SECTION 7
WHAT NEXT?
7.1 Checklists
We hope this guide has not left you feeling daunted but rather feeling informed and empowered. There are two things we recommend you do now.
Fill Out The Safe And Secure Checklist
Download and fill out this form with your team (as always being mindful about how you share and store sensitive documents). That will help you zero in on the key risks that you need to prepare for in your current production.
Then, if necessary, go on to complete a full Hostile Filming Protocol.
7.2 Identify Your Training Needs
One key take away from the Protocol is the identification of useful training that you and your team members should seek.
So, below (and at the end of each relevant chapter in this handbook) is a list of training and training providers that we have heard good things about. We are actively seeking further recommendations of other good trainings, adapted specifically for independent documentary filmmakers, available at reasonable costs. Please let us know of any you would recommend: contribute@safeandsecure.film
Digital Security Training
Freedom of the Press Foundation organise trainings with the IDA and others and also do bespoke training with teams.
Freedom of the Press Foundation - Training - US
In Europe we recommend:
Journalism Training For Filmmakers
The Investigative Reporting Program at UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism - 3 Day Journalism Workshops for filmmakers (US)
Columbia School of Journalism offers a MS Documentary Program
Columbia School of Journalism - Summer Investigative Reporting Course
Legal Training
Law schools like Yale and Penn are increasingly teaching courses on visual media and documentary to law students. And MA documentary courses usually include a legal component.
Cardozo Law School - Indie Film Clinic
Media Law Resource Center one day training
If you know of any short legal courses or workshops for documentary filmmakers, please let us know.
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, see below), digital security. Emphasis is on prevention rather than military-style tactics. Rory Peck provides bursaries for qualified freelancers
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.
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.
First Aid Training
RISC Training is a free four-day 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.
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.
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
The IWMF Emergency Fund provides women journalists with a lifeline of support in times of crisis.