When Globomedia, Spain's leading producer of TV dramas and comedies, began expanding its facilities outside Madrid from one building to three in 2000, it found itself vulnerable to increased security problems, such as the attempted theft of building materials.
After Securitas conducted a thorough review of Globomedia's security needs and a demonstration of how Securitas systems work, this company decided to go for a combined solution of systems and static guards in order to tighten the surveillance of the perimeter and the interior of all the buildings.
Combining people and technology
The perimeter of Globomedia's facilities, which are now 7,000 sq. m. (75,000 sq. ft.), is now controlled by two types of anti-intrusion alarms: infra-red sensors and microphonic cables. The latter are sensitive to movement and are installed in fences. Several cameras are also placed in strategic locations.
The entire system is monitored centrally by Securitas security officers at the main entrance. Using a software program called Securitas On Line (SOL), the team can see a complete map of the premises on the computer, check the status of the alarms, activate them, de-activate them or control the cameras, many of which are mobile. Having an integrated platform, SOL consists of several components: intrusion control, access control, visitor control and functions to communicate with other places such as the Fire Central via GSM, telephone lines and data lines.
Currently, there are a total of 11 security guards on rotating shifts, who typically perform patrolling duties inside and outside the buildings. During filming, when many visitors enter the premises, the team is able to increase the number of guards.
From divas to delivery boys
The security officers control the access of all visitors, and there is an emphasis on courtesy. "We interact with many different types of people, from young delivery boys to entertainment divas and government ministers and we need to know how to deal with all of them in a courteous way," says Antonio Duque, one of the team leaders of the Globomedia security team.
Accompanying members of the public is another of the officers' principal tasks. They guide spectators to the sets and remain with them during the breaks. During filming, they have to make sure that the public is calm and that the emergency exits are unobstructed. Another task is to safeguard the equipment used during the filming. The security team, which knows every inch of the premises, also protects the mobile units that are used for filming on locations outside of the premises and perform additional duties, including adjusting the heating system in winter, and emergency maintenance jobs when something breaks down in the building.
In Globomedia’s view, the security officers are there to solve problems. That is why they have always looked for the type of security guard who can meet demands without causing unnecessary tension. The security needs of Globomedia are being successfully met at present, but the company is always looking into the future.
According to Antonio Cediel, Securitas Area Manager for Central Spain, the company's long-term objective is to implement a security solution with active security during the day and a "super security system" accompanied by rounds during the night. By "super security system," he means that no static guards would be necessary at night because security is handled by the combination of systems and beat patrols.
The understanding between Globomedia and Securitas has remained strong since the very beginning and is the key to providing a service that has continuously adapted to the needs of the client.