World is a safer place for filmmaking: Aon

Conditions for filmmakers have become less risky in many countries across the globe, according to research by Aon/Albert G. Ruben, the entertainment risk brokerage arm of Aon Corp.

In its "2007 Risks in Global Filmmaking Map", the broker measures the threats of crime and corruption, terrorism, kidnap and ransom, disease and substandard medical care, and assigns countries a rating according to these factors.

The broker said that in 37 of 207 countries measured, the overall risk for filmmakers in those locations has decreased in 2007, compared with 2006.

Europe remains a popular and stable location for filmmakers, according to the broker.

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 labor rates and picturesque settings," said Peter Robey, president of international operations for Aon/Albert G. Ruben, in a statement.

Looking forward, Romania and Bulgaria appear to be making concerted efforts to improve their film-related infrastructures in pushes to attract filmmakers," he added.

Risks in nine countries increased, according to the broker, mainly because of crime, political instability or terrorism concerns. Those countries were: Croatia, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Tajikistan.