business we often need to work fast and arrange cover for specialist sectors, sometimes at the last minute. The film and TV sectors are no exception as circumstances often change, so flexibility and quick reactions are key. As well as the glamour and excitement, there is a lot of support that goes on behind the scenes that many people are not aware of.

 Experience and understanding are vital

Having experience and understanding of how the industry works is really beneficial to providing the right insurance at the right time. Gary Alexander has worked in the insurance profession for many years, but also works in the entertainment world, in film and events production. He is fully aware of the fluctuating requirements of the entertainment and events world and the need to be on hand for his clients and to react quickly to their requests. Gary specialises in insurance for large entertainment/music events, films, and TV. Gary has some great stories, some that he can share and some that he can’t, due to confidentiality.

Quick reactions

Gary says “Controlled panic seems to be part of the whole scenario of entertainment, film and TV business. Sometimes, a year or two of careful, detailed planning culminates in an incredible, mad rush. Suddenly the timescales are condensed from weeks to days and then to literally minutes. And if you work in supporting those businesses, whether as a supplier of kit or catering or insurance, you’ll know exactly what I am talking about.  You get caught up in that heady, adrenaline-filled rush to get things done. And done on time. It can be exhilarating but it can also be stressful, leaving you wondering just how long something has been in the pipeline and yet it’s now hit a deadline?  Plus, it’s now so last-minute that it all risks not happening at all!”

 Boarding the plane

One of Gary’s great memories is when he got a call from a BBC documentary crew. This is slightly unusual as usually the office team would get in touch to arrange back up support like travel tickets and insurance.  Gary explained “I remember clearly the caller sounded even more fraught and urgent than is usually the case.  It turned out that this was a crew which would go to Iceland to make a detailed documentary on Icelandic financial institutions and their role in the general finances of Europe.  They enquired whether I could help with liability and equipment insurance for the trip? Of course, I could. This type of Insurance is bread and butter business for an events and entertainment broker or insurer.  They also enquired if I would be able to prepare all the necessary paperwork quickly? Yes, why not? This is standard stuff. Would I also be able to prepare those documents and scan and send them for the trip to Reykjavik, as they’d be needed to be shown on arrival there?  Of course, I replied, just let me know an email address to which they should be sent. And give me the information which I’ll need:  names, dates, levels of cover and so on. And when are you going to Iceland?

Then there was a pause.  Could I send the email to Iceland so the documents are with them – in eleven minutes time? We’re at the Gate now and everyone’s boarding. Can you email them now? From taking the phone call to arranging the insurance and sending the email confirmation took me 11 minutes exactly.  Phew.”

Gary loves the buzz of working with the entertainment industry, many of whose members he has known for years; although, sometimes, he would welcome a little more notice.

Beech Tree Entertainment

Never a dull moment hey! Gary Alexander is the Business Development Executive for BeechTree Entertainment. They specialise in insurance for the events, film and TV industries. Beech Tree Entertainment are part of Insurance Experts who also provide regular business insurance cover. However, their expertise is in providing insurance in specialist sectors, often when a client is struggling to get the right cover.

If you are looking for insurance for your business or you are struggling to get cover for an unusual venture, such as a film or music event, then speak to Gary or one of the team, by email, or by calling  01273 475276; or complete our online form.