Filmmaking Safer In 30 Nations, Aon Says

The dangers for moviemakers filming outside the United States have declined in more than 30 countries while becoming much worse in nine others, according to an insurance brokerage firm's annual assessment.

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

Calculated on a scale from one to five, the map aggregates these risks and assigns overall ratings. It also identifies those countries that pose significant political risks to filmmaking, such as political violence, instability and civil war.

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

Peter Robey, president of international operations for Aon/Albert G. Ruben, said, "In addition to improvements in economic and political conditions, a number of European countries are developing into attractive film locales.

"Hungary and the Czech Republic are becoming prominent destinations, with the benefits of lower labor rates and picturesque settings. Looking forward, Romania and Bulgaria appear to be making concerted efforts to improve their film-related infrastructures in pushes to attract filmmakers," he added.

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

Other risks include the threat of inclement weather (like hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis) and the hazard of a potential pandemic (such as avian influenza) are everpresent in many areas across the globe. Terrorism is also an ongoing concern in several countries, particularly those in Central Asia, the firm said.

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