NU Online News Service, April 13, 11:38 a.m.EDT

Fireman's Fund Insurance Company has partnered with AllianzGlobal Corporate & Specialty to expand itsentertainment-coverage division intoCanada, beginningwithToronto.

A newly-named underwriting team, led by entertainment expertLynne Pepper, will develop the Fireman's Fund entertainmentbusiness in film, television, special events, music, contingencyand D.I.C.E (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain­) coverage.The group was previously at Travelers Canada.

Fireman's Fund has been growing its staff of entertainmentspecialists with the addition of Terry Rybicki as head ofentertainment distribution and agency management and Ian Gallowayas head of entertainment claims and risk services. The company nowhas almost 100 entertainment underwriters, customer service, claimsand risk services employees in the US, Great Britain andCanada.

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty will be responsible forall aspects of the Canadian-entertainment business throughappointed agents and brokers, and Fireman's Fund will cater tostudio and independent films, television, music tours and otherlive events. “Our expanded global footprintenhances our ability to understand a diverse and increasinglyglobal entertainment marketplace and provide unparalleledexpertise, service and creativity to our customers,” says LaurenBailey, vice president of entertainment at Fireman's Fund InsuranceCompany. “Fireman's Fund is committed to expanding its industryleading entertainment business by continuing to invest in itsglobal capabilities and talent.”

Insurance for musical acts and venues contains liabilitycovering spectators, performers and crew while onsite or travelingbetween cities. Musical instruments, studios, staging, audio andvideo equipment falls under property insurance, and auto andworkers' compensation for cast and crew still applies. When musicalacts travel internationally, the ability to place local coveragemust be considered. Film insurance can beeven more complicated. Cast coverage pays for costs incurred by theproduction company in case of artist unavailability. Props, sets,wardrobe and anything “in front of the camera” must be insured,with extra expense coverage paying for losses incurred by sets,equipment and location.

Also offered are third-party property damage, miscellaneousequipment, faulty stock and coverage for the real gold: the filmnegative.