Ethics of film production

Ethics of Film Production

It goes without saying that film producers owe a certain level of responsibility to not only those being filmed but also to the audience. During production, a number of key considerations should ideally be taken into account in regard to how the film will impact on those who happen to be part of it i.e. during its production, those who will view it on release as well as any other pre and post production stakeholders. Hence during filmmaking, producers owe all these constituencies a responsibility. In this text, I concern myself with the ethics of film production. In so doing, I will also shine a spotlight on both copyright and legal issues.

Ethics of Film Production

According to Barbash and Taylor, "ethical issues are rarely discussed in film production manuals" (48). This in the authors' opinion is largely as a result of the discomfort ethical issues occasion on most individuals mainly because such issues require a clear distinction between that which is considered wrong and that which is considered right. To begin with, film producers should ideally take into consideration the impact the film has on those being filmed. This is more so the case when it comes to documentary film making. In this case, the individuals being filmed expose their private lives to a significant level of scrutiny and hence in such a case, the producer should take into consideration the impact the film has on such individuals. Further, closely related to this, producers have the responsibility to ensure that actors are protected from any harm (either physical or in terms of reputation). This calls for a delicate balancing act between the interests of actors and the film's intended message as well as authenticity. Hence as producers seek to make a film more authentic and compelling, they should take into consideration both the personal dignity and the social rights of the actors and other subjects. Further, those making appearances in the documentary or film must be fully briefed on the true purpose of the production. From an ethical perspective, such appearances must also emanate from the well-informed consent of the participants.

According to Roberts-Breslin, the ethical treatment participants are given during the movie making initiative "extends beyond a signed release form" (21). The author also notes that a whole new set of ethical concerns have come to the fore as a result of the various digital image and sound manipulation possibilities today. For instance, recent technological advancements have made it possible to create events whose existence is largely digitized by simply manipulating backgrounds and characteristics of a physical nature. Ethical considerations in this case could include whether it is indeed right or wrong to use such technological advancements to manipulate reality.

It is also important to note that as Roberts-Breslin notes, "issues of law, ethics, courtesy, and common practice vary widely and are determined by cultural practice and political policy" (22). Thus film producers should keep in mind that the films or documentaries they produce are viewed by audiences whose cultures significantly differ from those of their own. With that in mind, the message the film intends to put across might be perceived differently given the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of the film's audience. It should be noted that ethical responsibility in this case does not mean that the producer should censor his or her opinions and intentions. Instead, ethical responsibility means that the producer ought to take into consideration the diverse views, backgrounds as well as beliefs of the film's intended audience. Further, closely related to this is the influence the film has on the audience. Here, producers should keep in mind that by dint of producing films and documentaries with a large public audience, they happen to be in an advantaged position of influence from where they can shape, distort or even change the public perceptions of issues.

Next, a film producer should also be aware of a number of legal issues which in one way or the other relate to the nature and conduct of his work. Legal issues are closely related to ethical issues. For instance, in this case, producers should ensure that their work does not defame an individual's character. Further, permission should always be sought when using the media production, creative work, ideas or even image of another individual. Seeking permission to utilize the works of others is not only a requirement of the law but it is also the right step to take from an ethical perspective. Other legal issues which also border on ethical considerations include the preservation of animal rights. For instance, any animal in the film should not be made to suffer unnecessarily. In most countries, cruelty to animals during filmmaking is illegal.