Released on: December 4, 2007, 11:17 pm

Press Release Author: Alexandra Lewis

Industry:

Press Release Summary: Economic and political situations in a number of countries
across the globe have created a slightly more favourable environment for filmmakers
seeking to film abroad, according to the 2007 Risks in Global Filmmaking Map
produced by Aon/Albert G. Ruben, the world's number one entertainment risk broker.


Press Release Body: Economic and political situations in a number of countries
across the globe have created a slightly more favourable environment for filmmakers
seeking to film abroad, according to the 2007 Risks in Global Filmmaking Map
produced by Aon/Albert G. Ruben, the world's number one entertainment risk broker.

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. The UK's rating, which has remained on a par, coincides
with its increasing attractiveness as a film location and investment in production
in the UK in 2006 increased considerably compared to 2005.

Europe remains a very popular and stable location. This is an additional boost for
the British film industry, which provides most of the crews and talent. In
addition, the UK's more sophisticated insurance culture compared to some emerging
European countries means that crew tend to receive higher levels of cover and have a
stronger focus on health and safety to help prevent potential claims or interruption
to filming.

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
labour 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."

Worldwide, risk in nine countries, including Croatia, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua,
Niger, Nigeria, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan, increased over the year due
mostly to crime, political instability or terrorism concerns. Specifically, Nepal's
political environment continues to deteriorate due to a conflict between the royal
family and Maoist insurgents; crime continues to grow in Nicaragua; Niger faces
serious issues concerning crime, disease and health care; Nigeria continues to be
plagued with high crime and kidnappings; Sri Lanka is on the brink of full military
conflict after a failed truce with the Tamil Tigers; and Tajikistan faces a high
risk of terrorism from Islamic extremists.

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

Peter continued: "While considering the risk rating for your location of choice,
filmmakers need to remain committed to good risk management. For example, common
claims for actor illnesses or fire damage to a set create costly disruptions by
delaying the production timeline. As a result, cover for business interruption is
not an option, but a necessity."

The map also raises issues of the knock-on effect to the UK's small and medium sized
businesses involved in film production, ranging from lighting specialists to make-up
artists. Rebecca Dalgetty, leader of Aon's entertainment & media team, commented:
"When embarking on an overseas film, the majority of SMEs will already have the
cover in place for working outside the UK on a temporary basis. However, companies
should still inform their insurer or broker of their destination to enable them to
check the country's legislation in accordance with the policy. We also advise
checking the Foreign Office website for potential hazards, while double-checking
their cover.

"Freelancers and sole traders tend to be most concerned about cover for taking their
equipment or kit abroad. An annual policy in place can easily be extended, as can
employers and public liability cover for production companies. However, they must
bear in mind that a basic employers liability policy will not provide indemnity to
the business for anyone they employ locally."

The map was created by Aon risk experts who measured global risks specific to
filmmaking by compiling data from a variety of sources, including the US Bureau of
Consular Affairs, Overseas Security Advisory Council, Diplomatic Security Services,
Central Intelligence Agency personnel and publications, US Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, World Health Organisation and other sources.

Aon/Albert G. Ruben's risk experts regularly measure the global landscape and
provide risk updates for filmmakers throughout the year. Register to receive these
updates and a copy of the 2007 Risks in Global Filmmaking Map.

Notes to editors:

Peter Robey - president of international operations, Aon/Albert G. Ruben:

Peter has more than 36 years experience insuring entertainment risks throughout the
world. He has worked with every major Hollywood studio on filming exposures in
Europe and abroad. Peter's main focus is client service and sharing his expertise
with Aon/Albert G. Ruben clients.high
value home insurance

Peter has given lectures on all aspects of entertainment insurance at leading
industry events including the British Film & TV School, International Bar
Association and the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS).

Aon UK is ranked by A.M. Best as the number one global insurance brokerage based on
brokerage revenues and voted best insurance intermediary, offering classic car
insurance, high
value home insurance, entertainment and media liability insurance and
construction insurance.


Web Site: http://www.privateclients.aon.co.uk/privateclients/microsites/household/

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