Introduction: Filmmaking Begins with Truth
Film is one of the most powerful storytelling mediums in the IB curriculum — but with that power comes responsibility. Every frame, edit, and reflection must represent your own creative voice and respect for others’ intellectual work.
The IB Film Guide (IBO, 2023) emphasizes that “academic honesty and ethical filmmaking are central to artistic integrity.” This means creating your own material, crediting collaborators properly, and ensuring that all creative choices — from storyboards to soundtracks — are original and respectful.
This guide explains how IB Film students can maintain academic and artistic integrity throughout their projects — ensuring that every story told is honest, ethical, and authentic.
Quick Start Checklist: Integrity in IB Film
- Create and record your own original footage.
- Credit all collaborators, actors, and music sources.
- Avoid plagiarism in scripts, editing, or analysis.
- Do not use AI or others’ footage without disclosure.
- Reflect honestly on process and challenges.
- Follow IB academic honesty and production ethics guidelines.
Integrity ensures that your film represents more than vision — it represents your values.
Understanding Integrity in Filmmaking
Integrity in IB Film means aligning creativity with responsibility.
It involves:
- Original creation: Developing your own story, script, and visuals.
- Ethical collaboration: Respecting team roles and contributions.
- Academic honesty: Citing influences and acknowledging external material.
As filmmaker Ava DuVernay said, “If your dreams only include you, they’re too small.” Integrity in film means creating honestly — and giving credit where it’s due.
Original Storytelling and Scriptwriting
Your script is the foundation of your project — it must be authentic and independently written.
To ensure originality:
- Write your own screenplay, storyboard, or treatment.
- Avoid adapting copyrighted material without permission.
- Credit inspiration or direct influence from other films.
- Use real experiences as inspiration, but change details ethically.
- Reflect on your creative process in your production portfolio.
A good story is honest storytelling — not imitation.
Ethical Production and Collaboration
Film is a team art form, but assessment is individual.
To maintain integrity in group work:
- Define roles clearly (director, editor, cinematographer, etc.).
- Acknowledge all participants in your credits.
- Obtain consent for any performances or interviews.
- Avoid claiming sole authorship for shared work.
- Keep detailed logs of your own contributions.
Collaboration thrives on transparency — integrity keeps credit fair and creativity genuine.
Avoiding Plagiarism in Film and Written Work
Plagiarism in IB Film extends beyond copying words — it includes visual and audio elements too.
Avoid it by:
- Not reusing existing film clips, stock footage, or dialogue.
- Citing any referenced film theories or critics in written analysis.
- Creating original storyboards and camera setups.
- Avoiding AI-generated storylines, scripts, or visuals.
Authenticity makes your work stand out — plagiarism makes it disappear.
Responsible Use of Music, Sound, and Visuals
Sound and imagery shape emotion — but using them ethically defines professionalism.
- Use royalty-free or self-composed music only.
- Credit all composers and sound designers in your final cut.
- Avoid copyrighted soundtracks or unlicensed audio samples.
- Acknowledge public domain or archival footage used.
- Ensure visuals respect privacy and cultural sensitivity.
Your film should tell its story in your own language — both visually and sonically.
Using Technology and AI Responsibly
Digital filmmaking tools expand creativity, but misuse can violate integrity.
- Use editing software (Premiere, Final Cut, DaVinci Resolve) ethically.
- Avoid AI-generated footage, voices, or scripts.
- Disclose all post-production tools and effects used.
- Do not use AI to analyze or summarize film theory.
Technology should serve creativity — not replace it.
Ethical Representation and Cultural Sensitivity
IB Film often explores identity, culture, and conflict — and integrity demands sensitivity.
- Represent communities and cultures accurately and respectfully.
- Avoid stereotypes or cultural appropriation.
- Credit interviewees or consultants appropriately.
- Reflect on the ethical implications of your themes.
- Balance artistic freedom with social responsibility.
Honest filmmaking listens before it speaks — empathy is the director’s first tool.
Honest Reflection and Evaluation
Your production portfolio and reflective analysis must show authentic learning.
To maintain integrity:
- Reflect truthfully on what worked — and what didn’t.
- Describe your creative evolution honestly.
- Acknowledge challenges and how you addressed them.
- Avoid fabricating feedback or production outcomes.
Honest reflection is what transforms creativity into insight.
Avoiding Collusion and Over-Assistance
Film projects often involve collaboration, but independent evaluation depends on clear ownership.
- Submit only work that represents your personal contribution.
- Do not share scripts, edits, or footage with other students.
- Acknowledge teachers, mentors, or external feedback.
- Keep digital records of drafts, revisions, and notes.
Integrity in filmmaking means your name belongs to your effort — and your effort stands on its own.
How RevisionDojo Supports Film Integrity
RevisionDojo helps IB Film students combine creativity with ethics through:
- Tutorials on original scriptwriting and ethical production.
- Guides for reflective portfolios and citation of film theory.
- Lessons on cultural sensitivity and responsible storytelling.
- Examples of honest, high-scoring IB Film projects.
With RevisionDojo, you’ll learn to tell stories that are as truthful as they are powerful.
Conclusion: Integrity Is the Soul of Cinema
Every film begins with a vision — but integrity gives that vision life.
In IB Film, honest storytelling means more than originality; it means accountability to your audience, your collaborators, and your conscience.
When you film ethically and reflect sincerely, your art gains authenticity — the hallmark of great cinema.
Integrity is not just part of production — it is the production.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Film truthfully. Create responsibly.
Join RevisionDojo to master ethical storytelling, original production, and reflective analysis — the essence of integrity in IB Film.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What counts as plagiarism in IB Film?
Using others’ footage, scripts, or music without credit — or letting AI generate creative work — violates IB integrity policies.
2. Can I use existing music in my film?
Only if it’s royalty-free, licensed, or self-composed. Always acknowledge it in your credits.
3. How can I show integrity in group projects?
Keep clear records of your contributions and give fair credit to collaborators.
4. Can I use AI or special effects tools?
Yes, for editing or visualization — but not for creative content generation. Always disclose usage.
5. How does RevisionDojo promote film integrity?
RevisionDojo provides structured guidance on honest production, ethical collaboration, and transparent reflection — helping IB filmmakers create with credibility.
