SECTION 4.
HIGH RISK LOCATIONS

It also needs to be underlined and understood that locations do not only become "hostile" because of war or and armed conflict. Filming in a 'deep state' (where surveillance may be prevalent), or filming a volatile and violent domestic protest or civil unrest (where tensions can run high, especially if you are in a vulnerable demographic) can present similar threats and risks as those experienced in traditional conflict scenarios. All potentially hostile filming scenarios benefit from careful planning and risk mitigation.

In addition, remote and austere locations (with or without the presence of conflict-related risks) can also present hostile environmental challenges to filmmakers every bit as severe as frontline filmmaking.

Although some locations are obviously hostile environments (for example, an active front line, or ongoing violent civil disturbance), some locations may not be so clear cut (for example, filming in a country not at war, but which borders a conflict zone). In addition, some countries that contain hostile areas of violent conflict may be mainly peaceful elsewhere and even have a developed and ongoing tourist industry.

For productions that may find themselves in a hostile environment, please see this separate S+S Hostile Filming Protocol, a detailed security assessment that should be competed in advance of any filming in "high risk" locations.

The purpose of conducting a security assessment and putting together a hostile filming protocol for your production is not to tell you what you think you already know. It is to help you determine whether or not the location you are visiting is a hostile environment and if so, how it might affect you and what you can do to lessen and manage those effects.

A key part of risk assessment is to draw on the local knowledge of fixers, local NGOs and others connected with the project to anticipate the risks that you may face in any of your locations whether it be physical risk, risk to data or risk to others.

It's also crucial to carefully assess the current level of experience of your team (from producers to camera people, fixers, drivers and translators), noting the sensitivity of their approach to working in high risk locations ahead of time. Just because you are working with team members who have worked on many high risk projects, does not necessarily mean that they will work more safely than newer team members, who might be more cautious.

A thorough Hostile Filming Protocol will help you identify hazards and potential threats; anticipate and assess the risks posed by those threats; manage and mitigate those risks; and put in place a viable plan of action. You can read more about how to prepare a Hostile Filming Protocol and download the Safe + Secure Hostile Filming Protocol template here.

Suggested Team Discussion Points:

How will decisions be made? By consensus? Will the group respect the reservations of more cautious team members? Will there be a team leader who makes the ultimate decisions?

4.1) Training

Ahead of embarking on filming in a high risk location, assessing your team's needs for specialist training according to the situations that could be faced is an important part of planning - whether they are old hands or newbies. Hostile environment or high risk training should always incorporate the following elements: threat identification; risk assessment of a wide variety of situations and their requisite contingency planning (be it kidnapping, accidents, terrorism, etcetera) plus other forms of training such as first aid and medical trauma training, planning, preparation and risk, reacting to threats from weapons, safety equipment, working in crowds, hiding your identity or that of your contributors, abduction, hiding cameras and/ or radio mics, rushes and information, landmines, dealing with bribes and other unforeseen circumstances.

Other essential skills are: digital security, rape prevention and resilience, emotional resilience and protection from psychological trauma, defensive driving, cybersecurity, negotiating/ setting verbal boundaries with hostile parties, civil unrest.

It is important to note that retaining these skills requires ritual maintenance, practice and refresher courses will greatly help.

Training options for US or UK based teams are given at the end of this section.

Suggested Team Discussion Points:

4.2) Profile Risks

Your profile is not just about how you perceive yourself, but how others perceive you. Be aware of your image and presence online, and consider any past affiliations, jobs, and assignments that may compromise your safety or the safety of your crew and contributors. The same questions apply to those accompanying you, including fixers, translators and drivers. If you are a female filmmaker, please review these safety tips provided by Judith Matloff for the Columbia Journalism Review.

Suggested Team Discussion Points:

4.3) Fixers And Locally Hired Freelancers

Remember, the people you work with may create risks for you, and you may create risks for them. Pick your colleagues carefully and then take responsibility for their safety as part of your team.

For their own security your fixer and/or driver may not need to know all the details of your project, but they must know enough to give informed consent to participate in the project and they must understand the risks they are taking. Discuss with them safety measures and the consequences of getting into trouble.

