NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hiscox, the global specialist insurer, is sponsoring the 2015 Austin Film Festival and launching the inaugural Hiscox Courage Award recognizing both the festival film and filmmaker that best represents Courage. The 2015 Austin Film Festival, also known as the "Writers Festival," runs from October 29 – November 5 and attendees will vote for the Hiscox Courage Award via ballots after 200 separate film screenings over the course of the festival. Hiscox insures a wide variety of films and other media productions in the US and abroad.
The Hiscox Courage Award will be chosen exclusively by audience votes and awarded the week of November 2. Hiscox's partnership with the Austin Film Festival also includes the Hiscox Filmmaker Blog Archive. Filmmakers participating in the 2015 Austin Film Festival are recounting the trials and tribulations faced while getting their films festival-ready on the Hiscox Filmmaker Blog.
"It takes courage to tell a great story, because without risk, nothing great can happen. Filmmakers and screenwriters are faced with a unique set of risks and challenges every day. It's overcoming these challenges that makes for great storytelling," said Joanne Richardson, media and entertainment practice leader at Hiscox USA. "The Hiscox Courage Award applauds those who have the courage, confidence and creativity to pursue their passion, whether it is an independent production or a Hollywood blockbuster."
Hiscox has provided media liability coverage to US businesses, including publishers, broadcasters, production companies, and marketing and advertising agencies for several decades. Hiscox Media Liability Insurance provides policies that fit specifically with the needs of media clients creating or disseminating content. Hiscox Entertainment Insurance provides policies written specifically to fit the needs of production companies, post production facilities, theatrical productions, touring entertainers and other ancillary businesses that support the entertainment industry.
Hiscox USA provides a variety of specialty risk solutions including a broad spectrum of professional E &O, GL, cyber and data security, media liability, management liability, crime, kidnap & ransom, terrorism and commercial property products. Hiscox USA primarily specializes in the unique needs of small and middle market businesses. Hiscox USA works with small and medium-sized business throughout the US to support them and address their risk management needs. The Hiscox American Courage Index is the first survey to track personal and professional courage across the United States.
About Hiscox in the U.S.
Hiscox, the international specialist insurer, is headquartered in Bermuda and listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:HSX). There are three main underwriting parts of the Group – Hiscox London Market, Hiscox UK and Europe and Hiscox International. Hiscox International includes operations in Bermuda, Guernsey and the USA. Hiscox Syndicates Ltd is authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. The ability of syndicates at Lloyd's to do business in the USA and its territories is restricted as they are not US-based insurers. Hiscox Underwriting Limited and Hiscox ASM Limited are authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Hiscox Inc., a Delaware corporation headquartered in New York, d/b/a Hiscox Insurance Agency in CA, is a licensed insurance intermediary for admitted and surplus lines business. Hiscox Inc. underwrites on behalf of, and places business with, Hiscox Insurance Company Inc., other domestic insurers, and syndicates at Lloyd's (www.lloyds.com). Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. is a Chicago, IL, domiciled insurer that is admitted or licensed to do business in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The publication and delivery of this information is not intended to be a solicitation by Lloyd's for the purchase of insurance by any US risk.
ABOUT AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL:
Widely known as "The Writers Festival," Austin Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art, craft, and business of storytelling through film and television. All attendees and events are based on permitting schedules and are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice. For media credentials, please contact Lauren Kelcher Stevenson at Kelcher@sunshinesachs.com. Badges and passes are available for purchase online at www.austinfilmfestival.com or by phone at 1-800-310-FEST.