041: Demystifying Production Insurance (with Owner of Alan Schlaifer Insurance)

What is Production Insurance exactly? How do you get it affordably for smaller projects? What exactly do all those terms on that certificate of insurance even mean?!?!? Production Insurance is a non-negotiable when it comes to filmmaking. You need it to rent gear. You need it to book locations. You need it to keep your crew covered. Filming without it is a risky business. We'll be joined by Alan Schlaifer who has been helping indie filmmakers get insured for over two decades. We plan to demystify production insurance and help make it more attainable for filmmakers at all levels.   (Episode 41) Hosted by Director/Producer⁠⁠⁠ Jenn Page.⁠⁠⁠ To join our private FB group for directors or to learn about The Working Director course that helps emerging filmmakers become working directors faster, visit ⁠⁠⁠TheWorkingDirector.Pro⁠⁠⁠. More on Alan: You can reach Alan to ask questions or get a quote for production insurance at [email protected]. Prior to starting his agency Alan Schlaifer began his career working in post-production. He moved up the ladder from the role of assistant video editor to sound designer and music editor. Recognizing that there were a number of opportunities for calamity in the production process, he transitioned into the field of production insurance. He spent a few years with the John Hart Agency to learn the ropes of handling production insurance needs. Eventually, he started ASIS Entertainment Insurance. It is interesting to note that Alan’s mother was a studio teacher who brought him to the set with her, so he has been around the industry for his entire life. From that beginning, an entry into the industry wasn’t an unexpected leap. In his early years, Alan worked as an extra, body double, hand model, on-set P.A., and assistant to a director where he experienced the production process from script to screen. Alan believes that – for better or for worse – every frame of film offers a learning opportunity. If the worst happens, you want the comfort of knowing that your insurance policy covers the solution.