Suggested Team Discussion Points:

4.4) Protecting Rushes And Documents

Traveling with rushes and documents is always a risk. Making sure your rushes, documents, notepads and other materials come safely out the country without being destroyed, copied or confiscated is a key priority Evaluate how you will do so and what will be a backup plan if anything is confiscated. Here, it's important to go back to Section 1 on Digital Security and reference what is needed overall vs what is needed location to location.

Suggested Team Discussion Points:

4.5) Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Assess what safety clothing and equipment you may need to take with you. It's important to think ahead:what will you need to protect you and your team from both conflict and environmental factors?. Will you be in a war zone vulnerable to attack by live ammunition, blast fragmentation, tear gas, chemical weapons, or even falling pieces of masonry? Will you be in a location prone to flooding or extreme weather? Take a step back and evaluate in total what you may need to protect yourself and your team from the conditions you'll be exposed to.

NB: wearing PPE can increase as well as decrease your risk profile. Think carefully before openly wearing flak jackets and helmets or masks and respirators. Will doing so make you a target? What are the norms on location?

Suggested Team Discussion Points:

4.6 Travel And Accommodation Risks

Travel Logistics

Think about how you are getting to your destination and how you will be travelling around inside the country. Do you need a visa to enter the country? If so, what kind of visa do you require both to film and remain within the of law of the location you are working in? In general, having an official journalist visa is preferential, legitimising the use of official channels to get you and your team out of a situation if things go wrong - but in some situations it's simply not possible to obtain an official permit, or, if it is, it is not possible to film credibly with one owing to state surveillance. Special care needs to be taken when filming on a tourist visa - which will require a strong public interest argument for many broadcasters (and not simply that it was more expensive or time consuming to get an official filming visa or permit). Filming on a tourist visa may allow you to move more freely - but it can have very significant security implications, for you and for the people you are working with. Will you be able to import camera equipment? Will you be able to film openly? Will filming on a tourist visa invalidate your insurance? Will being caught filming on a tourist visa lay you open to criminal charges, including espionage?

Plan your itinerary carefully and research the safest means of travel. Road traffic collisions are of course a leading risk everywhere, not only developing countries. Make sure your car is insured, in good working order, fuelled properly and is well equipped with seat belts, a spare tyre, jack, water, medical and distress kit and oil. Do not rely on public transportation: whenever possible always try to be in control of your means of travel. Check your route carefully and find a driver that is cautious, experienced and has the language skills you need and who is not from an ethnic or political group that could put the team in danger with hostile parties. Consider as well if there are any relevant events not related with your assignment that could affect your travel (for instance a strike, public holiday or celebration - or an environmental event like heavy rains or flooding).

Always have an exit plan and a backup exit plan: on the ground situations may change, and you may not feel comfortable with your initial plan. Never make cost a factor over safety!

If you are travelling overseas, it may be advisable to check in with your country's nearest embassy or consulate. You need to decide whether you are above or below the radar. Ask around with others working in the area before deciding - there are advantages and disadvantages with each approach. Always know how to contact diplomats in case of emergency and make sure you understand what the official procedure for the evacuation of foreign national is.

Suggested Team Discussion Points:

Accommodation Planning

Securing accommodation on location - for you, your crew and your rushes - is vital, though not always easy to find or to afford. Consider not only where you stay, but the travel time and potential exposure risks of travelling from where you are staying to where you will be working. Well known hotels, small guest houses or a friend's flat all pose advantages and disadvantages in terms of risk and safety. Be aware of these risks, assess what your best option is and always be careful who you trust.

Example: In some situations, it can help to make friends with porters who will recognise you and your team as you come and go from a building. However in others, it could be the case that they may be working with local criminal groups or security services. A door wedge can help prevent unexpected intrusions into a hotel room, but may not be enough to stop the most determined intruders.

Whatever you do, do not make cost a factor over safety. Here is a checklist of considerations that are worth reflecting on regarding the safety and security of the accommodation you are staying in:

Suggested Team Discussion Points

4.7 Medical Risks

Medical risks can occur at any time and it is important to consider all potential threats, such as access to safe drinking water and extreme weather conditions as well as illnesses that could be contracted overseas or unexpected accidents and know how to respond to them.

