Film and TV Set Security Course: Lessons 2026

Lesson 1: Your role on a production

Film and TV crews work long days in streets, homes, parks and studios. Security guards protect the set, the trucks and gear, and the people working there. You also help the production keep good relations with the neighbours.

Words you will hear

On location, you usually take direction from the location department. In Toronto, a copy of the filming permit must be on location at all times with the location department. Ask to see it so you know what the production is allowed to do.

Ontario's film safety guidelines say the 1st Assistant Director should share the safety and emergency plan with cast and crew, for example at a tailgate meeting or on the call sheet. Learn the plan, the address of the location and where the first aid is.

Licences

Film security is security work, so you need the licence your province requires. B.C. says you need a security worker licence to do security work there. Alberta requires approved basic security training before it issues a licence. Ontario guards must carry their licence and show it on request. Ontario has one special rule: an out-of-province bodyguard serving the film and TV industry does not need an Ontario licence if they hold a valid licence from another jurisdiction.

Lesson 2: Permits, the public and the neighbours

A film permit lets a production use a place. It does not give the crew or security power over the public. Toronto's filming guidelines say residents, business patrons and the public must keep pedestrian and vehicle access to the properties around a location.

Rules from Toronto's guidelines and code of conduct

• Written notice goes to affected residents and businesses at least 48 hours before the crew first arrives.
• Filming normally takes place between 7 am and 11 pm, unless most surveyed residents agree to other hours.
• Crews must never obstruct pedestrian traffic and must channel cables so people can pass.
• Only the Film Office can approve short traffic stoppages, up to three minutes unless otherwise negotiated, supervised by a paid duty police officer.
• Do not block or park in driveways without the owner's express permission.
• Moving or towing anyone's vehicle needs the owner's express permission. Towing to make room for filming is not allowed.
• Production vehicles are not permitted to idle at any time.
• Crews stay within the permitted property and do not trespass on neighbours' property.

If a person on a public sidewalk does not want to wait for a take, let them pass safely and tell the location department. Ask politely; never touch or block people. People may also watch and take photos from public property. You have no power to take a phone or make someone delete a photo.

Lesson 3: Guarding the set, base camp and gear

Film gear is costly and easy to carry off. Trucks, trailers and cables often sit on the street overnight, so many guards work nights at base camp or on a set left dressed for the next day.

Access control

• Crew members wear a production pass (badge) when the location requires it. Check passes at the entry points you are given.
• Guests and pets are not allowed unless the production company has authorized them in advance.
• Under Toronto's code of conduct, alcohol is not permitted at any time on any set or location.
• Keep a log of deliveries, visitors and the times you see people come and go.

Patrol checklist for base camp

• Truck and trailer doors locked, and lift gates up
• Generators and fuel areas clear of rubbish and people
• Cables still covered where people walk
• No vehicles idling, and driveways and hydrants clear
• Set dressing and props where the crew left them

If you see a theft, observe and report first. Under section 494(2) of the Criminal Code, the owner, a person in lawful possession of property, or a person they authorize may arrest someone found committing a criminal offence on or in relation to that property. Under section 494(3), anyone who is not a peace officer and arrests without a warrant must deliver the person to a peace officer right away. Follow your company's policy, which may tell you to call police instead.

Lesson 4: Special effects, prop weapons and drones

Explosions, gunfire, fire and stunts need special permits and trained people. Your job is to keep people out of danger zones when told and report problems. You never handle effects or weapons.

Prop weapons

Toronto's film office warns that prop guns can be mistaken for real firearms by the public. Toronto requires paid duty police on set for prop guns the public can see, and for pyrotechnics or simulated gunfire. Residents should be told in advance about loud noises such as special effects and simulated gunfire.

Ontario's film safety guidelines say all weapons on a set should be in the care and charge of the designated weapons handler, who holds the licences the Firearms Act requires. The handler keeps a daily inventory and locks up guns that are not needed. If you find a weapon lying around, do not touch it. Keep people away and call the weapons handler.

Crews may not borrow or use real police uniforms or equipment without prior permission from Toronto Police.

Pyrotechnics and fire

Natural Resources Canada says special effect pyrotechnics are for professionals who hold a Fireworks Operator Certificate and are at least 18. In Toronto, the fire department must be told in advance about flammable materials, and qualified paramedics must be on set for dangerous work such as stunts.

Drones

Drones are regulated by Transport Canada. A drone under 250 grams does not need to be registered and its pilot needs no certificate, but the pilot must still fly safely and stay away from emergency sites. Larger drones have more rules. If an unknown drone hovers over the set, do not try to bring it down. Note the time, where it went and where the pilot is, if you can see them, and tell your supervisor.

Lesson 5: Fans, trespassers and emergencies

Well-known actors draw crowds. Most fans are friendly. Stay calm, smile and give clear directions. Keep paths and exits open, and keep fans away from cables, trucks and effects areas.

Private property

When a production rents a home or business, the occupier can give the production control of that space. Under Ontario's Trespass to Property Act, a person who refuses to leave when asked by the occupier or a person they authorize commits an offence. Give clear notice, ask once more, and call police if they still refuse. Do not use force to remove anyone.

Stalking and threats

Section 264 of the Criminal Code makes criminal harassment an offence when the conduct could reasonably be expected to make a person believe that their safety, or the safety of someone they know, is threatened. The conduct includes:

• Repeatedly following a person from place to place
• Monitoring their location, movements or contacts
• Repeatedly contacting them, directly or through others
• Watching the place where they live, work or happen to be
• Threatening conduct toward them or people they know

If you see the same person at several locations, or someone follows a cast member's car, write down what you see and tell your supervisor. Police decide whether to lay a charge.

Emergencies

1. Call 911 and give the exact address from the call sheet.
2. Tell the 1st Assistant Director or your supervisor.
3. Keep paths clear for police, fire and paramedics.
4. Meet responders and lead them to the scene.
5. Write your report as soon as you can.