DocProject, a program of the Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic at Yale Law School, offers pro bono legal guidance to documentary filmmakers, particularly on issues related to media law, privacy, and news gathering. Launched in 2018, this initiative allows Yale law students to work under the supervision of experienced media lawyers, providing filmmakers with essential legal advice and helping students gain practical experience in media law.
One such filmmaker who benefited from DocProject’s assistance is John Beder, the director of “How to Sue the Klan,” a documentary exploring a landmark case against the Ku Klux Klan. Beder faced numerous legal questions and personal security concerns while making the film, and the expert advice he received from DocProject, particularly from Jennifer Borg and student adviser Aren Torikian, was invaluable in navigating these challenges.
The program focuses on journalistic concerns and practices, addressing issues such as release forms, trespassing, defamation laws, privacy rights, and drone regulations. Students often conduct extensive research to provide filmmakers with comprehensive legal guidance. For example, in the documentary “Pay or Die,” the DocProject team analyzed complex legal issues surrounding border crossings and recording consent laws across different states.
Filmmakers who have worked with DocProject, including Brian Hedden and Set Hernandez, have praised the program for its assistance in navigating legal complexities and ensuring compliance with relevant laws. Even after graduation, students like Torikian find satisfaction in seeing the impact of their work when films they’ve advised on are completed and premiered.
Overall, DocProject serves as a vital resource for documentary filmmakers, offering essential legal support to help them tell their stories while avoiding potential legal pitfalls.
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