How to Indemnify a Performer’s Talent and Life

We are aware of the importance of non-life insurance policies such as fire, auto, travel, or property insurance. They are there to protect our valuable material assets in case something bad happens to it. But when human life is involve in the picture, the stakes are higher and riskier and the consequences are irreversible. We can get a loan to buy a new car or house through insurance but human life is irreplaceable.

Yet there are individuals who are willing to put their lives at risk for the sake of fame and fortune. We are not talking about thrill-seekers who have a thirst for something extreme and dangerous. Well, we could say they share the same adrenaline rush whenever they are performing in front of an audience. Their talent is their most valuable asset they possess. They love the attention, the drama, the camera and the stage. In the process, they leave behind or forget one important thing – their safety. Because once the camera starts rolling, the performer is more focused on the act and not his well-being; quite literally, he’s too busy breaking his leg.

This holds true with talent shows such as the long-running Got Talent franchise. They have been in the business or industry long enough to be considered as an authority. Doing countless auditions around the globe. Many have dared just to hear the “golden buzzer” by doing anything just to “wow” the audience and the judges. From singing to acrobatic acts, we’ve seen it all, and the producers will do everything just to add a new flavor in the plethora of acts to spice up the show.

In this type of competition, the participants must outdo each other to make it to the top. The more outrageous and unique the act is, the more the audience will rave about it and is worthy of their votes. Even they have to conduct death-defying acts. Some were lucky to execute flawlessly but others were not lucky enough and must suffer the consequences after the performance. This is what happened to this contestant who is suffering now from coma.

Can management be held responsible or not? Of course, the management is quite aware of the risks involved so they put up “safety nets” to back them up. They use a powerful legal document to bind their participants – the contract or the so-called Release Form. This document is known to be indisputable and incontestable in court. To answer the question, legally speaking, they have no obligation whatsoever. Sad but true.

We tried to search if there is an example of the contract lurking somewhere in the net. Fortunately, at the America’s Got Talent website, the document is available for public use and we’ve got a chance to scrutinize it. As stated at item no. 7 in the form, the participant unconditionally and irrevocably releases and forever discharges the management and its affiliates from and against any and all mishaps he/she may encounter.

This condition is also present on reality TV shows like Survivor and The Real World series. Once the participant is in the set, nobody will watch his/her back but him/herself. What can a mere contestant do to protect him/herself if in the first place he/she knows the implications of his/her action upon signing the contract?

He/she may feel obligated to buy a “public liability for performers/entertainers” before the event’s schedule. It is a type of insurance customized for entertainers and performers. Or you may hire a lawyer or an agent before signing that contract if the provider seems dubious. Let the authorized persons handle the legal matters. Take extra precautions while achieving your ultimate dream of being a total performer.

So the next time you want to be in the Got Talent show or any talent-search competitions, make sure to take calculated risks and get insurance.