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

Excellent all round

I saw the trailer for this film and having worked in Iraq was intrigued by it and never heard another peep about the film. I did a trawl recently looking for it after a conversation in which I remembered it (thank goodness for youtube as had forgotten name) and then went to the website and bought it.

There is much said about the security world and this really is an incredibly well balanced documentary. It shows the good and the bad, the professionals and the idiots. Mostly it is an incredibly well made film, everything is explained well, the editing is slick, the interviewees are varied and incredibly knowledgeable.

If you want to begin to understand the private security world this is a must see, it is also a must see if you want to try and understand Iraq and its reconstruction.

Well done on such a good production.