Interoperability and its role in film production risk management and subsequent safety and security.

In the field of film production safety, we frequently face a range of challenges. These challenges encompass working with diverse crews of varying experience levels and risk tolerances. In addition, language barriers may emerge when crew members lack the required proficiency in the designated operating language. Additionally, our filming locations often lack infrastructure as they are situated in remote areas. Moreover, the script may involve complex scenes involving stunts, special effects, picture vehicles, and weapons, all aimed at creating an awe-inspiring spectacle for our audiences.

 To effectively address these risks, our risk management framework becomes complex. It is influenced by local laws and regulations and guided by the collective expertise of production management and Heads of Departments (HODs). The framework involves an international crew provided by the studio or principal production company and a local crew supplied by the servicing production company in each location. The supporting infrastructure within the respective territories also plays a crucial role. Furthermore, the production team must exercise a duty of care and work within allocated budgets, which adds additional dimensions to the overall risk management approach. It becomes particularly challenging if the standards of the local servicing company do not align with those of the studio or principal production company.

So, how can we effectively manage risks and foster a safe and secure environment across multiple locations, especially when productions take place in different countries? How can a studio establish a framework that consistently delivers on this regardless of location or budget? While this article does not directly answer these questions, allow me to explore the principle of JESIP (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles) and how it could be applied to film production. By aligning with this principle, we can implement an overarching framework that promotes better consistency in risk management, incident management, and crisis management, ultimately contributing to safer productions.

JESIP stands for Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles. It is a framework developed in the United Kingdom to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of emergency services during major incidents or crises. JESIP aims to improve collaboration and communication among the police, fire and rescue services, and ambulance services, enabling them to work together more efficiently and seamlessly.

The principles of JESIP are as follows:

1.   Joint Doctrine: JESIP provides a common doctrine outlining the fundamental principles for joint working during emergencies. It establishes a shared understanding of roles, responsibilities, and procedures across the emergency services.

2.   Scalable Response: JESIP recognises that the response to an incident can vary in scale and complexity. It promotes a flexible approach where the level of joint working and coordination can be scaled up or down based on the requirements of the incident.

3.   Common Terminology: JESIP encourages the use of standardised terminology to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. This ensures that all emergency responders share a common understanding of key concepts, roles, and procedures.

4.   Shared Situational Awareness: JESIP emphasises the importance of developing and maintaining a shared understanding of the incident among all emergency services involved. This involves sharing information, intelligence, and assessments to comprehensively understand the situation.

5.   Gold, Silver, and Bronze Command Structure: JESIP adopts a command structure comprising three levels – Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The Gold Commander oversees the strategic decision-making, the Silver Commander manages the tactical coordination, and the Bronze Commander supervises the operational response at the incident scene.

6.   Interoperability: JESIP promotes interoperability, which means the ability of different emergency services to work together effectively by sharing resources, systems, and information. It emphasises the importance of interoperability in enabling a coordinated and efficient response.

By adhering to these principles, JESIP aims to enhance the overall response to major incidents, reduce duplication of effort, and improve the safety of emergency responders and the public.

While JESIP principles were specifically developed for emergency services during major incidents, some of the core principles can be adapted and applied to crisis management teams in film production. Here’s how these principles can be relevant:

1.   Joint Doctrine: Establishing a shared doctrine and understanding of roles and responsibilities within the crisis management team is essential. This ensures that team members have a common framework for decision-making and coordination during a crisis in film production.

2.   Scalable Response: Film productions can face various types and scales of crises, such as accidents on set, financial issues, or public relations crises. Adapting the response to the specific crisis and its magnitude is crucial. The crisis management team should be prepared to scale their efforts up or down as needed.

3.   Common Terminology: Using standardised terminology within the crisis management team helps to ensure effective communication and understanding among team members. This avoids confusion and streamlines decision-making processes.

4.   Shared Situational Awareness: Developing and maintaining a shared understanding of the crisis situation is vital for effective crisis management. This involves sharing information, assessing the impact of the crisis on different aspects of the film production, and ensuring that all team members have access to the same information.

