Showsec hits right notes at MTV Europe Music Awards

16 Nov 09

Showsec supplied ten managers whose expertise ensured the professional implementation of complex event security plans for the 16th Annual MTV European Music Awards, held in Berlin on 5 November.

By Brian Sims

532 million households tuned in across the world to see the evening’s events unfold. Hostess Katy Perry dazzled audiences with her array of costumes as the MTV EMA’s lived up to their glamorous reputation.

Beyoncé, Jay Z, Shakira, Green Day and Tokio Hotel all added style and substance, performing live in Berlin’s 02 World, while U2 played a live set to an additional 10,000 fans at the Brandenburg Gate.

Commented Jane Fraser, co-executive producer of the event: “So many elements come into play when considering security for an event of the scale of the MTV Europe Music Awards - from forward-planning and preparation through to the understanding of stakeholder concerns to venue, production and local authority liaison.”

Fraser added: “Showsec brought such a wealth of experience to the EMAs that I knew all of these areas – and more – were under control, and this was critical to the well-being of the show. It was a pleasure working with them.”

Planning the complex security policy

Showsec director Simon Battersby is the perennial head of security for the event, and began planning months in advance, but it was in the final weeks that intense attention to detail was required to implement the complex security policy.

Accompanied by nine of Showsec’s respected UK management team, Battersby oversaw a multi-facetted awards security operation that involved co-ordinating red carpet arrivals, backstage areas, dressing rooms, outside broadcasts, Front of House operations, talent hotels, international media and after-show parties along with the U2 show at what is a sensitive site.

Each team member took their own element, making sure each department was managed to the level expected at a global media event.

Battersby explained: “My role was one of co-ordinating all the security elements of the events taking place across Berlin that week on behalf of the EMA show producers, managing and liaising with local agencies as well as internal departments at MTV and also with the US parent organisation.”

Maintaining effective communications

There were a huge number of stakeholders with their own aims and objectives, so it was vital Showsec selected the best suited local security providers and maintained effective communications with the local police and authorities.

Battersby continued: “As always with the EMAs, the show demands huge flexibility by the host venue, operating the building in configurations that are completely different to that of a standard show format, and often contrary to its design. The O2 World in Berlin was the main awards venue, and while only 12 months old, the AEG management team were extremely supportive, professional and versatile to our needs.”

Obtaining permissions for the Brandenburg Gate performance required particularly sensitive communications, taking place four days in advance of the commemorations to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

“Preparations for that event meant that we couldn’t use the normal event site on the West side of the gate, so we located the show on the East of the gate on the Pariser Platz,” added Battersby. “That meant creating a free ticketed area for 10,000 fans, with an additional viewing area housing screens for an unknown number fans who could turn up.”

A special time for all Berliners

As with any city centre free ticketed concert type performance, this involved careful planning with the police, the local promoter and consideration of residents that included the American, French and British embassies, hotels and banks.

“It was a privilege to work with the MTV organisers once again,” said Battersby. “Year on year, we build upon an already strong relationship with the show.”

He concluded: “It was particularly special to be in Berlin at the time of the celebrations of the fall of the Berlin Wall, working with and listening to the experiences of Berliners who were recalling their own personal stories of living in a divided city and country. It was fascinating to find out what the events of 9 November 1989 meant for them, and how the demise of communism affected their lives.”