: Many participants were misled into filming under false pretenses (e.g., being told videos would only be sold privately in foreign markets).
Despite their appeal, these documentaries face ethical scrutiny. Who gets to tell the story? In "authorized" documentaries, the subject often retains final cut, sanding off the rough edges. In "unauthorized" docs, filmmakers may rely on bitter ex-employees or out-of-context tabloid clips. : Many participants were misled into filming under