
Trauma-Informed Video Production:
Creating Stories That Heal and Inspire
What Does Trauma-Informed Mean?
Trauma-informed care recognizes that trauma is widespread—affecting participants, crew members, and audiences alike. It's an approach that prioritizes safety, respect, and empowerment throughout every stage of production.
Trauma is the emotional, psychological, and physical response to deeply distressing events that overwhelm a person's ability to cope. Everyone could have experienced trauma—from acute incidents like accidents to chronic experiences like discrimination or complex childhood trauma.
The Four R's of Trauma-Informed Care
Our approach is built on the Four R's framework, developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
1. Realize
Understanding that trauma is widespread and can affect anyone involved in the production process—participants, crew members, staff, and even audiences.
2. Recognize
Identifying signs of trauma in participants, crew members, and ourselves throughout production. This includes being alert to emotional distress, dissociation, fight-flight-freeze responses, and other trauma responses.
3. Respond
Integrating trauma knowledge into our policies, procedures, and daily practices on every project. This means adapting our approach based on what we know about trauma's impact.
4. Resist
Actively working to prevent re-traumatization through thoughtful, empathetic production methods that prioritize participant well-being over content extraction.
Why Trauma-Informed Production Matters
When we prioritize the well-being of everyone involved, we don't just create better content—we create transformative experiences that can be healing for participants and more authentic for audiences.
Protects Relationships
Prevents damage to relationships with participants, community members, and crew. Organizations spend years building trust—trauma-informed practices help protect those valuable connections.
Creates Better Stories
When participants feel safe and empowered, they share more authentic, emotionally resonant stories that create deeper connections with audiences.
Healing Experience
Participants often describe the trauma-informed process as transformative and healing—turning a potentially extractive experience into one of empowerment and closure.
Increases Impact
Authentic, respectful storytelling builds community trust, increases donor confidence, and creates more effective fundraising and awareness campaigns.
Supports Your Team
Protects crew and staff mental health when working with sensitive content, preventing burnout and maintaining long-term team effectiveness.
Ethical Responsibility
Aligns your video production with your organization's values of respect, dignity, and empowerment—practicing what you preach.
Trauma-Informed Practices Throughout Our Process
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Thorough research and understanding of context and potential triggers
Participant selection rubrics developed with trauma specialists
Comprehensive informed consent processes that go beyond standard releases
Crew preparation and content warnings for all team members
Communication protocols establishing open lines for concerns and questions
Pre-interviews to build trust and identify potential triggers
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Safe physical environments with comfortable, non-intimidating setups
Emotional safety measures including minimal crew, calming atmosphere
Active listening techniques and sensitivity to participants' cues
Participant control over interview flow, breaks, and content boundaries
Respectful physical interactions (asking permission before adjusting mics, hair, etc.)
Regular check-ins with both participants and crew
Flexible scheduling allowing interviews to expand or contract as needed
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Respectful editing that avoids sensationalism and preserves dignity
Participant review and approval of content before release
Collaborative decision-making about final cuts and content inclusion
Ongoing consent processes for any content changes or additional use
Licensed support availability during review process if needed
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Safe premiere experiences for participants to view content first
Community screenings in supportive environments
Ongoing consent for content use and distribution
Mindful sharing that maintains participant dignity and privacy
Support resources available during and after content release
Real Impact: What Participants Say
"Every single participant spoke about feeling such great empowerment and how throughout the process they were empowered with voice and choice... They felt excited to be able to help others, but also described it as a healing experience."
— Gretchen Soto, Licensed Professional Counselor
The Business Case for Trauma-Informed Production
Enhanced Credibility
Organizations that prioritize trauma-informed practices demonstrate their commitment to their values, enhancing credibility with stakeholders, funders, and the communities they serve.
Stronger Community Relationships
Respectful storytelling practices build deeper trust within communities, leading to more willing participants for future projects and stronger ongoing relationships.
Increased Donor Trust
Donors and funders increasingly expect ethical practices. Trauma-informed production demonstrates organizational integrity and responsible stewardship.
More Effective Campaigns
Authentic stories created through trauma-informed processes tend to be more emotionally resonant and effective at driving action, donations, and awareness.
Sustainable Practices
By protecting participant and crew well-being, organizations avoid the hidden costs of damaged relationships, re-work, and staff burnout.
In our trauma-informed projects, participants consistently report:
Feeling empowered and in control of their narrative
Experiencing the process as healing and transformative
Gaining closure and moving forward in their recovery journey
Feeling proud to help others through sharing their story
Trusting the production team and process
What This Means for Your Organization
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Invest in trauma-informed training for your team
Develop protocols for working with sensitive content
Create rubrics for participant selection and support
Establish partnerships with mental health professionals
Prioritize consent and transparency in all processes
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Ask potential partners about their trauma-informed practices
Look for experience working with sensitive populations
Ensure they have protocols for participant and crew safety
Verify they understand the importance of consent and dignity
Choose partners who align with your organizational values
Questions to Ask Potential Video Production Partners
Do you have experience with trauma-informed production practices?
How do you prepare crew members for sensitive content?
What does your consent process look like beyond standard releases?
How do you handle participant review and approval of content?
Do you work with mental health professionals or trauma specialists?
Can you provide examples of how you've handled sensitive topics respectfully?
What protocols do you have for supporting participant well-being during production?
How do you ensure crew mental health when working with difficult content?
Get Started with Trauma-Informed Video Production
Whether you're creating content in-house or partnering with production professionals, trauma-informed practices should be at the center of your video storytelling strategy.
Remember: Trauma-informed production isn't just about avoiding harm—it's about creating positive, empowering experiences that can be healing for participants while creating more authentic, impactful content for your organization.
About Make A Scene Media
Make A Scene Media specializes in trauma-informed video production for mission-driven organizations. Founded by Taylor Kampia and Heather Hutt, who transitioned from traditional television to nonprofit storytelling, we've developed comprehensive trauma-informed practices through partnerships with licensed mental health professionals and years of working with sensitive populations.
Our clients include nonprofits, foundations, and mission-driven businesses who want to create powerful video content while maintaining their commitment to ethical practices and community well-being.