The Toolkit Every Documentary Filmmaker Needs Before Using GenAI

The Archival Producers Alliance just dropped a practical framework for integrating GenAI into nonfiction storytelling.

Generative AI is opening up new creative doors in documentary filmmaking—but it’s also raising serious questions.

• Where does real end and synthetic begin?

• How do you disclose it to an audience?

• What happens when AI footage looks like the real thing?

The Archival Producers Alliance (APA) just released a toolkit to help navigate those questions filled with practical tools built for documentary filmmakers trying to integrate GenAI into real-world workflows.

In this post, I’ll break it down: what’s inside, why it matters, and how you can actually use it.

What is the Archival Producers Alliance (APA)?

APA is a global network of over 550 archival producers, researchers, and clearance experts. Formed in 2023, they advocate for ethical, transparent use of archival materials in storytelling.

But as GenAI tech accelerates—letting anyone generate fake “archival” footage with the click of a button—their mission has expanded.

Their new GenAI Toolkit is designed to help documentary filmmakers think clearly and act responsibly when using synthetic media in nonfiction work.

Questions Before You Touch GenAI

The first part of the toolkit is simple—but essential. Ten questions to ask before you generate a single pixel including:

• Do I have a compelling creative reason to use AI?

• Have I considered legal, ethical, and insurance issues?

• How will I disclose this to the audience?

• Will the use of AI simulate a real person, place, or event?

It’s a creative gut check, really. You don’t want to be explaining your use of AI for the first time at a film festival Q&A.

The GenAI Workflow (Stage by Stage)

APA breaks the filmmaking process into six phases—and outlines what to consider and track at each one.

1. Development

Define intent early. Note where GenAI may be used, and why. Start planning for transparency.

2. Pre-Production

Prep cue sheets. Flag rights issues. Be aware of any visuals that might be mistaken for real history.

3. Production

Keep logs of what’s real vs. synthetic. If transparency is part of your narrative, consider capturing behind-the-scenes interviews about AI use.

4. Editing

Clearly separate GenAI scenes in bins/timelines. Label them. Watermark them internally.

5. Post-Production

Write your disclosure language. Use visual cues if needed (text overlays, stylistic frames, etc.).

6. Distribution

Disclose clearly. Submit cue sheets if asked. Be prepared for platform or broadcaster questions.

Transparency Isn’t Optional

APA recommends a few simple moves to stay ahead of the ethics curve:

• Add a line in your credits like:
  "This film contains imagery generated using artificial intelligence tools in post-production."

• Maintain a cue sheet documenting AI usage

• Use visual distinctions like subtle overlays or watermarks when appropriate

None of this is about shaming creativity—it’s about trust.

They Even Give You the Forms

Included in the Toolkit: