My ethics charter was rather brief I’ll admit. I guess I was more or less under the impression that following the general rules of humanity would probably suffice – to be respectful, courteous and kind. However, after completing this project I would like to add the following:

1. Respect the participants autonomy
2. Film only with the intention of telling the participants truth
3. Protect the participant from discomfort and harm

I think the participant/s must feel as though they have the ability to leave the project if they no longer feel like it is in their best interest, particularly if its not a compensated role. Understanding as media practitioners, that people have their own lives and worlds outside of your project so you cannot fault them if it no long aligns with them.  In the same light, ensuring the participant feels as though their stories are safe in your hands and won’t be outrageously edited to fit your own narrative or view that you may be trying to persuade viewers towards.

Documentary filming involves the exploration of people’s experiences and investigates people’s feelings, beliefs, way of life and the meanings attached to these. It’s because of this that we, as media practitioners, must ensure that the power relation between interviewer and interviewee remains equal and that we understand that the “photographic image contains a power that we should not underestimate” (Jørgensen 2017, p. 15). Jørgensen (2017) also argues that we must be aware of our responsibility to ensure there are no detrimental effects, for the participants who are filmed, once the film is released and we are communicative if we think they risk making a fool of themselves. Although, I think on a larger scale, Jørgensen may be referring to an interviewees ideas or opinions being misconstrued by public perception as we’ve seen quite a lot of late with ‘cancel culture’, I still took a moment to reflect on my own project and what pieces could have represented Caitlin in a less favourable light or made her uncomfortable. Nothing made the final cut but I certainly had some footage that she may not have appreciated.  I only reflect on this because I had included some in my very first edit as I was trying to create this ‘goofy, cheeky character’ but ultimately decided that I didn’t need anything overly performative to show this as she naturally holds this presence. I suppose this in itself has protected my participant from be uncomfortable with the final project.

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