Producers form international True Crime association

The Association of True Crime Producers (ATCP) has been formed to promote best practices amongst True Crime content markers.

The group consists of First Look TV, ITN Productions, Monster Films, Peninsula Television, Phoenix Television, Rare TV, Revelation Films, Title Role and Woodcut Media.

Membership to the non-profit is also open to TV and film companies, digital firms and podcast content makers and individuals engaged in making true-crime shows in the UK, Ireland and internationally.

Per their website, the ATCP's goal is "to the continued development of the highest professional standards in true crime production." This is especially necessary given the genre often brings producers in contact with vulnerable and traumatised people.

The guidelines put "victims and their families at the centre of the production process and aim to enhance current best practice in duty of care."

The initiative’s aims are now being communicated to the industry, victims’ groups and other representative organisations.

The rise of global streamers and podcasting has led to a true crime boom in popularity boom in recent years, with demand for documentaries, series, and dramas based on true-life criminal cases increasing.

As such, the ATCP has formed to make sure standards don’t slip as commissioners vie for more content.