The dangers for moviemakers filming outside the United Stateshave declined in more than 30 countries while becoming much worsein nine others, according to an insurance brokerage firm's annualassessment.

Chicago-based Aon's Aon/Albert G. Ruben unit released its 2007Risks in Global Filmmaking Map today. The annual map measures thethreats of crime and corruption, terrorism, kidnap and ransom,disease and substandard medical care.

Calculated on a scale from one to five, the map aggregates theserisks and assigns overall ratings. It also identifies thosecountries that pose significant political risks to filmmaking, suchas political violence, instability and civil war.

Of the 207 countries measured, overall risk for filmmakers in 37countries decreased slightly from 2006 to 2007.

Peter Robey, president of international operations forAon/Albert G. Ruben, said, "In addition to improvements in economicand political conditions, a number of European countries aredeveloping into attractive film locales.

"Hungary and the Czech Republic are becoming prominentdestinations, with the benefits of lower labor rates andpicturesque settings. Looking forward, Romania and Bulgaria appearto be making concerted efforts to improve their film-relatedinfrastructures in pushes to attract filmmakers," he added.

Worldwide, risk in nine countries--Croatia, Haiti, Nepal,Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Singapore, Sri Lanka andTajikistan--increased over the year due mostly to crime, politicalinstability or terrorism concerns.

Other risks include the threat of inclement weather (likehurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis) and the hazard of a potentialpandemic (such as avian influenza) are everpresent in many areasacross the globe. Terrorism is also an ongoing concern in severalcountries, particularly those in Central Asia, the firm said.

Additional information and updates on the filmmaking map areavailable by registering at www.aon.com/filmrisk.