Every security company in Los Angeles from Beverly Hills to Hidden Hills and from Hollywood to Santa Monica claims they are a one stop vendor for all things security, including production security. Fox studios, Sony studios, Universal studios, Warner Brothers, Disney, Culver Studios, Marvel Studios, etc… The fact is, movie security, red carpet security, commercial security, production security and entertainment security are highly specialized services and depending on the time, location, difficulties and purpose, can vary as much as the kind of security guards working it.
Production security is unique in that clients expect a one time influx of high quality, personable and professional security staff to operate as a well oiled machine, often at locations they have little or no familiarity with. Add in access control,, VIP and list management, extras, and other production difficulties and you’ve got a powder keg of volatile circumstances ready to cause all sorts of issues.
When contracting a security company for productions, clients in California must make sure the company they work with is a Private Patrol Operator licensed by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, and maintains both general liability and workers compensation coverage. In addition, the contractor needs security management experience in the entertainment industry managing similar operations and can provide the necessary equipment including uniforms, radios, metal detectors and first aid kits. Clients should be assured management will do a pre-production walk through or a minimum, be confident with their ability to develop a security plan onsite in real time.
A standard contract limits the liability of the security company to their staff’s negligence, however for an individual or uninsured promotion, a quality security may offer additional insured, waiver of subrogation and primary wording at an additional cost. These insurance designations add extra layers of protection to the person or business contracting the services.
Lastly, stay on top of your security contractor and make sure they are doing the job they have been hired for. Many companies hire poor quality and underpaid guards resulting in less than desirable services. Make sure your staff has presentable guards that show up for work on time and do the job to the best of their ability. Clients shouldn’t be afraid to address concerns to the site supervisor, but understand he or she is the experienced security professional and should have a reason for doing things a particular way.
AEGIS Private Security has extensive experience in production security and management. From Hollywood and Culver City to Santa Monica, Burbank, Universal City and Downtown Los Angeles, we are proud to say we have a spotless record free of any major issues providing contracted security services to our clients.
