Film Set Security for Basecamps, Trucks and Locations
Overnight truck watch, basecamp control and set perimeter security for productions shooting on location.
Productions park hundreds of thousands of dollars in cameras, lenses, lighting and grip gear in trucks on public streets, often overnight. Thieves know it. In 2019, burglars pried their way into a cinematographer's studio in south central Los Angeles and left in about six minutes with more than $100,000 in camera gear, including a Phantom Flex4K.
On location, crews also deal with onlookers wandering onto set, fans around talent trailers, and neighbors frustrated by parking and noise. Security is separate from the police requirements of a permit. In the City of Los Angeles, FilmLA permits call for LAPD officers for street closures, one per travel direction closed and at least two for a full closure, and off duty or retired LAPD officers may be required for other activities. Blackout handles the private side: truck and basecamp watch, set perimeters, talent areas and overnight equipment security.
What we protect against
- Overnight theft from equipment, camera and grip trucks
- Vehicle and trailer break ins at basecamp
- Onlookers and fans entering set or approaching talent
- Catalytic converter and fuel theft from production vehicles and generators
- Neighbor disputes over parking and access near location
What we provide
- Overnight equipment truck and trailer watch
- Basecamp check in and vehicle control
- Set perimeter and lockups during exterior scenes
- Talent trailer and holding area access control
- Neighbor and public interaction with a calm, professional presence
- Shift logs and photo documentation of trucks at each handoff
Rules and requirements
- In the City of Los Angeles, FilmLA guidance states the city requires one LAPD officer per travel direction closed and a minimum of two officers for a full street closure.
- FilmLA notes that off duty or retired LAPD officers may be required depending on the filming location and activities, and that shoots not eligible for the LAFD Spot Check program are assigned a Uniformed Fire Safety Officer for direct set supervision.
General information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements for your license and location.
Example program with more than one officer
Example for a five day location shoot in Los Angeles: one unarmed guard at basecamp during the shooting day from crew call to wrap, one unarmed guard on set perimeter during exterior scenes, and one armed officer watching the camera, grip and electric trucks overnight from wrap to crew call. A mobile patrol unit checks any secondary parking lot every two hours overnight.
Questions we get
Can your guards handle traffic control for our permit?
No. In the City of Los Angeles, FilmLA guidance calls for LAPD officers on street closures, one per travel direction closed and at least two for a full closure. Our officers secure equipment, basecamp and set.
Can you cover overnight truck security on short notice?
Yes. Overnight truck watch is the most common request. Send the location, truck count and wrap and call times.
Do you provide plain clothes officers for talent?
Yes. Off duty or retired law enforcement officers can work in plain clothes around talent trailers and holding.
Which officers fit
Most sites need one officer type. Larger sites and events sometimes use more than one.
Unarmed guards
Primary
Unarmed guards fit overnight truck watch, basecamp check in, set perimeter and crowd control around location.
Armed guards
Common
Armed officers fit overnight coverage of high value camera packages and trucks parked in high theft areas.
Off duty police officers
Common
Off duty or retired law enforcement fits talent and executive protection on set; any police officers your FilmLA permit requires are booked through the permit process, not as private security.
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Where we cover film and tv sets
Not sure what you need? Call or text (909) 927-7001 and talk to the owner directly, or send us a few details.