FIFTY SHADES OF GREEN: Film industry’s most significant productions and their environmental impact | Sustainable Production

Sustainable Production

FIFTY SHADES OF GREEN:

Film industry’s most significant productions and their environmental impact

Sustainability in the film is not a novel idea. In fact, it has been an integral component of some of the biggest blockbusters of recent years. This only proves that incorporating environmental awareness into production processes is not only a feasible undertaking but also one that can contribute to the overall success of your film. The following case studies will serve as examples of how producers can use their platforms and resources to effectively enact change. 

Although the Fifty Shades trilogy may not be an example of brilliant cinema, the sustainability efforts presented by the production team definitely deserve all the awards. The last instalment of the infamous trilogy, Fifty Shades Freed, was incredibly well thought-out, shot consecutively with its predecessor to preserve existing resources and make the most use of sets, props and other materials. The crew had also completely eliminated the use of single-use plastic bottles, saving what would have otherwise been an amount of 80,000 bottles. In addition, a dedicated Sustainability Production Assistant was on set to coordinate a comprehensive recycling and composting program, resulting in 75% of waste diverting from landfills. Moreover, the sets were recycled and donated to local film schools and nonprofits, while the set dressing and various other materials were donated to Habitat for Humanity, among other charitable organizations. In total, 288 tons of set materials were donated to be reused again. 

Another production worth mentioning is 2019’s Downton Abbey, a cinematic rendition of the beloved British series. All production documents, including call sheets and scripts, have been digitized to reduce paper waste. Moreover, all recycling procedures were keenly adhered to, including a ban on on-site disposable food service products. All crew members were provided with reusable water bottles and reusable batteries for the sound and light team. In fact, reusability seems to have been a recurring theme because even the set had been repurposed from preserved elements from the Downton Abbey series. Later, those set elements - along with props and costumes - were donated to Wimbledon College of Arts, local sewing shops and other institutions. 

Something that stands out from the above examples is that two of them are major British productions. It is no coincidence that the UK film industry has been a global leader in sustainability, setting a standard for other markets to follow. The British Film Institute, for instance, has issued a set of principles followed during every production. The mission statement includes guidance on recycling streams to maintain BFI’s zero-to-landfill policy. It also speaks of the continuously decreasing levels of energy consumption and the steps taken to do so - including the overnight shutdown of air handling units. The Institute is also committed to using renewable resources, going so far as to replace all paper towels at the head office with energy-efficient dryers. All sites are also adapted for sustainable travel, including cycling shelters and free access to city bikes. Finally, BFI’s environmental efforts are cemented by their action for biodiversity. They have partnered with local beekeeping trusts and have a total of four hives on their sites, using bee-friendly planting as a step to improve invertebrate biodiversity.

There is one more crucial sustainability agent from the United Kingdom, and it goes by Albert. Stay tuned for next week’s article to learn about this inspiring organization and other sustainability gatekeepers who paint the film industry green.