The High Stakes and Hidden Challenges of Producing International Events
In 2011, Montgomery Entertainment had the privilege of supporting Netflix in launching its streaming service across Latin America. It wasn’t just a single event; it was a staggered rollout in five countries over just ten days.
Pulling off an international event is already tricky because of all the logistics involved. When you try to do it in a much shorter time, everything gets even more stressful. That’s exactly what we went through and managed to pull off during this crazy, quick launch. So whether you’re looking to take your next event international or just want to know how things work, this blog is for you.
When working internationally, there’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” plan. Every country has its own set of rules, customs, and business norms. For Netflix’s Latin America rollout, our team had to quickly adapt to each new location, understanding local regulations, venue operations, and cultural nuances, while staying on schedule for the next city.
In-Country Challenges
From the outside, it might look like an event producer’s job is all glitz and glamour. In reality, it’s about problem-solving under pressure.
In-country challenges can include:
Navigating Regulations: Every border crossing brought new customs paperwork and import rules.
Corruption Risks: In some countries, corruption is unfortunately part of how things operate. Understanding the legal and ethical lines is crucial.
Safety & Security: Large-scale public events can attract unwanted attention, whether that’s theft, protests, or even kidnapping risks. Security protocols must be airtight.
It’s also crucial to carefully consider timing for an international event. When you’re moving equipment, staging, and teams between countries in rapid succession, timing is everything. A delayed shipment in one city can derail the entire schedule. We worked closely with logistics partners to pre-clear items through customs, plan alternative transport routes, and have contingency gear ready in case something didn’t make it on time.
The Netflix Latin America launch was a masterclass in the art of high-pressure, high-stakes international production. Our team learned and proved that with the right preparation, a strong local network, and a resilient mindset, even the most ambitious global projects can be delivered on time and on point.
At Montgomery Entertainment, these experiences have shaped the way we approach every international event today: anticipate the unexpected, adapt quickly, and never lose sight of the client’s vision.