“Ethics in Making a Documentary,”

“Ethics in Making a Documentary,”discusses how producers of a documentary need to take the subjects filmed into consideration. As he explains, often times people willingly agree to appear on camera, without the use of signed release papers. Although there are laws that help others keep their unwanted footage released, many times these things go unnoticed. Born into Brothels can easily relate to this topic. It is highly likely that everyone shot in the documentary, which is now seen by thousands of people, signed a form a consent to be filmed and released to the public. However, how could you produce a successful documentary about the lives of people in the Red Light District without capturing it in full effect?

Although in some cases it is necessary for the producer to get the footage you need without taking into consideration the subjects filmed, many times it just seems unethical. Had the parents of the children not wanted to be filmed, it is likely they would have had little say in it regardless. However, if they did not want to be filmed, you would think they would simply keep quiet. Perhaps they were not informed on the plan of posting the film to the public. Overall, although there are some instances the producers are wrong in releasing their footage without consent, the author of this article correctly explains that in many cases, the blame should be on the subjects for speaking to the camera in the first place.