Lights, Camera… Risk?
Safeguarding Film Production Teams
Film production involves a wide array of moving parts, with teams constantly navigating demanding schedules and diverse shooting locations. This mobility, combined with the high value of production gear and sensitive content, unfortunately makes them attractive targets for criminal activity. Whether it’s due to the potential resale value of equipment or the lure of unreleased content, production teams face a growing number of risks.
Currently, three major trends are particularly prevalent in the industry:
- Theft of Equipment
Travelling with high-value gear such as cameras, lenses and audio equipment has made production teams prime targets for theft. This is especially concerning in areas where organised crime is active, with losses often running into the millions. - Piracy and Ransom of Content
As digital piracy continues to rise, film producers face increasing threats of cyber theft. High-profile films and confidential scripts are vulnerable to being hacked, stolen and held for ransom under the threat of public leaks. - Location-Specific Crime
Production teams are not immune to localised crime such as hijackings and armed robberies, especially when operating in unfamiliar or high-risk environments.
To manage these threats, it’s essential for production crews to embed robust risk management practices into their daily operations. This includes both proactive safety measures and transferring risk through comprehensive insurance solutions.
Insurance Considerations for Film Crews
Promise Ngobeni, Sport, Recreation and Entertainment Specialist at Aon South Africa, advises production teams to carefully evaluate their insurance needs in line with their operational risks. Key areas of cover to consider include:
- Personal Accident Cover
This protects individuals financially in the event of accidents resulting in injury, disability or death. Policies can be tailored to the specific needs of production crews. - Business All-Risks Insurance
This type of insurance typically covers mobile assets and portable film equipment against theft, loss or damage. - Cyber Insurance
Given the increasing reliance on digital systems, cyber insurance helps protect against financial losses from ransomware attacks, data breaches and other cyber threats.
“It is essential to speak to an insurance broker who will be able to use their expertise in the industry to compile a well-rounded insurance solution that ticks all the boxes for a film production crew. While the team may be working on material for the silver screen, their risks very much reside in real-world scenarios,” says Promise.
She also highlights the importance of vigilance, especially when teams are working in unfamiliar or foreign locations. Awareness and preparedness can make a significant difference. Promise recommends the following safety practices:
- Stay Alert Around Base or Home Locations
Be observant of suspicious individuals or vehicles loitering nearby. - Vary Travel Routes and Times
Avoid predictable travel routines which make it easier for criminals to plan an attack. - Stick to Main Roads
Choose well-lit, populated routes when travelling, and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas whenever possible. - Use Professional Security Support When Necessary
Enlisting trained security personnel can be a vital step in high-risk areas or for high-profile shoots.
In an industry where every detail counts, investing in safety and risk mitigation is not just a precaution-it’s a necessity.