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Entertainment Risk Update
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Quoted from Entertainment Risk Update:
Invasion of Georgia Reminder of the Need for Contingency Planning
by Chris Palmer
The invasion of Georgia by Russian forces surprised many people. But the attack makes a point about the need to be informed about the risks when filming abroad and the need to have contingency plans in place. When planning an overseas production, you need contingency plans in the event of:
Political Problems: Examples include a coup, attempted coup, revolution or a declaration of martial law or state of emergency. In addition to the immediate dangers that may be posed by armed conflict, these events normally involve curfews and restrictions on travel within and out of the country. A contingency plan for shelter-in-place, local relocation or evacuation from the country. Being connected with good information sources can help you act before a situation becomes dangerous.
Terrorist Attacks: Assessing the threat level and knowing what steps you can take to reduce your risk can help reduce the potential impact on your production. In addition to the risk to your people and assets, an attack can result in travel restrictions, disruption of infrastructure (like communications, roads and power) and, in a state of emergency, the shutdown of production.
Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters pose a risk to your people, sets and equipment. Protection of lives is the first priority. How and when do you evacuate? How do you protect your equipment, vehicles, sets? Even if your location is not directly impacted, damage to power, travel and communication facilities may have significant effects.
How CMM Can Help: We provide our clients with up to date information on their potential locations, assessment of the risks involved and risk control strategies to help protect you. With connections in the diplomatic, security and intelligence communities, we keep you up to date on potential threats, assist with preparation of contingency plans and can provide on-site safety and risk consultation. Director of Risk Services Chris Palmer has personally overseen the evacuation of a number of productions from the paths of major hurricanes.
About the Author: Chris Palmer is a recognized authority on film and tv risk. He has provided risk consultation on hundreds of productions including Flyboys, Babel, Sahara, Behind Enemy Lines, X Men, and Fear Factor. He has advised productions in many high-threat environments including Iraq, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa. He has been featured in dozens of articles in Variety, Hollywood Reporter, New York Times, Daily Telegraph (UK), Chicago Tribune and has been a featured guest on National Public Radio programs "The Business" and "Geo Quiz". He has taught production safety seminars for American Film Institute and DGA training program. As an entertainment insurance broker and director of risk services at CMM Entertainment, he helps clients identify and control their risks. He can be reached at +1 818 224 6142.