A TF1 report (2024) by Michel Scott and Antoine Pocry on the customary wars that are still fought, and still deadly, between clans in Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea Fixer obtained the filming permits and organised the shoot.
By Marc Dozier · Updated November 2026
For a special segment of its evening news on little-known conflicts, TF1 sent reporters Michel Scott and Antoine Pocry deep into the rainforest of the Highlands, an area that is very difficult to reach. Their subject: tribal fighting, the customary wars between clans that still cost lives today. It is a sensitive subject that needs the agreement of the authorities and of the communities, and a crew that can adapt to the situation on the ground.
The report was broadcast by TF1 and published on the TF1 INFO YouTube channel in its Grands Reportages series on 3 May 2024.
Several months to obtain the permits
Papua New Guinea Fixer handled all the permit applications. A report on such a sensitive subject involves several authorities, and each application takes time to process. It took several months to obtain all the authorisations, and the shoot was rescheduled accordingly.
Another experienced fixer on the ground
Marc Dozier could not travel with the crew as planned, so he arranged for another experienced fixer to accompany the reporters throughout the shoot. The organisation remained with Papua New Guinea Fixer.
The shoot went well. It was completed faster than planned, and the crew returned home earlier than scheduled.
What producers can take from it
- Start early on sensitive subjects. Permits for conflict areas can take months. Apply well before the planned dates.
- Stay in touch with the authorities. Applications go through several offices. Regular, courteous follow-up helps them move forward.
- Keep a back-up. If the planned fixer becomes unavailable, an experienced replacement keeps the shoot on schedule.
The report
| Title | Papouasie : les derniers peuples guerriers (Grands Reportages) |
| Broadcaster | TF1, evening news (2024) · TF1 INFO on YouTube, 3 May 2024 |
| Reporters | Michel Scott and Antoine Pocry |
| Filmed | 2024, Highlands |
| Our role | Filming permits · organisation of the shoot · fixer on the ground |
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We handle the permits, the follow-up with the authorities and the crew on the ground.