First aid training is often included in Hostile Environment training courses, but if there are specific risks that your film team might face then it's important to ensure that you have adequately prepared for all scenarios. We recommend reading through the Committee To Protect Journalists' excellent first aid kit checklist to identify items take with you on your shoot and to take specialist advice when planning to work in a hostile environment.

Physical Health

If you rely on epi-pens, inhalers, medications, have life-threatening allergies, diabetes, asthma, HIV or pre-existing conditions it is worthwhile having a medical exam to ensure the health of you and your team is of an appropriate level to travel to a hostile environment. Honestly assess whether your health or life would be endangered if you were separated from your medications.

Take into account that some assignments may be physically demanding. Have regular medical and dental check-ups. If any special medication is needed, check whether it will be locally available or if it can be taken with you (some countries have severe restrictions on the import of medical items). If necessary, bring a letter from your doctor and the medication leaflet with details of the active components.

It is also important to have a backup plan to access medication should you or your team if something happens (luggage lost, hotel burns down, room burgled etc). Potentially, it is worth considering leaving details of a prescription with a trusted colleague or staffer in an emergency project file. Additionally, we recommend that you use a medical checklist to prepare for each shoot.

NB. Please also see the Hostile Filming Protocol

Suggested Team Discussion Points

Mental Health

We take your mental health seriously and we want you too as well. The Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma (part of the Columbia School of Journalism) has done a lot of great work in this area. They advocate ethical and thorough reporting of trauma; compassionate, professional treatment of victims and survivors by journalists; and greater awareness by media organizations of the impact of trauma coverage on both news professionals and news consumers.

Independent documentary filmmakers can be at special risk as they are often immersed in their work for long periods of time.

Always consider pressure and stress when planning work activities, particularly: production schedules; rotas, shifts and working patterns; travel to and from locations; hours of work. Build in sufficient rest periods, time off duty and include contingency plans to manage overruns. Monitor schedules and make changes if necessary.

Look out for signs and symptoms in colleagues. This can include unusual mood swings & irritability, poor concentration/ memory, increased emotional reactions, fatigue, headaches, nightmares, flashbacks of past upsetting events, social withdrawal, survivors' guilt, impulsive risk taking, substance abuse, depression, panic attacks and changes in attendance. Emotional exhaustion and distress can impair sound decision-making and productivity.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is rare, but can occur when these early symptoms do not resolve and become entrenched. Symptoms usually appear within 6 months of the traumatic event and can vary. People can feel depressed, anxious, grief stricken, guilty and angry. They may have symptoms of intrusive flashbacks to the event and nightmares, avoidance and distraction from the event or become defensive in their surroundings.

Take a step back and assess where you and your team are with this project with regards safeguarding your mental health:

Suggested Team Discussion Points:

4.8 Production Insurance

Much like how you obtain travel insurance for leisure trips, it's vital you obtain production insurance for your project before you start filming. While E&O covers what's needed to prepare the film for release, production insurance covers everything that happens during the making of the film - should anything go wrong during filming or post-production. There are various types of policies out there so be sure to read your policy carefully and be aware of the limits of your coverage and whether they speak to your project's needs. For example, medical evacuation insurance is important to consider if there is a lack of adequate facilities where you are filming. Kidnap and ransom insurance, whilst expensive, can be worthwhile when filming in high risk places.

There are many options for production insurance, but it can be expensive. Independent filmmakers often forgo insurance because it will eat too much of a development budget but we believe that funders need to step up and contribute the extra needed for this vital cost.

There are also parts of the world where it is harder (or impossible) to get insurance. In these cases it is worth digging a little harder into specialist insurance options such as Insurance for Journalists, the Insurance partner of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) which covers both extreme risk areas such as Syria and Afghanistan, which some conventional insurers may not extend to. In the situation where a team decide to travel despite not being able to obtain insurance, the potential consequences and mitigation plans should be discussed with all team members travelling and their dependents made aware.

4.9 Communication Planning

It is crucial that a team in a high risk location has a nominated key contact (who has been involved in completing these protocols) back at base who is responsible for confidential and crucial information about the production and the team.

The key contact must know where the team are and how/when they can be contacted. They should also know how to get in touch with family members and funders of the film project - and understand the circumstances in which to do so.

