GREEN FILMING — A hot topic

title image: Green Filming

When it comes to sustainability and environmental protection, everyone has a part to play and the film industry is no exception.

Did you know that the environmental footprint of the film industry is the highest during the film shoot itself? The pre-production and production stages of filming are the most energy-intensive parts. Think of the use of transports, the building of stage sets, the lighting, cameras, studio facilities, catering and supply of water. In London, for example, it is calculated that the film industry produces the same amount of carbon dioxide as a city with 20,000 inhabitants. It is estimated that a single hour of television produced in the UK causes 13 metric tons of carbon dioxide. Not only does it consume a huge quantity of natural resources, it also creates tons of waste. Around 95% of the material used in a production usually ends up in the trash, such as plastic bottles, paper cups, but also props, clothing and backdrops to produce the perfect scene.

The amount of natural resources is rapidly decreasing, and our planet just can’t keep up with the increasing demand. According to the sustainability organization Global Footprint Network, humanity is currently consuming nature 1.75 times faster than the planet can regenerate. These disturbing facts are leading to a rethinking also in the motion picture, audiovisual and advertising industry. Production companies around the world are now trying to identify substantive ways and new concepts to look for effective alternatives to leave as little negative environmental impact on the planet as possible while producing a film.

One of these ideas is GREEN FILMING, a framework providing common tools to film and television professionals in order to reduce the environmental impact to a minimum, but without slowing down the crew’s work. GREEN FILMING is based on the concept of a circular economy, which is relying on three simply principles: avoid waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use and regenerate natural systems by e.g. relying on regional food and beverages.

Good cooperations and preparation are the keywords for producing your film greener. All starts with setting up a sustainability plan based on six criteria: Energy Saving, Transport and Accommodation, Catering, Material Selection, Waste Management and Communication. In this phase it is quite helpful to hire a special Sustainability Manager, who takes care of the whole production process and the implementation of the GREEN FILMING criteria.

Different from the commonly held belief, higher sustainable standards often lead to significant cost reduction and to greater efficiency. Making your film production greener by using fewer resources and avoiding waste by re-and upcycling, means the overall production costs will be decreased too. Usually simple practices such as the reuse of bottles or more sustainable food management helps the environmental footprint to decline. The Green Production Guide from the Producers Guild of America point out that replacing plastic water bottles with refillable water tanks and compostable cups could save approximately $5,000 per 60 days for a crew of 100 people. Another way to significantly reduce costs is to use energy efficient lightning alternatives and electrical retrofitting. Ridesharing and electric vehicle programs as well as electric vehicle charging stations and hybrid vehicle shuttles to get around the studio campuses are further sustainable methods to improve environmental standards while shooting a film.

“It’s important to consider sustainability also in terms of content. We have a responsibility towards our audiences to not only take care behind the scenes, but also in terms of the stories we tell. Integrating sustainable values in what we show on screen is a powerful way to create change.

I think everyone agrees there is so much beauty around that we all want to continue to exist. And the only way to do this, is if we take this responsibility together.” Els Rientjes, Sustainability Manager at Green Film Making

As the current situation has also massive effects on the film industry, we are going to publish a second blog post in October on how to produce in a sustainable way even in times of Covid-19. In the meantime, check out more about how to minimalize your environmental footprint while producing a film and take a look at the links below: