NU Online News Service, Feb. 13, 3:17 p.m.EST

International filming locations, motorcycle riding by itsOscar-nominated actress, and physical scenes made “The Girl withthe Dragon Tattoo” the riskiest film for Fireman's Fund toinsure in 2011.

The movie dons the riskiest-film title even after some stuntsneeded to be toned down or scrapped due to insurance concerns.

“There was a lot of riding,” says Wendy Diaz, entertainmentunderwriting director at Fireman's Fund. “We knew that early on,and the actress was not a rider.”

Rooney Mara, nominated for an Oscar in the lead actresscategory, was not an experienced motorcycle rider before filming.According to interviews with the movie's director, Mara trained formonths on a motorcycle but it wasn't enough to keep some riskyscenes—included in the best-selling book from which the film isbased—in the film.

Diaz says any decisions to adjust or throw out stunt plans aremade mutually. The insurer ofHollywoodmovies for the last 85 yearsdoes not tell movie-makers they can't do anything, but it does layout the consequences.

“There is a lot of money to lose,” Diaz says. “This is atrilogy. You don't want to stand in the way of artistic vision, buteveryone has to be comfortable with what is going on.”

The movie was also shot in Sweden and Switzerland, creatinganother realm of risk for equipment, set and cast transportation aswell as the risk of illness in a foreign location.

Production delays if a cast member can't work could costmillions of dollars, Diaz says.

That's where the experience of Fireman's Fund comes in handy.The company insurers 80 percent ofU.S.films and its credibility asexperienced underwriters is respected in the industry, saysDiaz.

The insurer visit sets each month to stay up-to-date andmaintain its relationships, she adds. Many clients have been withthe company for years.

“They know we are working with the best interest of the clientin mind,” Diaz says.

Other popular films of 2011 insured by Fireman's Fundinclude:

• J.Edgar.
• The Rum Diary.
• Tower Heist.
• Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
• Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.
• Hugo.
• The Artist.
• The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1.

Last year's most-risky movie title went to “Salt,” starringAngelina Jolie. The distinction in past years has gone to “TheWrestler,” “Into the Wild,” “Crazy Heart” and “IngloriousBasterds.”