Mediation and gatekeeping are important concepts for documentary filmmakers. Mediation is altering how a media product is presented to convey a particular representation to the audience. Gatekeeping refers to filtering information before publication to ensure objectivity and avoid bias. The document discusses how the filmmakers aim to mediate their documentary carefully to avoid influencing opinions, while gatekeeping to clearly present different sides of plastic surgery and allow viewers to make their own decisions.

1. MEDIATION
AND
GATEKEEPING

2. Mediation • Mediation is defined as altering the way in which a
media product is presented, in order to convey a
particular representation to an audience.
• Mediation is in everything that we consume be it
through E-Media, print or broadcasting.The ultimate
goal of mediating vis to give a specific opinion and to
provoke a specific reaction from the consumer
• We will have to be very careful and not mediate too
much within our documentary. Meaning we will have to
be aware sound effects/music does not help the
audience to form an opinion even though we are trying
to make the audience more aware of plastic surgery.
Therefore some props/costumes will have been chosen
purposefully.

3. Gatekeepin
g
• A gatekeeper is a media producer who is tasked with
the responsibility of filtering information before it is
published.This process determines not only which
information is selected, but also what the content and
nature of the messages will be. Gatekeeping is to
ensure the information is objective and the
presenter/narrator is not biased in their views.
• We are all gatekeepers of our documentary and
therefore have to ensure that the purpose of the film is
made clear and observed to at all times.We feel that
our documentary shows different sides of plastic
surgery and would probably leave the viewer to make a
decision based on the information given to them.