Nova Productions is committed to the authentic, respectful, and responsible representation of individuals, communities, cultures, identities, and lived experiences across all of its film, television, festival, educational, and community engagement activities.

We recognise that storytelling carries both creative freedom and social responsibility. We believe that meaningful engagement with communities strengthens the quality, authenticity, and integrity of the stories we tell.

This policy outlines our commitment to fostering genuine dialogue, consultation, and collaboration with communities whose experiences, histories, cultures, or identities are represented in our work.

Our Principles

Nova Productions is committed to:

• Treating all individuals and communities with dignity and respect.
• Avoiding harmful stereotypes, misrepresentation, and discrimination.
• Encouraging authentic and nuanced portrayals of people and communities.
• Listening to and engaging with individuals who have lived experience relevant to a project.
• Creating opportunities for participation and inclusion where possible.
• Maintaining artistic independence while remaining informed by community perspectives.
• Supporting ethical storytelling practices throughout development, production, and post-production.

Community Engagement

Where appropriate, Nova Productions will seek to engage with communities represented within a project through methods that may include:

• Research and consultation.
• Community meetings and discussions.
• Cultural advisors and consultants.
• Participation by community representatives.
• Workshops, interviews, and outreach activities.
• Collaboration with community organisations and stakeholders.

Community engagement aims to inform the creative process while ensuring that diverse viewpoints are considered and respected.

Cultural Advisors and Consultants

Nova Productions may appoint cultural advisors, consultants, historians, language specialists, or community representatives where appropriate.

The role of advisors is to provide guidance, information, context, and feedback regarding cultural, historical, social, linguistic, and community-specific matters.

Advisors help inform the work of the creative team and production departments. Final creative, editorial, casting, production, and financing decisions remain the responsibility of the Producer, Director, and Production Company.

Representation and Diversity of Voices

Nova Productions recognises that no single individual can represent the full diversity of experiences within any community.

Where possible, we seek input from a range of individuals, organisations, and perspectives to ensure that consultation reflects the diversity that exists within communities.

We recognise that disagreement and differing perspectives may exist within any group and that consultation is intended to inform, rather than determine, creative decisions.

Casting and Employment Opportunities

Where appropriate and practical, Nova Productions will seek to create opportunities for individuals from represented communities to participate in productions through:

• Casting opportunities.
• Background performer opportunities.
• Training and mentorship initiatives.
• Crew placements and internships.
• Community outreach programmes.
• Educational and skills development activities.

All appointments and casting decisions will ultimately be based on the creative and production requirements of the project.

Research and Accuracy

Nova Productions is committed to conducting appropriate research and due diligence when portraying:

• Historical events.
• Cultural traditions.
• Minority communities.
• Indigenous or nomadic cultures.
• Faith and belief systems.
• Social issues and lived experiences.

We recognise that complete consensus may not always exist regarding historical interpretation or community experience. Our aim is to present stories with integrity, honesty, and respect.

Creative Independence

While community consultation is highly valued, Nova Productions maintains the principle of creative independence.

Consultation informs the creative process but does not transfer creative control or legal ownership of a project to any individual, advisor, organisation, or stakeholder unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Creative, editorial, financial, legal, and production decisions remain the responsibility of the Producer, Director, and Production Company.

Respectful Working Environment

Nova Productions is committed to fostering a collaborative environment based on:

• Mutual respect.
• Professional conduct.
• Open communication.
• Constructive feedback.
• Transparency and accountability.

All participants, advisors, consultants, cast, crew members, and stakeholders are expected to engage respectfully with one another throughout the life of a project.

Confidentiality

Individuals participating in consultation processes may have access to confidential information relating to scripts, production plans, financing arrangements, casting processes, and creative materials.

All participants are expected to respect confidentiality obligations and any contractual agreements relating to project information.

Monitoring and Review

Nova Productions will review this policy periodically to ensure that it remains aligned with industry best practice, evolving standards, and the needs of the communities with whom we engage.

Responsibility

Responsibility for implementing this policy rests with the Directors of Nova Productions.

All employees, freelancers, consultants, contractors, volunteers, advisors, cast, crew members, and collaborators are expected to uphold the principles outlined within this policy.

Approved by:

Teresa Lavina
Director & CEO

Gavin Lennon
Director

Nova Productions