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Pathways & Protocols: a filmmaker’s guide to working with Indigenous people, culture and concepts

In May 2009, Screen Australia published a comprehensive guide for all filmmakers working with Indigenous content and communities, titled Pathways & Protocols: a filmmaker’s guide to working with Indigenous people, culture and concepts. This is available as a downloadable PDF on this page.

Pathways & Protocols is essential reading for ALL filmmakers shooting in Australia.

Researched and written by lawyer Terri Janke, this spiral-bound handbook provides advice about the ethical and legal issues involved in transferring Indigenous cultural material to the screen. It covers documentary and drama, including short dramas, feature films and television drama. Using real case studies as practical examples, the guide assists and encourages recognition and respect for the images, knowledge and stories of Indigenous people.

Pathways & Protocols covers key areas such as:

  • the principles for protocols and implementing those protocols within film practice
  • what the concepts of communication, consultation and consent mean
  • copyright law and related legal issues such as contracts and Indigenous communal moral rights
  • case studies on working with Indigenous content in both drama and documentary productions
  • information for Indigenous communities on their rights and obligations when working on film projects
  • information for non-Indigenous filmmakers working with Indigenous subject matter
  • a detailed contacts directory
  • a resource bibliography covering both Australian and international sources online and in print.