What event is portrayed? Is it historical or contemporary?
If it is historical, are the events still contentious?
If the events are largely unknown to the public, could the presentation of the content create contention or public debate? (e.g. Rabbit Proof Fence)
Who are the featured characters? Are they real people? Are they still living or do they have close family members still living?
How contentious is their portrayal? Are they still participants in public life in ways that are likely to be affected by their portrayal in this drama?
Is it told from a particular point of view? If so, does it distort that point of view to the extent that it is no longer factual?
Is it likely that this portrayal will influence the ability of the audience to make up their mind about the matter of contention?
To what extent has the ABC already provided opportunity for other relevant perspectives on the matter to be presented (e.g. news, current affairs, documentary, or user-generated content)?
If the ABC has not provided such opportunity, what timeframe would be appropriate to provide opportunities for the principal relevant perspectives to be expressed?
Given the convergent nature of ABC content and audience consumption, what platform would be most appropriate?
the fairness of the portrayal,
the extent to which the portrayal is based on a substantial and well-sourced body of evidence, and
the extent to which the person’s portrayal and the story being told in the factual drama is in the public interest.
For this dramatisation, some events have been simplified and certain characters and scenes created but what follows reflects documented facts.
This program is based on a true story, with some events, scenes and characters created or changed for dramatic effect.
Although inspired by a true story the events and characters portrayed here are entirely fictional/have been fictionalised.
This is the story of [insert person’s name]. Certain events and characters have been created or changed for dramatic effect.
The program which follows could not have been made without the co-operation of those who were there. However the characters depicted are fictional.
This drama [insert title] dramatises a nine year period in the history of [insert person’s name]. The background to events portrayed has been thoroughly researched. Characters and their stories are fictitious.