06 – Hostile filming protocol
Appoint a Key Contact who is not traveling with the team who will be responsible for confidential and crucial information about the production and the team.
The overall responsibilities of the Key Contact are to
- Maintain constant secure communication with the filmmaker/producer
- Monitor local activity on location day-to-day that could elevate the risk level
- Help the film team assess new risks
- Ensure the Emergency File for Filmmaker and Team is complete
- Call in the cavalry when they're needed
The Key Contact will always hold a copy of the Hostile Filming Protocol which, among other information, contains the
- Emergency communications plan
- Emergency extraction plan
- Copies of the team’s Passports and Visas
- Blood types and medical information
- Insurance policy details (health and traveler)
- Flight details/ Itinerary/schedule
- Emergency contact information for a close family member or partner in case of kidnapping, detention or murder
- Production lawyer and local lawyers contact information
- Proof of life questions
This Key Contact must know where the team is and how they can be contacted at all times. They should also know how to get in touch with family and funders — and know when they should do so. While you may appoint an individual on location who is responsible for regular communications with the Key Contact, all team members should know how to get in touch with them. Consider having a coded message to use to relay there is an emergency.