Lights...Camera...Insurance? Casting Doubts May be Covered by Insurance.

Entertainment Editors

LOS ANGELES--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Aug. 11, 2000

Robert Downey Jr.'s addition to the cast of "Ally McBeal" just one week after his release from prison may raise some eyebrows in Hollywood, but in the insurance community, it's all in a day's work.

Insurers frequently write policies to protect filmmakers from possible business interruption from everything from weather-related filming delays to the loss of a cast member or other film personnel.

"Hiring an actor with a troubled past may be a risk for filmmakers, but a cast insurance policy gives them the financial security to match the right actor to the right part," said Candysse Miller, executive director of the Insurance Information Network of California, a non-profit insurance news service.

It is not known whether 20th Century Fox Television has insured Downey for his role on the successful comedy series. There are four basic film insurance products:

-- Cast Insurance covers any additional costs that can arise if a

production loses a cast member, director or any personnel and

often represent the largest film insurance claims. In March of

1994, the producers of "Wagons East" collected $14.5 million when

actor John Candy died of heart failure with 20 percent of

production remaining. In 1997, Warner Bros. secured a cast

insurance policy when it hired Downey for a role in the film "U.S.

Marshals".

-- Errors and omissions polices protect production companies from

lawsuits involving violation of personal rights, libel or slander.

These policies usually require filmmakers to consult with

attorneys prior to a film's release to check for anything that

might spur a lawsuit.

-- General production insurance packages provide the standard

insurance needed by any business, such as worker's compensation,

general liability and commercial auto insurance. It also includes

costs for delays and re-shooting due to inclement weather,

equipment failure and set damage.

-- Completion bonding guarantees that a film will be finished.

Without completion bonds, some of the Academy Award-nominated

independent films such as "Cider House Rules," "The English

Patient" and "Leaving Las Vegas" might never have made it to Oscar

night. Without the backing of a major studio, independent

producers need the guarantee that they have the financial means to

complete a film.

The Insurance Information Network of California is a non-profit, non-lobbying media relations association. IINC has spokespeople in both Northern and Southern California to discuss this and other insurance issues. To schedule an interview, call media relations at 800/397-1679.