Shadow Company (2006)

Thousands of private soldiers operate in Iraq alone... and many more around the world. These individuals, known as private security contractors, are changing the face of modern warfare ... See full summary »

Directors:

Nick Bicanic, Jason Bourque

Writers:

Nick Bicanic (interview material), Jason Bourque

Stars:

Alan Bell, Phil Lancaster, Madelaine Drohan

4 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Alan Bell	...	Himself - President, Globe Risk
Phil Lancaster	...	Himself - Major [Ret.], Canadian Army
Madelaine Drohan	...	Herself - Author + Journalist
Robert Young Pelton	...	Himself - Author + Adventurer
Peter Singer	...	Himself - Political Analyst
Doug Brooks	...	Himself - Government Lobbyist For Security Companies
Stephen J. Cannell	...	Himself - Producer
Cobus Claassens	...	Himself - Security Contractor
Slavko Ilic	...	Himself - Security Contractor
Neall Ellis	...	Himself - Private Military Contractor
Frances Stonor Saunders	...	Herself - Author + Historian
John F. Mullins	...	Himself - Soldier of Fortune
Eike Kluge	...	Himself - Professor of Ethics
Tasha Bradsell	...	Herself - Journalist
James Ashcroft	...	Himself - Interviewee

Storyline

Thousands of private soldiers operate in Iraq alone... and many more around the world. These individuals, known as private security contractors, are changing the face of modern warfare everyday while their world has remained mystery to those at home. Shadow Company is the groundbreaking investigative feature-length documentary that seeks out and reveals the origins and destinations of these modern-day mercenaries. Who are these security contractors ? What do they do ? Why do they do it ? THE RULES OF WAR HAVE CHANGED. Purpose Films proudly brings you an immersive and visionary look at the private individuals who have changed them in a way that defies typical documentary style.

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Taglines:

The Rules of War have changed.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

March 2006 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Purpose Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Interviewer: Did you ever consider flying helicopter as a civilian? As an alternative career?
Neall Elliss - Interviewee: No.
Interviewer: No?
Neall Elliss - Interviewee: No. There's not enough excitement.
[laughs]
Neall Elliss - Interviewee: You know it's all a game. War is a game... It's the ultimate game. There's nothing to touch it.

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Soundtracks

"Barnowl"
By Caribou

User Reviews

Must see

There's a reason this doc is called "Shadow Company". These people literally operate in the shadows. Little is known by the general populace about the "private security companies" that augment our American military presence in places like Iraq. Before I saw this doc I knew virtually nothing and I consider myself to be a reasonably well informed person. I make a point of keeping up with current events. But it came as complete surprise to me that there are dozens of these private companies, their employees hired to provide security for foreign dignitaries and business executives who operate in war zones. They live the lives of soldiers and put their lives on the line as soldiers do and yet, when one of them dies, who mourns? Who even knows except their own circle of loved ones. This film will open your eyes.