New AI Guidelines for Documentaries!

The Story: Last week, the Archival Producers Alliance (APA) launched the industry's first guidelines for using generative AI in documentary filmmaking at the Camden International Film Festival. This response to the growing trend of employing AI in creating archival materials addresses ethical considerations, advocating for transparency and accountability in the documentary process.

The Details:

• The APA, founded by notable producers, aims to highlight the potential harms of generative AI while offering constructive guidelines to its members and the broader filmmaking community.

• Their ethical framework includes emphasizing the value of primary sources, recommending clear labeling of AI-generated content, and encouraging meticulous tracking of AI-generated elements.

• The guidelines have garnered broad support, with endorsements from major documentary organizations and independent filmmakers like Ken Burns and Michael Moore.

• Key recommendations include understanding the cultural sensitivity around AI uses, especially regarding recreating voices or historical figures and actively tracking AI's participation in the film production process.

Why It Matters: As generative AI rapidly intersects with documentary filmmaking, maintaining truth and transparency is crucial for filmmakers who aim to inform and engage audiences responsibly. The APA's guidelines are an essential step toward fostering a culture of ethical consideration in an era where the distinction between generated and authentic content is becoming increasingly blurred. By promoting transparency and rigorous practices, the APA is helping safeguard the integrity of the documentary form against potential erosion of trust and historical accuracy, making this guidance vital for all filmmakers.