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Set and Location Security

Purpose

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The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to establish protocols for securing sets and filming locations at F7 Studios. This SOP ensures that all sets, assets, equipment, and personnel are protected from unauthorized access, theft, and potential hazards, safeguarding the production environment and minimizing security risks.

 

1. Pre-Production Security Planning

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  1. Site Security Assessment

    • The Producer and Location Manager will conduct a Security Assessment of each filming location prior to production.

    • The assessment will identify potential security risks, including accessibility, lighting, parking, and emergency exits, as well as any need for fencing, barriers, or additional security personnel.

    • Findings from the security assessment will be documented in a Site Security Report and shared with key production personnel.

  2. Security Plan Development

    • Based on the assessment, the Location Manager will develop a Location Security Plan that outlines security measures for entry and exit points, asset storage, personnel access, and emergency procedures.

    • The Security Plan will include details such as:

      • Designated entry and exit points.

      • Key security personnel assignments and shifts.

      • Location of emergency exits, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.

      • Any additional barriers, fencing, or security equipment needed.

  3. Permits and Local Authority Coordination

    • The Producer or Location Manager will obtain necessary permits and coordinate with local authorities to ensure legal compliance and community safety.

    • If required, police presence or additional security personnel may be arranged to manage crowd control or prevent unauthorized access.

 

2. Set and Location Access Control

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  1. Identification and Access Badges

    • All cast, crew, and authorized personnel must wear visible Identification Badges while on set or location.

    • Access levels will be assigned based on personnel roles, with color-coded or labeled badges (e.g., Crew, Cast, Visitor) to denote permissions.

    • Security personnel or designated crew will check IDs at entry points and restrict access to unauthorized individuals.

  2. Controlled Entry and Exit Points

    • Entry and exit points will be clearly marked and monitored by security staff or designated personnel to ensure that only authorized individuals enter the set or location.

    • Security staff will log the entry and exit of all personnel and visitors, keeping a Sign-In/Sign-Out Log at each checkpoint.

    • For high-security areas (e.g., equipment storage, production office), access will be restricted to key personnel only, with additional lock-and-key or access card control.

  3. Visitor Protocols

    • All visitors, including clients, media, or non-production personnel, must be approved in advance by the Producer or Location Manager.

    • Visitors must sign in upon arrival, receive a Visitor Badge, and be escorted by an authorized crew member at all times.

    • The Location Manager or designated crew member will brief visitors on safety and security protocols, including restricted areas.

 

3. Equipment and Asset Security

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  1. On-Set Asset Management

    • The Props Master, Equipment Manager, and other department heads will be responsible for securing and tracking all assets on set, including props, costumes, and high-value equipment.

    • All equipment and props not in immediate use will be stored in a designated Secured Storage Area, with locks or additional security measures as necessary.

  2. Daily Equipment Check-In and Check-Out

    • Each day, equipment will be checked out and logged by the Equipment Manager, who will keep a Daily Asset Log detailing item condition and assigned user.

    • Upon wrap, all equipment will be returned to storage, checked for damage, and logged back in to verify completeness and condition.

    • High-value or sensitive equipment will be secured in lockable cases or storage rooms when not in use.

  3. Transport and Security of Valuable Equipment

    • For off-site locations, all valuable equipment will be transported in locked, padded cases with security seals.

    • The Equipment Manager will supervise loading and unloading, and security personnel may be required for transport, particularly for remote or public locations.

 

4. Perimeter and Set Security

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  1. Perimeter Control and Fencing

    • The Location Manager will establish secure perimeters around outdoor sets or locations as needed, using temporary fencing or barriers to restrict access.

    • For public or high-traffic areas, additional fencing or barricades may be set up, and security personnel will be positioned along the perimeter to monitor unauthorized access attempts.

  2. Security Personnel Deployment

    • Security personnel will be stationed at entry points, near high-value assets, and in vulnerable areas of the set or location.

    • The Location Manager will assign shifts and rotation schedules to ensure continuous security presence and prevent fatigue among security personnel.

    • For large or remote locations, security patrols will periodically check for breaches, equipment safety, and unauthorized visitors.

