Business Showcase brought to you by Screen NZ International l 2026
The Safety Net of Middle-earth: Insuring New Zealand’s Film Productions
New Zealand's film industry has transformed dramatically over the past five decades, evolving from a small, emerging sector into a globally respected production hub. Few people have witnessed that evolution as closely as Brian of Howden Insurance, whose career in specialist film insurance has paralleled the industry's own growth, from the country's first modern feature productions to some of the world's biggest studio films.
His journey began in 1977, when a commercial producer approached Mahony & Associates with an unusual request: insure a feature film. At the time, New Zealand had no established film insurance market or industry. Determined to find a solution, Brian built relationships with Australian and international specialist Brokers in LA, laying the foundations for what became Mahony Film & Entertainment Insurance, now part of the global Howden Film and Entertainment network.
Since then, Brian has worked on hundreds of productions, including The Lord of the Rings, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Evil Dead Rise, East of Eden and many international productions choosing New Zealand as their filming destination. While the productions are well known, Brian says the real role of film insurance is rarely seen.
Unlike conventional business insurance, film production insurance is designed around a simple reality: productions operate to fixed budgets. Delays caused by an injured cast member, damaged equipment, or an unexpected incident can quickly escalate costs. Specialist insurance ensures productions can continue without jeopardising the investment that made the project possible.
Brian says understanding the unique nature of film production is critical. Every project presents different risks, from stunts and pyrotechnics to international locations and large fleets of production vehicles. Overseas producers also need guidance navigating New Zealand's production environment, where almost all productions operate through special-purpose companies made up almost entirely of contractors. Reflecting such details in the Insurance programme right is critical.
Over the years, Brian has also seen the industry's approach to risk management mature. Early productions often relied on enthusiasm and resourcefulness, but the arrival of major international studios—particularly during The Lord of the Rings era—introduced rigorous health and safety standards and production disciplines that have since become standard practice across the New Zealand screen sector.
Experience, Brian believes, remains invaluable. Decades of industry relationships have enabled him to solve complex insurance challenges across multiple countries, usually under tight production deadlines. In an industry where time is money, knowing how to present a risk, where to find solutions and how to respond quickly can be just as important as the policy itself.
Today, as part of Howden, Brian continues to support productions throughout New Zealand and Australia while sharing his knowledge with the next generation of specialists. Although the business has evolved significantly since its Mahony Film & Entertainment days, his focus has remained consistent: helping filmmakers manage risk so they can focus on bringing stories to life.
For most audiences, insurance will never appear in the credits. Yet without it, many productions would never leave the page. As Brian puts it, without insurance, investors won't invest—and without investment, the cameras simply don't roll.
For more information visit www.howdengroup.com
All imaged are owned by and used with permission of Howden Insurance
CONTACT HOWDEN INSURANCE
Level 17, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland
+64 0800 500 510
Brian Mahony
