Rough Cut Digging Through Time and Truth: Archival Ethics in the Age of AI
Jul 1, 2025
Stephanie Jenkins, an archival producer known for her work with Ken Burns, dives into the intriguing world of documentary filmmaking. She shares her journey uncovering rare footage, including early clips of Muhammad Ali, highlighting the critical role of archival research in storytelling. Jenkins discusses the founding of the Archival Producers Alliance and its groundbreaking guidelines for using generative AI. The conversation emphasizes ethical considerations in documentary work, from authenticity to the representation of history, urging filmmakers to act responsibly in this evolving landscape.
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Discovery of Young Muhammad Ali
- Stephanie Jenkins found rare childhood footage of Muhammad Ali in a local TV station's basement archive.
- This footage revealed young Cassius Clay with remarkable charisma, unseen online or elsewhere.
Ethical Use of AI in Documentaries
- Generative AI can produce biased, inaccurate historical depictions that risk misleading documentaries.
- Transparency, legal checks, and ethical use of AI-generated simulations must be prioritized.
Generative Fill Creates New Artifacts
- Using tools like Adobe Firefly's generative fill creates entirely new archival objects, not just edits.
- Filmmakers must consider the impact and accuracy when extending or filling archival images.