Social Experiments (and How to Conduct Them) in Factual

Social Experiments – such as Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds and Filthy Rich and Homeless – are becoming more and more prevalent in recent factual programming. So what is it about this particular genre that appeals to both audiences and commissioners alike? How do you make a series like this, and what measures are taken to ensure the security and safety of participants before, during, and especially after production?

Here we examine the buzz around these shows as well as the duty of care, compliance regulations and impact opportunities to ensure ethical practice, meaningful engagement and tangible social change.

 

Image Credit: Filthy Rich and Homeless S3, Blackfella Films, 2021