W12: ‘REFLECTING ON DOCUMENTARY ETHICS’

According to the ethics charter written in the third week, after finishing the film now, I would like to add a few points based on the experience in the process.

1. Building trust is the basis for follow-up work.
2. Ensure the authenticity of the film content.
3. Give the interviewee the utmost respect and freedom.

Before the formal interview, make an appointment with the interviewee in a conference room or other quiet place a few hours in advance. In order to give the interviewee a good first impression, can buy two cups of milk tea or coffee before a meeting, hoping to get closer to the interviewee. Before preparing for work, learn some information about the interviewee, and expressing or understanding during the chat can make the interviewee feel sincere. During the chat, can discuss some interesting topics or past stories to get a deeper understanding of the interviewee. Provide the interviewee with questions about the upcoming interview, asking if there are any inconvenient questions and whether they can turn on the camera to shoot. In my opinion, it is the right of the interviewee whether to answer and take a photo. It is the right of the interviewee to obtain the consent of all participants and to give the interviewee the utmost respect. During this period, establish a trusting relationship with the interviewee. With a sincere attitude, the interviewees have confidence in me and the production of the post-production. Trust can make us get along more comfortably and cooperate smoothly.

Before the official shooting, familiarize with the interviewee in the unfamiliar meeting place and find some ideas. The biggest requirement for the environment of the shooting scene is to be quiet, away from the streets and commercial streets. A quiet environment also allows me and the interviewee to stay focused. However, if shooting outdoor, it is best to keep the natural sound. The mood at the time can be conveyed to the audience through pictures and sounds or background sounds. It is vital to ensure the authenticity of the content of the interview. It must be a story that has happened so that the audience can understand the real information.

For the post-production, it is necessary to consider whether the audience can clearly understand the content expressed in the film without confusion. For interviewees, the final content of the video also needs to obtain the interviewee’s consent and send a copy to avoid editing that makes the interviewee feel uncomfortable or inappropriate.

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