Howe Security recently wrapped up providing security services over a three week period for a major motion picture studio and a major online streaming service, which included shifting coverages across multiple locations and providing street closures through our vehicle patrol division.

Behind the mesmerizing scenes and captivating storylines of the movies and TV shows we love, there is an army of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to bring these productions to life. While creativity and talent fuel the industry, the importance of security cannot be overstated. In this blog post, we delve into our experiences, challenges and strategies involved in providing on-location security for the film industry:

The Dynamic World of Filming Locations:

From bustling city streets to remote sites, each location presents unique security challenges. Ensuring the safety of the cast, crew, equipment, and sensitive content becomes paramount. The security team must meticulously plan, coordinate, and execute security measures tailored to each filming location and each officer must adhere to a strict code of confidentiality. On site and roving supervision is always advised.

Assessing Potential Threats:

Before cameras start rolling, a comprehensive risk assessment is conducted. This evaluation identifies potential security threats such as trespassing, unauthorized access, theft, sabotage, and even leaks of sensitive content online. By understanding these risks, the security team can formulate proactive strategies to mitigate them effectively.

Customized Security Plans:

Based on the risk assessment, tailored security plans are developed for each filming location. These plans include a combination of physical security measures and personnel deployment. The team may need to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies, as we did relative to street closures, and certainly should with the production staff to create a layered security approach.

Robust Perimeter Security:

One of the primary concerns during filming is maintaining control over the filming location and its surroundings. The security team establishes perimeter security measures, which may involve quick changes to deployed security personnel and utilize marked security vehicles to monitor entrances and exits. This helps deter unauthorized access and provides an early warning system for potential breaches.

Access Control and Credentials:

Controlling access to filming locations is crucial for maintaining a secure environment. The security team works with the production staff to understand and look for specific crew badging and credentials in order to establish access protocols for sensitive areas such as sets, talent staging, trailers, food service, and overnight equipment storage.