As communications are often difficult in such locations and during filming, a clear communications plan will establish when the key contact should expect to get check-ins from the team and what they should do and who to contact if a check-in fails to occur. To learn more about creating a communications plan, please see the template and breakdown created by our friends at the Rory Peck Trust.

Similarly, ahead of leaving for a hostile location each team member should complete a Proof of Life document (always held separately to the main Hostile Filming Protocol) that contains confidential information that can be referred to in order to confirm whether a person is still alive in case of kidnapping, abduction or detention. Even if there is a low risk of kidnapping the Rory Peck Trust advise creating a Proof of Life Document. Find out more here.

Separately, you should set up a personal contact who knows your passwords and where your last will and testament and financial documents are located. The contact should also have the serial numbers of equipment should it be stolen or seized. Additionally, there should be shared access to secure password-protected sites, such as Basecamp.

NB. Please also see the Hostile Filming Protocol

Modes Of Communication

Consider here the availability and risk associated with your means of communication - internet, international mobile phone, local SIM card, landline, satellite. Think carefully how you will be communicating during your assignment, how you will be communicating with your key security contact and what your back-up mode of communication might be in an emergency.

And as outlined in the Digital Security section, please ensure that, if identified as being risky, all communications are made securely using encrypted SMS e.g. Signal or WhatsApp. Ideally a dedicated "burner" phone should be used, stripped of anything not necessary for the job in order to avoid any free apps leaking information to third parties. The Hostile Filming Protocol should be removed from ALL devices prior to travel, encrypted or otherwise.

Many countries demand that filming equipment crossing their borders is documented in a carnet (an international customs and temporary export-import document) and will require communications equipment such as satellite phones to be mentioned on the document. This of course can draw attention to the purpose of the trip and potentially heighten the risk of being asked for bribes.

The advice of other journalists and communications experts is vital in assessing the risk associated with communications. Please also see the resources in the Digital Security section to help assess potential risks ahead of time.

NB: Encryption technology evolves fast; as does any given state's ability to bypass or compromise it. Make sure you and your advisors are 100% up-to-date in your planning and resources.

Suggested Team Discussion Points:

Communications Plan

When determining your key contact who will remain at base, be sure to consider how they will communicate safely and securely with the film team on location (including local drivers and fixers). Whilst it makes sense to have a point person on location who can provide regular check-ins, it's important to ensure any team member can communicate with the key contact if needed.

Suggested Team Discussion Points:

Emergency Communications Plan

It's important that your key contact knows who to reach in an emergency.

Given the risks that you have outlined above, make a plan for those eventualities. You may also want to think about having a coded message to relay that there is an emergency.

Emergency Extraction Plan

It's also important that your key contact knows what to do if you and your team contact them in an emergency, needing external help to get out of a filming situation, be that for medical or other reasons.

Your key contact must have full details of your insurance cover (and any relevant coverage regarding medical evacuation, and kidnap and ransom insurance), your lawyer and who to speak to on the ground (for example, a local lawyer and/or relevant diplomatic contacts).

To work out what your extraction plan would be, work through the following scenarios and gather additional information from film crews who have recently filmed in similar scenarios:

• Medical emergency
• Arrest and detention (by the state or non-state actors like rebel groups)
• Kidnap and ransom

Suggested Team Discussion Points

Overview Responsibilities Of Key Contact

• Maintain constant secure communication with filmmaker and producer
• Monitoring local activity on location day-to-day (news alerts, weather, etc)
• Helping film team assess new risks (a calm voice outside the situation)
• Ensuring the Emergency File for Filmmaker and Team is complete.
• Calling the cavalry when they are needed

The key contact will always hold a copy of the Hostile Filming Protocol - which among other information also contains the:

• Emergency communications plan
• Emergency extraction plan
• Copies of the team's Passports and Visas
• Blood Type and Medical Information (including allergies, medical conditions, etc)
• Insurance Policy details (health and traveler's)
• Flight details/ Itinerary/schedule
• Emergency communications plan (see below)
• Emergency contact information of a close family member or partner in case of kidnapping, detention or murder
• Production lawyer and local lawyers contact information

And, separately:

