Intermediate level · Module 4: Interview and Documentary Editing · Lesson 3 of 3
Ethical Documentary Editing
Keep edits truthful and respect the people filmed.
In this lesson you will
- Preserve meaning when editing speech
- Protect participants' dignity and safety
Key concepts
truthful editingcontextdignitysafety and anonymity
The lesson
Edited quotes must keep the speaker's meaning; check them against the full transcript.
Show people with dignity, not only as victims; avoid images that shame or stereotype.
Protect participants at risk by blurring faces, changing names or not filming, and honour withdrawals of consent.
Step by step
- Check every edited quote against the transcript.
- Review images for dignity.
- Identify participants needing protection.
- Apply protections.
Practice activity
Complete an ethics review of the profile video.
Expected result: A video with meaning preserved and participants protected.
Check your understanding
-
How do you check an edited quote is fair?
Show answer
Compare it with the full transcript.
-
How can at-risk participants be protected?
Show answer
Blur faces, change names or not film them.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.