Economic and political situations in a number of countries across the globe have created a more favourable environment for filmmakers seeking to film abroad, according to Aon/Albert G. Ruben.
The 2007 Risks in Global Filmmaking Map measures the threats of crime and corruption, terrorism, kidnap and ransom, disease and substandard medical care. 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.
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.
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 was also an ongoing concern in several countries, particularly those in Central Asia, the report said.
