Code of Conduct for Conservation Filmmakers
WorkCabin Films’ mission goes beyond simply documenting nature. We are committed to ethical storytelling that upholds the integrity of conservation efforts, respects wildlife and ecosystems, and honours the voices of those working to protect them. Filmmaking is a powerful tool for change, and with that power comes responsibility. Our Code of Conduct ensures that every project we undertake aligns with our core values of truth, respect, and sustainability. By setting clear ethical standards, we hold ourselves accountable to the highest level of professionalism while fostering trust with conservation organizations, communities, and audiences.
1. Integrity & Accuracy
- Represent conservation stories truthfully without exaggeration or misrepresentation.
- Ensure facts, scientific claims, and statistics are properly researched and attributed.
- Avoid staged or manipulated scenes that misrepresent natural behaviors or ecological conditions.
2. Respect for Wildlife & Natural Habitats
- Prioritize the well-being of animals and ecosystems over getting a shot.
- Never bait, disturb, or alter an animal’s behaviour for filming purposes.
3. Ethical Storytelling & Representation
- Portray communities, indigenous groups, and conservationists with accuracy and dignity.
- Obtain consent releases from individuals featured in the film.
- Avoid reinforcing stereotypes or exploiting sensitive conservation issues for dramatic effect.
4. Minimal Impact
- Adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles when filming in natural environments.
- Minimize the physical and ecological footprint of production crews on location.
5. Transparency in Funding & Partnerships
- Disclose financial backers and sponsorships when relevant to the story.
- Maintain editorial independence and avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise credibility.
6. Collaboration & Community Engagement
- Work with local conservationists, researchers, and community members to ensure ethical and accurate storytelling.
- Share film outcomes with the communities involved and give them a voice in the narrative.
- Respect cultural traditions and customs when filming on indigenous or protected lands.
7. Responsible Distribution & Impact
- Ensure films are used to support genuine conservation efforts, not just for entertainment.
- Consider accessibility, translation, and distribution methods that maximize positive impact.
- Acknowledge and credit all contributors appropriately.
Conservation Filmmaker & Producer at WorkCabin Films
Gregg McLachlan is a full-time professional Conservation Filmmaker, Producer, and Director of Photography (DP) based in Ontario, Canada. A former award-winning journalist, he has spent more than a decade as a full-time conservation filmmaker capturing and producing the field stories of organizations big and small, and the people who make a difference for conservation
Latest posts by Gregg McLachlan (see all)
- My Quiet Lens: A Different Kind of Documentary Filmmaking - March 11, 2025
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