Five best practices for giving your production the green light | Sustainable Production
Sustainable Production
Giving your production the Green light:
5 best practices for more sustainable filmmaking
No matter the project, film productions are always a demanding enterprise involving large numbers of people, planning and resources. So how can we, creators and producers, ensure that all those components serve a greater purpose? Creating content is a profoundly creative art, and we can apply this creativity to all its features, including finding out-of-the-box solutions to reduce the negative environmental impact of production.
As content creators, we know climate change might not be the most exciting or artistically fulfilling topic. That is why it often gets put on the back burner, overshadowed by a mountain of seemingly more critical responsibilities. But we also know that no other responsibility is as pressing in the current times as the one we have towards our planet.
This article will unveil some of the best and most effective sustainable practices, as well as tips on how they can be easily applied. It is important to remember that committing to sustainability on set should not be seen as restricting but rather as an opportunity to enhance the overall quality of the production and create outstanding artistic work rooted in conscious environmental action.
Let's take a look at some key things to consider when planning a sustainable production:
1. Take the pressure off - consider hiring a sustainability champion!
Are you working on a big production? So exciting! But we know you must be stressed out.
Film sets get pretty busy, and amid all the chaos, it can be easy to lose sight of your environmental goals. Don't worry - hiring a dedicated sustainability champion may be a helpful solution ensuring that the film shoot runs according to the highest sustainable standards and takes some of the pressure off you.
Sustainability champions don't relieve crew members of their responsibilities but help coordinate their practices and offer much-needed reminders, ultimately becoming the parties accountable for the overall environmental quality of the shoot.
2. Did everyone get the (green) memo?
It is standard to send a call sheet before each shoot, but it should also be the standard to produce a green memo outlining the plan for sustainable action. This may include reminders about waste recycling, reducing energy and any other tips which may guide crew members through the process of green production. Sending such memos sets the tone for the production and informs all crew members of the official environmental standards that will be in operation on set.
3. Choose locations wisely
When choosing your locations, make sure to keep energy efficiency in mind. Does your site have measures in place to reduce the environmental impact of the building (e.g. LED lights, lighting sensors, visual reminders on energy savings, waste management etc.)? Of course, it's not always possible to find the perfect "green" location, but it is crucial to make sure that you make all possible adjustments. Also, think of including producing signage, providing straightforward access to recycling bins, ensuring parking for bicycles and facilitating all other environmentally conscious actions so that performing them won't be an additional hurdle for busy filmmakers, talent and guests but rather a quick and natural step to take.
It is also important to note our shoot's impact on the external environment, especially when filming on location. Setting up lights and sound stages close to nature disturbs wildlife through the creation of noise, waste and air pollution. Always minimise or avoid entirely, for example, through shooting in a studio wherever possible or opting for the solution of the future - virtual filmmaking.
4. Do we need to travel?
One of the most harmful aspects of each production is the amount of travel it entails. For example, 51% of all emissions from film productions are generated by transportation [The Guardian, 2020]. So ask yourself - do we need to travel?
Producers must come up with solutions as to how to reduce this negative impact. Are there alternative, nearby locations that don't require as much travel? Are we renting eco-friendly cars? Could a train be used instead of a plane? Does the entire crew need to travel, or will only a few core members be sufficient? Is it possible to hire local teams? Can existing footage be used rather than shooting the original? In the case of interviews, do they need to be shot in person, or can they be shot remotely (e.g. via video calling)? All of these questions can push production in a more sustainable direction.
Sustainability champions don't relieve crew members of their responsibilities but help coordinate their practices and offer much-needed reminders, ultimately becoming the parties accountable for the overall environmental quality of the shoot.
5. Waste not, want not.
As we've already mentioned, giving all crew members easy access to recycling bins is essential. But it is also important to keep waste in mind when purchasing snacks, drinks, and other amenities. For example, avoid plastic packaging, choose eco-friendly brands, encourage crew members to bring their water bottles, reduce the usage of paper towels and keep printing to a minimum. Small steps such as these can go a long way.
The above examples are only a few solutions that can minimise your production's negative impact. Stay tuned for next week's instalment of our article series to discover some of the choices that various crew departments can take on a journey to more sustainable filmmaking.