  3. Lighting for Night Shoots and Security Cameras

    • Adequate lighting will be set up around the perimeter and key areas for night shoots, improving visibility and reducing security risks.

    • Security cameras may be deployed to monitor high-risk areas, especially for night shoots or when expensive equipment is stored on location overnight.

    • Security camera footage will be monitored in real-time by designated personnel, and recorded footage will be stored securely for reference.

 

5. Emergency and Incident Response

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  1. Emergency Contact Information and Procedures

    • The Location Manager will provide a list of Emergency Contacts, including local police, fire departments, and emergency medical services, accessible to all crew members and security staff.

    • Emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points, and first aid locations, will be reviewed during daily briefings.

    • Security personnel and the AD will coordinate emergency response efforts if any safety or security incidents occur on set.

  2. Incident Reporting and Documentation

    • All security incidents, including unauthorized access, theft, or damage, must be reported immediately to the Producer and documented by security personnel.

    • An Incident Report will be completed for each incident, detailing:

      • Date, time, and location of the incident.

      • Individuals involved or impacted.

      • Description of the event and security response.

      • Any necessary follow-up actions or preventive measures.

    • Incident reports will be reviewed by the Producer and Location Manager to assess security measures and improve future protocols.

  3. Emergency Drills and Security Briefings

    • Regular security and emergency response drills will be conducted for all cast and crew, especially for larger productions or remote locations.

    • Security briefings will be held at the start of each day to inform the cast and crew of security procedures, emergency contacts, and specific risks associated with the day’s location or activities.

 

6. End-of-Day Security Procedures

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  1. Daily Security Sweep and Lock-Up

    • At the end of each production day, the Location Manager and security personnel will conduct a Final Security Sweep of the location, ensuring that all assets are accounted for, and no unauthorized individuals remain on set.

    • All high-value equipment, props, and other assets will be securely stored in lockable cases or storage rooms, and access will be restricted to authorized personnel.

  2. Securing the Perimeter and Entry Points

    • Security personnel will check and secure all entry and exit points, ensuring that locks, barriers, and alarms are set for overnight protection.

    • For off-site locations, temporary security may be arranged to monitor the site overnight, especially if equipment or set pieces are left on location.

  3. Daily Security Report and Asset Log

    • Security personnel will complete a Daily Security Report summarizing any incidents, visitor logs, equipment logs, and end-of-day checks.

    • The Daily Security Report and Asset Log will be submitted to the Producer and Location Manager, documenting any issues and ensuring accountability for all assets.

 

7. Post-Production Security and Wrap-Up

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  1. Final Asset Inventory and Check-Out

    • Upon project completion, the Props Master, Equipment Manager, and Location Manager will conduct a Final Asset Inventory to ensure all items are accounted for and in good condition.

    • Rented or borrowed assets will be returned to suppliers, with receipts and final condition reports documented in the project’s asset management files.

  2. Set Breakdown and Disposal of Temporary Security Measures

    • The Location Manager will coordinate set breakdown and removal of temporary security measures, including fencing, barricades, and lighting.

    • All rented security equipment, such as security cameras or additional lighting, will be returned to suppliers.

  3. Post-Production Security Debrief and Improvement Review

    • The Producer, Location Manager, and security personnel will conduct a Post-Production Security Review to assess the effectiveness of security measures and document lessons learned.

    • Feedback from the review will be incorporated into future security planning and procedures to improve on-set and location security practices.

 

8. Documentation and Record Keeping

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  1. Security Documentation Archive

    • All security-related documentation, including the Site Security Report, Incident Reports, Daily Security Reports, and Asset Logs, will be stored in F7 Studios’ document management system.

    • Each document will follow the naming convention: ProjectName_SecurityDocument_Date.

  2. Record Retention

    • Security records will be retained for a minimum of seven years for compliance, reference, and potential vendor or location verification.

  3. Annual SOP Review and Update

    • The Set and Location Security SOP will be reviewed annually by the Producer, Location Manager, and security team to incorporate feedback, update protocols, and ensure alignment with industry standards.

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