5.   Command Structure: Implementing a clear command structure within the crisis management team can help streamline decision-making and coordination efforts. Designating individuals to fulfil roles similar to the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Commanders can bring structure to the team’s response.

6.   Interoperability: Encouraging interoperability within the crisis management team involves fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and ensuring effective communication channels between different functional areas, such as production, finance, legal, and public relations.

By adopting these principles, crisis management teams in film production can enhance their ability to respond to crises effectively, minimize disruption, and ensure the safety and well-being of the cast, crew, and stakeholders involved in the production. However, it’s important to tailor and adapt these principles to our industry’s specific needs and characteristics.

Interoperability in risk management, encompassing safety and security, offers significant advantages for film producers operating in multiple locations, including remote areas with varying levels of infrastructure. Producers can enhance their preparedness and response capabilities by aligning with lessons learnt from JESIP (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles) and incorporating interoperability into their overall crisis and risk management plan. Let’s explore the benefits and provide a case study for context:

 Advantages of Interoperability in Risk Management:

1.   Consistent Communication and Coordination: Interoperability enables consistent communication and coordination across multiple locations, regardless of infrastructure variations. By integrating different communication systems and establishing common protocols, producers can ensure effective information exchange, facilitate collaboration between on-site teams, emergency services, and other stakeholders, and enable a cohesive response to incidents or crises.

2.   Improved Situational Awareness: Interoperable risk management systems allow for the collection, integration, and analysis of data from diverse sources, such as surveillance cameras, sensors, and incident reporting platforms. This comprehensive view enhances situational awareness, providing real-time insights into potential risks, security threats, and safety hazards across different locations. It enables proactive decision-making and facilitates the allocation of resources based on accurate risk assessments.

3.   Efficient Resource Allocation: Interoperability streamlines resource allocation, especially in remote locations with varying infrastructure capabilities. By integrating systems and leveraging interoperable technologies, producers can optimise the utilisation of available resources, including personnel, equipment, and emergency services. This ensures that the right resources are deployed promptly to mitigate risks, address incidents, and support the overall safety and security of the production.

4.   Standardised Response Procedures: Interoperability allows for standardising response procedures, aligning with principles learned from JESIP. Producers can ensure a consistent approach to incident management, crisis response, and collaboration with emergency services by establishing common protocols and frameworks. This enhances efficiency, minimises confusion, and enables effective coordination during critical situations across different locations.

Case Study: Incorporating JESIP Principles

Imagine a film production company operating in multiple locations, including remote areas with limited infrastructure. The company incorporates JESIP principles and interoperability into their plan to ensure effective crisis and risk management. They establish the following:

1.   Common Communication Systems: The production company implements interoperable communication systems that are compatible across all locations. This allows for seamless communication and information exchange between production crews, on-site safety officers, and emergency services, regardless of the infrastructure variations.

2.   Integrated Incident Reporting: An interoperable incident reporting platform is deployed, enabling all locations to report incidents, hazards, and near-misses in a standardised format. This centralises incident data and enables analysis to identify trends, improve risk assessments, and implement preventive measures.

3.   Shared Risk Assessments: The production company develops standardised risk assessment protocols aligned with JESIP principles. These assessments consider each location’s unique challenges and infrastructure variations, allowing for tailored risk mitigation strategies. The assessments are regularly reviewed and updated to account for evolving circumstances.

4.   Collaborative Training and Exercises: Regular training sessions and exercises are conducted to familiarise production crews and emergency services with the interoperable systems and response procedures. These activities simulate crisis scenarios, fostering collaboration and enhancing stakeholder coordination. Lessons learned are documented and incorporated into future planning and risk management processes.

 By incorporating JESIP principles and interoperability into their crisis and risk management plan, the film production company ensures consistent communication, improved situational awareness, efficient resource allocation, and standardised response procedures across multiple locations. This enables them to effectively address risks, respond to incidents, and enhance their productions’ overall safety and security, regardless of the infrastructure variations present.

As previously mentioned, multiple factors need to be taken into consideration. However, the concept of interoperability, which involves establishing effective communication, collaboration, and cohesiveness between departments, can foster a risk culture that promotes the management of risks and the establishment of safe and secure environments.