Resources

We’ve compiled this resource database to support your efforts to be safer. They reflect the work and experience of countless filmmakers, funders, journalists, NGOs, lawyers, researchers, technologists, communication experts, and others. 

United States of America
Safeguarding Sources and Sensitive Information in the Event of a Raid
Freedom of the Press Foundation
Measures reporters can take to minimize the amount of source-compromising information a raid and accompanying device seizure can produce.
How-To Website
Safeguarding Sources and Sensitive Information in the Event of a Raid
Welcome To Chechnya/Case Study
Doc Society
Human rights abuses against LGBTQ people in Chechnya
Topic: Examples of Impact
Case Study Video Queer
Welcome To Chechnya/Case Study
Safety Guide for Artists
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC)
Practical strategies for artists to understand, navigate, and ultimately overcome risk
How-To Website
Safety Guide for Artists
United Kingdom
BBC Editorial Guidelines 2025
BBC
A helpful tool to guide your thinking about accuracy, impartiality, privacy, fairness, and conflicts of interest
Best Practice Website
BBC Editorial Guidelines 2025
Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists
Safety of Journalists Platform
Reporting on serious threats to the safety of journalists and media freedom in Europe
Organization Website
Platform to Promote the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists
Proof of Life Template
Rory Peck Trust
Template for confidential information that can be used to confirm whether a team member is still alive in case of kidnapping, abduction or detention
Tool PDF
Proof of Life Template
United States of America
CITIZENFOUR/Case Study
Doc Society
Mass surveillance and its consequences for personal privacy and public policy
Topic: Examples of Impact
Case Study PDF Civil Liberties
CITIZENFOUR/Case Study
United States of America
Documentary Film Legal Clinic
UCLA Law
Pro bono services to independent documentary filmmakers needing legal help
Organization Website
Documentary Film Legal Clinic
Surveillance Self-Defense
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Tips, tools, and how-tos for safer online communications
How-To Website
Surveillance Self-Defense
Journalists in Distress Network
Journalists in Distress Network
Platform for international organizations to coordinate assistance to journalists in distress
Organization Website
Journalists in Distress Network
United States of America
Public Media and Fair Use Research Library
Center for Media & Social Impact
How to employ fair use, the right to use copyrighted material without permission or payment
How-To Website
Public Media and Fair Use Research Library
Freedom in the World
Freedom House
Report on people’s access to political rights and civil liberties in 208 countries and territories
Tool Website
Freedom in the World