The Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) film and entertainment business in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific has agreed to a long-term collaboration with Sura to provide cover for the sector through rebranded agency Cinesure Global. 

Austagencies brought its film, television and entertainment businesses together under the Sura banner in 2015, creating Sura Film & Entertainment. The amalgamation included Cinesure, the first Australian brand to write insurance in the sector, starting in 1982. 

Allianz has had an association with the film industry since the Hollywood early silent era in the 1890s through the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, with a consolidated global presence and strong position in the Pacific region. 

AUB Group Chief Underwriting Officer Angie Zissis says he’s confident that bringing the strength and expertise of the two businesses together will bring “significant benefit to brokers and their clients”. 

Cinesure Global will be led by Joe Lo Surdo and Damian Kerin, who have a combined 60 years specialised insurance knowledge in the sector. 

Mr Lo Surdo was previously the MD of Film Insurance Underwriting Agencies (FIUA), Cinesure and Sura Film & Entertainment, holding the roles for a combined period of more than 20 years. 

Prior to Cinesure Global, Mr Kerin was Allianz Asia Pacific Head of Entertainment and has worked in insurance for three decades specialising in film and television production, contingency, sports and live events. 

“I am pleased to see both entertainment market-leading entities joining up,” Allianz Global Head of Entertainment Michael Furtschegger said. 

“The partnership with Sura further strengthens our presence in the Pacific region and expands our joint value proposition to provide best in class services and products to our client and distribution partners.”