You have a great script, with cast and crew ready to film. What else could you be forgetting as a filmmaker? Protecting your production! With all the expensive equipment and props on a typical movie set, one would think security is forethought for filmmakers; surprisingly this is not always the case. Some filmmakers are so wrapped up in the creative and technical aspects of a movie, they forget about basic things like film set security.
Companies that special in film set security help filmmakers reduce risks and liabilities that come with production. The biggest risk is theft. On small movie sets, the cost of film equipment alone ranges into thousands of dollars. On big budget films, that price tag could be millions! Stolen equipment also means lost time in production. Imagine a director preparing for a big action scene, only there are no cameras to film it! The crew must now go out and buy more equipment. Meanwhile, the film goes over budget to pay for extra permits, location costs, wages for cast and crew, etc.
Why did all this happen? Because the filmmakers and location managers neglected to hire a reliable security company! "Reliable" is the keyword here, not all companies are equal. Film equipment and trailers must be watched 24/7 during a movie production. It's important to have guards who can stay focused and alert at all times. Filmmaker should have someone periodically check on security guards, especially during the night, to make sure they aren't sleeping or goofing around.
Filmmakers should also beware of shady security companies who are guilty of "ghost payrolling." What is ghost payrolling? Use the following scenario as an example: five security guards are ordered to watch film trailers overnight. Instead of supplying five security guards, the company only sends two, but still charges for five! This illegal activity may go on during the whole production; however the filmmakers would be clueless because no one is around at night, except the security guards. The owners of rogue security companies do this at the expensive of unassuming filmmakers, who normally don't raise concerns until something is stolen.
Filmmakers can avoid these risks by choosing a reputable security company. The film industry is a small community, if a company has dubious management or lazy employees, word usually gets around. Filmmakers should consider consulting with location managers who are familiar with local film set security companies. A good location manager will always recommend the best company, because their reputation depends on it. With the right security in place, filmmakers can concentrate on their craft and leave the worries to someone else!
The source in this article is the Owner of Aunpoint Security. The Company has recently expanded and is now called Aunpoint National. They are considered the #1 Film Set Security Company in Chicago and Indiana. Aunpoint National recently completed the movie "Man of Steel" a Superman remake by Warner Bros. Pictures, to be released in 2013. Visit their website at: http://aunpointnational.com/
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