Nobody likes to think about it, but the death of an actor can bring a production to a screeching halt. Who pays when a production cannot be completed? Your insurance carrier will, provided you have added Cast Extra Expense to your film insurance policy.
I know what you are thinking, “this will never happen,” and yet it does. Here are five famous actors that died before the production was completed.
1. Redd Foxx
The comedian best known for his role on Sanford and Son died in 1991. He had a fatal heart attack during the filming of The Royal Family.
2. Steve Irwin
Many people remember Steve Irwin’s wildlife show, The Crocodile Hunter. A stingray bit him during the filming of a documentary in 2006. He died as a result and the show was canceled.
3. Vic Morrow
One of the saddest accidents in the film industry involved Vic Morrow and two child actors. While filming on the set of The Twilight Zone, all three were hit by a helicopter blade and killed instantly.
4. Brandon Lee
While on the set of The Crow, a prop mistake caused the death of Bruce Lee’s son Brandon Lee. Live gunpowder was loaded into a gun that was supposed to hold dummy shots. The injuries incurred after the gun went off ultimately proved fatal.
5. Kun Liu
Kun Liu, one of the stuntmen in the movie The Expendables died during an explosion. Afterward, Liu’s family sued the film company and claimed that they were responsible for the tragic accident.
Cast Extra Expense Insurance
Death is not the only thing covered by Cast Extra Expense Insurance. If one of the actors or crew members falls prey to illness or injury, then you could find yourself facing delays. In the film industry, time is money. How much will those extra days cost you?
To obtain Cast Extra Expense coverage, you will need a list of all your key cast and crew members. The insurance company will require a simple medical exam, similar to what they might need for life insurance.
Cast Extra Expense Insurance complements Workers’ Comp, which is required by law. Workers’ Compensation covers the cost of the medical bills if your actors are injured on set, but Cast Extra takes care of the money lost while the crew waits for recovery. In other words, Workers’ Comp covers their expenses and Cast Extra Expense covers yours.
Unfortunately, the unthinkable does happen. It’s best to have to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
As always, you should feel free to contact me with any questions or for a quote on your film insurance package. I am happy to help you with any of your insurance needs.
