Toward a code of ethics for independent filmmakers

Can we define our own set of standards and raise the bar on professionalism?

Ron Heaps and Robert David Duncan on set, photo by Engelbert Romero

Most of the independent filmmakers, producers and directors I’ve met are delightful, professional people who are working hard and working well to make films with really limited resources. Like most people, I had a learning experience or two early in my career that helped me refine what I consider to be ethical behavior.  But let’s face it, it is a stressful and imperfect line of work, and I am sure most us have cut corners or slipped up at some point.

But moving forward, how can we – as an unregulated collection of practitioners – work together to raise the bar on what we consider professional behavior?  I touch on this in my book about micro short filmmaking, where I look at some of attributes of successful, collaborative, professional filmmakers. What I propose here is to toss down a few suggested codes of ethical behavior for us to react to, modify or add to going forward.

Rather than playing the role of an authority, I would prefer that we all ponder these ideas, adapt them to what we can individually work with, and try together to raise the bar on our own professionalism. Ideally, it would be great if everyone who comes into contact with an independent filmmaker leaves the experience feeling well and fairly treated, feeling that promises made to them were honored, and feeling that they would be happy to repeat the experience. We all know from experience what the opposite of that feels like. So here are a few ideas:

As independent filmmakers, producers and directors:

1. We keep our paperwork in order, including talent releases, music and other intellectual property rights clearances, so that we respect intellectual property and can demonstrate chain of title when needed.
2. We respect all performers who audition for us, honoring their work, and at a minimum letting people know through a public forum like social media when roles have been cast.
3. We create a climate of professionalism and safety on set, including being on time, and modelling positive behaviors like calmness, collegiality and respect for everybody.
4. We respect the areas and people around which we film, packing in and packing out gear and garbage safely and cleanly, respecting that people have a right to walk by and be treated courteously.
5. We do our best to keep in contact with all people impacted by our project, responding to queries in a timely and professional manner.
6. We honor, to the best of our abilities, promises like IMDb credits, honoraria, demo reel clips and other items agreed to, explaining the need for any delays when necessary.  
7. We commit to maximizing the value of our projects by ensuring they have IMDb pages, and are submitted to film festivals and beyond, sharing updates to the team and public via social media or other means.

Do you see anything that should be added? Feel free to adopt and adapt this starting set of suggested best practices, and to share any additions or other ideas you come up with. Have a great time out there, be professional and make films!

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