New 2024 Guide:
'Best Practices for Use of Generative AI in Documentaries' by the Archival Producers Alliance

Generative AI (GenAI) is transforming the documentary landscape, offering powerful tools for creativity—while also raising serious ethical and legal challenges.

To address these concerns, the Archival Producers Alliance (APA) has released a crucial new guide: Best Practices for Use of Generative AI in Documentaries (PDF)—published in September 2024.

Why This Guide Matters:

The guide was developed in response to growing unease among producers over the increasing use of GenAI in documentary films.

A draft of the guidelines was first presented at the IDA’s Getting Reel Conference in April 2024 and incorporates insights from industry experts at Stanford University, MIT Media Lab, PBS, UCLA Law Clinic and many others. 

Endorsed by organizations such as the International Documentary Association, Alliance of Documentary Editors, Kartemquin Films and Documentary Producers Alliance this guide has become an essential resource.

The easy-to-read guide (just 8 pages) covers the most critical issues with AI facing documentary filmmakers today.

What the Guide Covers:

• Ethical Considerations: How to use GenAI responsibly without compromising your film’s integrity.
  
  
• Transparency: Maintaining your audience's trust when incorporating AI-generated content.
  
  
• Legal Risks: Understanding the legal landscape of using GenAI in documentary production.
  
  
• Re-enactments and Recreations: Staying true to the facts while using AI.
  
  
• Avoiding Fake Assets: Preventing the accidental use of doctored or manipulated media.
  
  
• Algorithmic Bias: Recognizing how AI can distort context or meaning in original sources.

The guide also offers practical recommendations, like using cue sheets for all GenAI elements and clearly listing AI-generated content in your credits, just as you would for archival footage or music.

👉 Download the guide here:  
Best Practices for Use of GenAI in Documentaries

🎥 ABOVE: Watch a presentation & discussion on the new AI guidelines with APA co-founders Rachel Antell and Stephanie Jenkins, hosted by The D-Word.

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