How to Film Lived Experience Video: Creating Safe Spaces
We're a documentary-style video production company based in Auckland, working with organisations across New Zealand on campaigns, case studies, and lived experience films.
We've filmed dozens of these stories for mental health campaigns, social impact documentaries, and community projects. The work is sensitive. The process matters as much as the final video.
When someone shares their story on camera, they're trusting you with something personal. Maybe painful. Often both. So we build the conditions first. A calm set. A small crew. An empathetic approach.
Here's how we do it at Antworks Studio.
Behind the scenes of a lived experience interview
Why this matters
A safe process affects who agrees to take part. It affects what they feel comfortable sharing.
When the process is calm and clear, people can focus on their story.
The story we look for
We don't focus on the worst moment. We focus on what helped them move through it.
What worked for them.
What support mattered.
What they learned over time.
What they want others to know.
One question that almost always helps:
What advice would you give to your younger self?
That prompt tends to bring forward the most useful parts of the story. The parts someone else can hold onto.
How we create safety on set
We keep the footprint light. Fewer people in the room. Less gear. Less pressure.
We choose locations that feel settled and private. We avoid spaces that feel busy, exposed, or rushed.
We thank them early
We start by thanking them for being brave enough to share. We tell them how their story might help someone else. We remind them they're not performing. We're just listening.
We remove pressure early
We tell them:
It is not live.
You can pause at any time.
You can make mistakes.
You can start over as many times as needed.
That one change often shifts the whole interview. People stop trying to be perfect. They start being themselves.
Consent is ongoing
Consent is not a single form. It is a series of check ins before, during, and after the shoot.
We confirm what topics are in and out.
We confirm how and where the video will be used.
We confirm what review steps are available.
We confirm they can change their mind about a section while we are filming.
Pre production: setting the conditions
A prep call with the participant
We explain the process in plain English. We walk through what the day looks like. We ask what would help them feel comfortable.
We also confirm practical details that reduce stress later. How they want to be introduced. Any names or terms to avoid. Any topics that are off limits.
Questions and boundaries
We share a topic guide early. Not a script. A map. People should not feel surprised on the day.
If the organisation has key messages, we make space for them without forcing the person into a corporate frame.
Location and schedule
We choose a setting that supports calm. We build in buffer time. We avoid long waiting times. We plan breaks.
Support plan
If appropriate, we welcome a support person. We make sure there is somewhere quiet to step away.
Small crew, calm environment
The interview: getting honest answers without pushing
We use open questions. We allow silence. We do not interrupt to fix wording.
If someone loses their train of thought, we slow down. If they want to try again, we reset. If they want to skip a question, we move on.
We check in during the interview, not just at the start. A simple "Do you want to keep going?" helps people stay in control.
We also guide the conversation towards what can help others, without minimising what happened.
Post production: protecting trust
A careful edit
We cut for meaning and accuracy. We avoid edits that change the intent of what someone said.
We do not use "gotcha" moments. We do not cut for shock. We cut for clarity.
Versions that match the context
Website, internal screening, social cut downs, events. Context changes how a story lands.
We plan versions early so the video stays true across formats.
Common mistakes we avoid
Rushing the process
Speed creates pressure. Pressure changes what people share.
Over scripting
People can feel when they are being steered. We keep structure, not scripts.
Too many people on set
A crowd changes the room. We keep crews small.
Working with Antworks Studio
If you're looking for a video production company in Auckland or across New Zealand that specializes in lived experience films and documentary-style storytelling, get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you film lived experience stories ethically?
We build trust before filming begins. Clear consent processes, plain language explanations, and time to ask questions. On set we keep crews small, allow breaks at any time, and welcome support people. We check in during filming and respect boundaries. In post-production we cut for accuracy and meaning, never for shock.
What support do you provide to vulnerable subjects?
We work with organizations that have existing support structures in place. We create calm environments, allow people to bring support persons, build in buffer time, and provide clear information about the process. We check in regularly and respect requests to pause or stop.
How long does a lived experience video take to produce?
This depends on the complexity and sensitivity of the story. Pre-production including trust-building conversations can take 2-4 weeks. Filming is typically one day. Post-production including careful editing and review takes 2-3 weeks. Total timeline: 4-8 weeks for most projects.
Do subjects get to review the final video before it's published?
Yes. People who share their stories should see the final cut before it goes public. We share a private link for review and make adjustments if something feels wrong or puts them at risk. This is part of maintaining trust and ensuring consent throughout the process.
What makes lived experience videos different from testimonials?
Lived experience videos center the person's truth, not the organization's message. We work with clients to suggest open questions rather than scripts. We allow silence and emotion. We keep the person in control of their story. Testimonials often feel performative. Lived experience should feel honest.
How do you handle sensitive topics like trauma or mental health?
We plan support structures before filming. We avoid rushing. We use trauma-informed interviewing techniques that don't re-traumatize. We work with cultural advisors when appropriate. We respect when people need to stop or skip questions. The person's wellbeing matters more than the footage.
See These Principles in Action
These case studies show how we've applied trauma-informed, ethical storytelling approaches to real projects:
About the Author
Diego Opatowski is a documentary filmmaker, Director of Photography and visual journalist based in Auckland, New Zealand. He specializes in lived experience storytelling and ethical documentary work for mental health organizations, NGOs, and government agencies.
His work includes the Noku Te Ao lived experience film series for the Mental Health Foundation, LOKO documentary following a two-year recovery journey, and the All Sorts Cyclone Gabrielle recovery campaign.
Diego founded Antworks Studio with a focus on documentary-style work that prioritizes authenticity, cultural competency, and careful handling of sensitive subject matter.