L02

Why is it important to consider ethical issues when producing media?

When most people think of ethics, they think of rules for distinguishing between right and wrong.
Use of language is important so as not to discriminate against certain people. Certain cinemas offer
to show productions with special settings including for the blind or deaf, which means that there will
be audio description or subtitles. As well as this, when films are released they often come with
several language options. It is also important to give everyone equal opportunities. Changes can be
made to make jobs and roles in media available to people with physical or mental disabilities and
this should always be encouraged. Diversity in the workplace is becoming a more popular phrase;
this is highly important however, it is also important to increase diversity in ways that will not offend
workers. You need to ensure that everyone is treated equally which means that as well as giving
people whose first language may not be English, or people with disabilities, opportunities but also
making sure that they are not given an advantage over anybody else.
Filmmaking is an excellent way to raise awareness and draw attention to a certain topic or issue.
However, before creating a film, there are many ethical issues which must be considered. Since
those being filmed open up their lives to the filmmaker, the filmmaker has the responsibility to
consider how the film will impact those in it. Filmmakers have the responsibility to protect the
actors, and cause them no harm. However, protecting actors is can be difficult as filmmakers want to
make the film as authentic as possible. Given that most filmmakers act as representatives of those
they film or of the institution sponsoring them rather than as community members, tensions often
arise between the filmmakers desire to make a compelling film and the individuals desire to have
their social rights and personal dignity respected. Therefore, getting a balance between creating an
authentic film and protecting actors rights is essential.
How is gender represented in film?
Films in general are not sexist or biased toward a particular gender although certain film directors
are known for their controversial issues scene in their films. For example, Quentin Tarantinos films
have mixed views on woman and have caused a lot of controversy and debate over the years. In his
Kill Bill films, the lead role is a woman and she is presented to be a highly powerful individual;
suggesting that Tarantino is a feminist. However, he has also been known for films where woman
are clearly objectified, such as the Snake Dance scene from the film From Dusk til Dawn. Although
film as a whole is not necessarily sexist it is common in many films to see a male lead followed by a
weaker or assistant character played by a woman. Directors may often exaggerate the relationships
between men and woman as by raising debates and controversy they are also raising attention and
popularity for their films- this may not actually be the views or opinions of the director.
Many people believe that men and woman should be represented equally in films. Realistically men
and woman should be seen as equals; if a director did not want to offend anyone there would be no
violence, swearing, racism, homophobia, sexism etc. etc. But then who would watch the film?
Although people may not think that the way men and woman are represented in films in fair, there
is a huge variety of different situations. In many cases the women are more dominant or both
genders are equal throughout the film. I believe that the way some films represent women may be
thought of as wrong; however, the more people complain, the more successful and heard-of the film
is likely to become. I do not believe that there is a problem with the way men and women are
portrayed in films as in many cases the director will include scenes in their films that they
themselves will not agree with. Its just good TV.
What is the Films Act (1985)?
In 1985 the previous law was forgotten about as the British Government realised that it was not
working. The Eady Levy System was where the Box Office would be taxed to support the British Film
Industry. The government also made money by taxing filmmakers just for filming in their country.
This law was abolished in early 2012 so that filmmakers could film in countries without paying that
country tax. This also created new jobs for people.
What is the Video Recordings Act (1984)?
The Video Recordings Act states that it is a criminal offence to supply or offer a supply an
unclassified video work, e.g. DVD rental or shops that sell DVDs or films as well as public cinemas.
This rule also applies to people who own the film, making it a criminal offence for them to purchase
the film if they intend to sell the film, or make money from it in any way.
What would be the consequences for breaking copyright law?
Copyright law means that the creator of the work is the only person legally allowed to publish, sell,
or make money from their idea. It gives them the rights to take anyone who uses their work without
permission to court. They also have the option to sell or rent their work to somebody eIse who might
want to make money from it. If someone was to violate these rules they could be done for copyright
infringement meaning that they could be taken to court, possibly go to prison or owe the owner(ws)
money, depending on the seriousness of the crime.