• Proof of life Questions

4.10 High Risk Locations Resources

Hostile Environments Resources

British Red Cross Field Guide for Media Professionals and armed conflict

Rory Peck Trust - Risk Assessment Forms

Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

BBC - High Risk Guide

Rory Peck Trust - Types of Safety Training

Committee to Protect Journalists - Security Guide

Committee to Protect Journalists - Emergency Response Resource Center

Witness- Guides for covering protests
ACLU- Apps for recording police conduct

News University - Online Training course (in partnership with the Dart Center): Journalism and Trauma

ACOS Alliance's Freelance Journalist Safety Checklist

PEN America - Artists at Risk Connection (ARC)

International Media Support (IMS)- Safety in Journalism

Travel Risk Resources

BBC Safety App for International Travel

UK Foreign Office Advice for Travellers

The US Department of Homeland Security - Travel Alerts and Warnings

Physical Health Resources

World Health Organization - International Travel and Health Overview

World Health Organization - Medical Kit List

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Interactive Destinations Guide

Mental Health Resources

Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma - Resources for Self Care & Peer Support

BBC - Journalism Safety Guideline to Trauma and PTSD:
Committee to Protect Journalists - Stress Reaction Guide
International Center for Journalists Journalism and Trauma Guide

The Backstory Podcast -Talking About Trauma: Valuing Mental Health As Much As Physical Health

Insurance Resources:

Rory Peck Trust - Insurance Resource

Committee to Protect Journalists - Recommended List of Insurance Providers

Desktop Documentaries - Video and Film Insurance

Rory Peck Trust - Types of Coverage

International News Safety Institute - List of Providers for Insurance for Freelancers

4.11 High Risk Locations Training Resources for Filmmakers

We are only putting forward training that we have heard good things about from filmmakers. We want to hear from you if you have taken any high risk location type training that you can recommend to your fellow filmmakers. Email us anytime at: contribute@safeandsecure.film

Hostile Environment Training

Judith Matloff who is a key advisor to Safe and Secure runs this excellent course at Columbia School of Journalism. It also covers First Aid, Digital Security and Sexual Assault Prevention.

Reporting Safely in Crisis Zones - Columbia School of Journalism - Four days. Rape prevention/.boundary setting, risk analysis, contingency planning, battlefield first aid (share trainers with RISC), digital security. Emphasis is on prevention rather than military-style tactics. Rory Peck provides bursaries for qualified freelancers

And there are others out there - we'd welcome feedback from filmmakers who have taken them..

The Pulitzer Center Freelancer Hostile Environment Training - with ACOS (US)

Recommendations provided by Rory Peck Trust (UK)

Rory Peck Trust international partner organisations

Recommendations provided by Committee to Protect Journalists

Sign Up to Hear About Safety Training Opportunities

ACOS (A Culture of Safety) Alliance is an unprecedented coalition of news organizations, freelance journalist associations and press freedom organizations working together to champion safe and responsible journalistic practices for freelance and local journalists worldwide. ACOS works to help freelance journalists access training courses.

This Standard Application Form aims at building a database of freelance journalists in need of safety training. This form should help us to reach out to individual freelancers when relevant opportunities for safety training arise, and to coordinate a response to current needs in partnership with news organizations and NGOs.

First Aid Training

National Safety Council

RISC Training is a free, four-day first aid course that recently expanded to include an additional two-day security component. HQ in NYC, trainings rotate around the world.

Emotional Trauma Resilience

Dart Center fellowships, retreats and training are in Europe, Asia, NYC and other US cities.

Bursaries/ Emergency Funds

Canadian Journalism Forum on Violence and Trauma

Offers bursaries to Canadian documentary filmmakers and journalists for HE and trauma training.

Rory Peck Training Fund

Bursaries for freelancers who work internationally. You will need to have worked as a freelancer in newsgathering and/or current affairs for a minimum of 18 months. Priority is given to freelancers whose work habitually takes them into hostile environments, and to those with a forthcoming confirmed assignment.

Rory Peck Assistance Grants

Grants to freelance journalists and their families who find themselves in a critical situation. This may include freelancers who have been threatened, imprisoned, injured, forced into hiding or exile, or killed.

International Women's Media Foundation - Emergency Fund

We established the IWMF Emergency Fund in 2013 to provide women journalists with a lifeline of support in times of crisis.

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EDITION 2.2 - OCTOBER 2019