Filmmaking Becoming a Riskier Business
Posted on April 8, 2005
The filmmaking world is becoming riskier, according to the 2005 Risks in Global Filmmaking map published by Aon/Albert G. Ruben, an insurance broker for the entertainment industry. In addition to highlighting terrorism and political risks, the map placed high-risk ratings on 70 countries compared to 55 a year ago. The Risks in Global Filmmaking map highlights the world's riskiest regions -- showing countries that have long been popular destinations, such as Mexico, Thailand, the Philippines and South Africa, as high risk for filmmakers.
"Ten years ago, there was nowhere in the world a filmmaker wouldn't go. But, this is no longer the case," said Chris Palmer, director of risk control for Aon/Albert G. Ruben. "Filmmakers are becoming more aware of the risks they encounter abroad, and in particular, the risks that impact actors, crew and millions of dollars worth of equipment on loan for production. Furthermore, we are seeing a gap between perception and reality. Most people cite terrorism as the foremost risk facing them in today's global environment; however, our map shows that the risks of disease, poor medical care and crime are more prevalent for filmmakers."
The map was created by risk experts at Aon/Albert G. Ruben who measured global risks specific to filmmaking by compiling data from a variety of sources, including U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Security Advisory Council, Diplomatic Security Services, Central Intelligence Agency personnel and publications, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and other public information. Input from Aon's global kidnap and ransom, terrorism and political risk experts is also reflected in the map data.
Some of the risks to filmmakers included in the map are:
- Crime: including theft, robbery, street crime and assault. -- Organized Crime and Corruption: reflecting the likelihood that business will be affected by bribery, extortion or threats from organized crime elements or government corruption.
- Kidnap and Ransom
- Disease Risk: reflecting the prevalence and need for vaccination for epidemic, communicable and/or tropical diseases.
- Medical Care: measuring the extent to which medical care is available and meets modern standards.