Following negotiations with US multi-national and market-leaders Chubb Insurance in 2014, The Insurance Shop have since been offering insurance to those involved in the making of films, TV, animations, commercials and lots more.
After a very busy 2015, we talked to The Insurance Shop MD Seán O’Connell about the company’s year as well as what the future holds for 2016.
IFTN: What have been the highlights of 2015 for The Insurance Shop?
Seán O’Connell: ‘As previously advised as a result of a chance conversation with Derry O’Brien CEO of Network Ireland Television- I got involved with providing insurance cover for Film/Animation etc production and Errors & Omissions insurance cover in respect of content, music copyright etc. I have become a “go to person for advice” and I’m always willing to give freely of my time. As a result I have spoken to and arranged cover for a wide variety of “young guns and old hands “ across the industry. I really enjoy talking to them and hearing about the next exciting project.’
Do you have any programs that you have been involved in that are in the Christmas television schedule?
‘Everything is scheduled for release in the new year and there are some super documentaries coming down the tracks!’
When we were talking to you last you explained that you are there 24/7 for anyone that wants to jump in for a chat – do you think it’s that openness and reliability that has led to The Insurance Shop having such a great year?
‘As already stated the fact that I’m readily available means that producers/directors can discuss and fully understand what can be provided and is needed. It also means that an accurate figure can be allocated in a spread sheet for projected production costs for insurance. I asked a few clients to comment “without fear or favour “ on their feeling on engagement with The Insurance Shop.’ See below for these comments:
Patrick Maxwell at Headline films said: ‘I highly recommend anyone who requires film insurance to contact Seán O’Connell at The Insurance Shop, who I find very easy to work with and who always has time to answer any project specific questions I have.’
David Rane of Soilsiú Films: ‘Seán O’Connell looked after all of Soilsiú Films insurance needs on a major documentary feature project, that we are currently working on, funded by the Irish Film Board, RTÉ, BAI, TVE Spain and Section 481 Tax Relief. There were lots of specific contractual requirements for Production insurance and E&O cover that Seán was happy to discuss with us, and then on our behalf with Chubb. It was clear to me that Seán has a strong relationship with the people in Chubb, which was very re-assuring to us. Seán was always quick to respond, great as problem-solving and with a great sense of humour too.’
Michael Flattery at Dare Films Ireland: ‘As a producer with Dare Films Ireland, I have recently arranged insurance for our company with The Insurance Shop. Throughout the process Seán has been most helpful – first of all in giving us copious advice on the subject and then following up by getting us the right package at a good price. I have to say that I felt confident that we were in good hands – Seán was very approachable and very thorough and gave as much time as was needed to ensure that we were properly covered.’
What’s in store for the first quarter of 2016?
‘Last year I arranged a “brain storming” session in Chubb Ins Dublin office and had a cross section of people from the industry including the the Irish Film Board in attendance . This went very well and a lot was learned and excellent questions asked. I’m planning a similar event next year. I will also be getting out there and calling to see people while filming and building on the friendships made. I see clients as friends first and then as clients.’
Finally, anything else to add?
‘I would say try not to leave arranging insurance to the last minute as it plays havoc with you blood pressure [laughs].
For more information on The Insurance Shop, visit http://tis.ie/film-production-cover.
