Beyond the lens: our ethical compass
At thewaitingroom, our commitment to ethical filmmaking is paramount. These guidelines ensure that every story we tell is crafted with respect, dignity, and the well-being of our subjects at its core. Join us in understanding our dedication to responsible storytelling.
Care at the heart of our craft
These 'Ethical Filming Guidelines' are designed for our production crew and valued supporters to understand that The Waiting Room documentary adheres to the highest ethical standards when filming vulnerable subjects. We believe that the care and well-being of our film subjects must always be at the center of our process. These protocols guide every stage of our documentary production, ensuring a respectful and non-extractive approach.
Some Useful Resources
Documentary Producers Alliance (DPA)
The DPA is an international coalition of producers that sets professional standards for the industry. The Ethics Resource Library (ERL) is a comprehensive database of articles, toolkits, and guidelines.
International Documentary Association (IDA)
The IDA is the world’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting documentary culture. Their Ethics & Integrity resource section includes deep dives into filmmaker-subject relationships and the "do no harm" principle.
Trauma Informed Filming: Ethical Documentary Productio A methodolody developed by Antworks Studio
Ethics and Documentary Making - a guide from the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland
Honest Truths: Documentary Filmmakers on Ethical Challenges in Their Work published by The Centre for Media and Social Impact. Provides a "map" of ethical challenges, specifically focusing on the relationship between filmmakers and vulnerable subjects
Beyond extraction: a promise of protection
After reading these guidelines, we want every visitor to understand one key principle: THe Waiting Room is not about extractive documentary filmmaking where subjects are exploited for their stories. Instead, our film will take the utmost care to protect everyone involved, ensuring their voices are heard authentically and respectfully. We are committed to creating a documentary that informs, moves, and empowers, without ever compromising the trust placed in us.