By Ozzi Ramirez
Welcome to NYWIFT, new member Noelle Triano-Wertling! A film lover in every sense of the word, Noelle has worked in entertainment insurance for over 10 years, writing policies for numerous films, television shows, and commercial producers. She is currently an Executive Entertainment Underwriter at Chubb Limited Insurance Company.
Learn more about Noelle and her remarkable career trajectory where she has played a significant role in overseeing many film and television projects.
NYWIFT Member Noelle Triano-Wertling
Tell us about yourself – give us your elevator pitch!
I am a native New Yorker and have been an underwriter for the entertainment insurance industry for over 10 years, writing policies for films, television, and commercial producers.
I’m a huge fan of all things entertainment (I even had an Oscars-themed wedding) and am a regular patron of the New York Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival, San Diego Comic-Con, and New York Comic-Con. In the near future, I hope to attend the Toronto International Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival.
Describe your typical day as an Executive Entertainment Underwriter. What attracted you to this role?
I started working in the insurance industry right out of college in 2007. During my first few years, I handled small commercial businesses, which eventually felt a bit monotonous. When I learned of opportunities to work on insurance policies for film and television, I knew it would be a great fit for my interests and pursued a career within entertainment insurance. It has yet to be tedious work!
Entertainment underwriters review film applications, scripts, and budgets to learn of exposures and coverage limits that are requested and needed. We also review stunts such as the controls in place, cast medicals, and high-valued pieces such as props, sets, wardrobes, and equipment. Every day brings new challenges since the industry is constantly evolving.
As of today, what are some of your career highlights?
I have handled and written policies for films and television shows that have gone on to win Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes. It is exciting to cheer on these projects knowing how much effort went into making them.
Recently, I was selected as a 2022 Circle of Excellence Honoree. This award recognizes the top 5% of eligible Chubb employees in North America. I also received a similar top-performer award at my previous company and obtained several insurance industry designations over the years.
Noelle Triano-Wertling with colleagues
What is the best you’ve ever received?
When I had my first child, a good friend and co-worker told me, “People will want to share their advice and opinions about what you should do. Don’t worry what others think and do what you think is best for you and your family.” This taught me to be confident in my decisions both at home and work. It isn’t bad to get input and listen to advice from other people, but ultimately you have to decide what you think is best for yourself.
What brings you to NYWIFT?
I have attended the NYWIFT Muse Awards nearly every year since joining Chubb in 2014 and always leave feeling inspired and empowered. I wanted to join to get further immersed and involved with the NYWIFT community.
Noelle Triano-Wertling with colleagues at the NYWIFT Muse Awards
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would like to further develop and grow my career through a managerial role at my company.
As someone who works in entertainment insurance, did the pandemic have an effect on the policies you’ve developed during the past several years?
The pandemic has led to many changes within the industry as a whole. While reviewing film/TV budgets, we are seeing line items (an item listed in a budget) for COVID officers and COVID-related protocols that didn’t exist before 2020.
We are also noticing more small-budget films being made in secluded areas so productions could keep the sets and exposures low. The film industry seems to be bouncing back though, and we look forward to what is to come.
Filmmaker, Actor, and Producer Jon Favreau
If you can have lunch with anyone who is either living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet and have lunch with Jon Favreau. He is a very talented actor, director, artist, and cook who has helped push many of my beloved franchises forward, such as the Marvel Cinematic and Star Wars universes. He’s also a pioneer in film technology, which I find fascinating. His involvement in the development of The Volume will change the industry. The use of stagecraft technology will cut out a lot of external exposures such as weather, travel, the need to limit public access to sets, etc. However, it will bring new exposures, including the need for higher-valued equipment and set building.
Connect with Noelle Triano-Wertling on LinkedIn.
Ozzi Ramirez
Ozzi Ramirez is a current intern at NYWIFT and aspiring film producer and programmer. He studied English Literature and Theater at the University of Vermont and later received a Master's Degree in Mass Communications from Florida International University in Miami. Having moved to NYC in 2019, his interests include moseying through Manhattan with his headphones on full blast, most dogs and cats, coffee, discovering good deals on theater tickets, politics, traveling, and of course, experiencing great storytelling through movies, TV shows, and books.
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