World Environment Day: Green Film Production is Essential for Responsible Filmmaking

Making movies can be a very wasteful process. Filmmaking is not recognized for having a favorable impact on the environment, from discarded food to abandoned sets to tremendous energy use. 

However, things don't have to be this way. We recognize that as an independent producer, producing a film can take precedence over sustainable filmmaking. 

It's simpler than ever to practice green film production in 2022. Green filmmaking advice is now accessible to productions of all sizes and budgets due to groups like the Sustainable Production Alliance setting the standard. You too can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of your production by making a commitment to sustainability. . What is a "green" film? 

You may be asking what makes a film production sustainable. 

Several of the biggest entertainment studios and production businesses made the decision to act due to the historically inefficient nature of film production. Making green films could no longer be an optional aspect of the filmmaking process. The Sustainable Production Alliance and the Green Production Guide were both born out of this endeavor. 

Despite the fact that the Sustainable Production Alliance is composed of major international corporations like Disney, Netflix, and NBCUniversal, any production, regardless of scale, including independent producers, may contribute to environmental protection. 

To put it briefly, all filmmakers have the ability to ensure that their projects have the least negative influence on the environment feasible. 

Green filmmaking encompasses several facets of sustainable living, such as reusing water bottles and recycling paper products. Others could require a little more work; consider giving sets or renting solar-powered trailers. All of these steps, no matter how big or tiny, lead to reducing the environmental impact of your operations. 

It's crucial to remember that making green films entails more than just production. You may engage in sustainable film production whether you're pre-, post-, or in the shooting phase. 

What are some production suggestions for green films? 

The Green Production Guide is great since it covers a wide range of green filming techniques.  For the same reason, it might also feel a little overpowering at times. These broad components of filmmaking have been broken down into useful advice and techniques for a sustainable shoot. 

Now that you're prepared, pick up your Go-Green Checklist and let's discover how to save the environment. 

Consistently adhere to general reduce, reuse, and recycle guidelines

In addition to those that can be implemented at any stage of a production, there are sustainable film production techniques that are unique to certain stages of the filmmaking process. 

It's simple to implement the following advice at all times:

Provide recycling bins in the workplace, on the set, and at the site: Give no justification for your coworkers in the workplace or the cast or crew to discard anything that can be repurposed. Place containers outside for recyclables such as paper, plastic, and metal. 

Install water dispensers: Water dispensers in the workplace, on set, and in the field help reduce the waste from single-use bottles. If money permits, provide reusable water bottle swag that is personalized to make it even simpler for your crew and cast to utilize them. 

Invest on recyclable materials: Make it a habit to obtain recyclable or recycled materials for production building as well as for any other needs related to filmmaking. This includes anything from gently used office furniture to recycled paper for printed documents. 

Gather electronic garbage and dispose of it properly: When disposed of, many electrical devices need to be handled carefully. Never dispose of electronics like batteries or monitors with the rest of your trash. Alternatively, recycle them or have them disposed of appropriately. 

Promote the usage of all crew and casting procedures: It's excellent that you are now aware of the several practical green film production techniques.  However, emphasize to your actors and crew how important they are. Only when these methods are widely and often used do they have an impact. Assure your coworkers that practicing environmentally friendly filmmaking on a daily basis is a top priority on your set. 

Follow the example set by artisan services that engage in green filming

Let's begin with the food, which is everyone's favorite aspect of filming. 

Verify that craft services providers follow the guidelines for sustainable film production listed below. Additionally, have your office manager or PAs adhere to the following rules for any food requirements that are not handled by craft services, such as filling your office kitchen: 

Outlaw single-use condiments and water bottles: Install water dispensers in the office instead, and arrange for them to be set up on site or on set. Stock up on condiments and use reusable containers to distribute them. 

Recycle food scraps: Do you have food that should be thrown away? Compost it if you can, either for a nearby community garden or another compost-friendly location. 

Avoid foam items: Some foam items are now recyclable, but to avoid confusion, stick to paper items that can be recycled or composted if disposable dining products are a must.

Reuse dishes and cutlery: In the office, have on hand reusable dishes and cutlery. When possible, do the same on set or on location. Donate leftover food 

Never throw away food: Any items that you won’t be using for your production, donate to a local food bank or other organizations that could benefit from those food goods.

Select a team that will adhere to your green film production goals

When it comes time to staff up for your project, green filming should be your first priority. Since this is the situation. As an independent producer, nobody is counting on you to manage every aspect of the production of a green picture by yourself.  Just be sure to invite those who do.

Make it plain to each department head that it is their responsibility to put the green filmmaking techniques that apply to their particular department into practice. They also need to let the other members of their team know that adhering to these procedures is mandatory. 

Create and use environmentally friendly film frames and designs. 

Due in large part to the quantity of sets, props, and costumes produced for a production, filmmaking may be extremely wasteful. After being used for only a few days or even hours, all of these tangible objects are frequently thrown away.

When it comes to cutting back on this sort of waste, you have choices. Those choices include: 

Hire costumes, props, and sets: Whether you're filming a Middle Ages historical piece or a future sci-fi movie, chances are a prop or costume house has what you need. See whether you can rent what you need instead of making or buying anything new for your production. 

For new building, use recyclable or recycled materials: Unable to get a rental? If you have to construct or make what you need, get your components from businesses that offer recyclable or recycled materials. 

Recycle or reuse leftover manufacturing materials: Keep those props and costumes after a project is finished. Save them for a later production if you have the room. Sell them to a prop, set, or costume house if you don't have room for them or if you know you won't be using them again. Alternatively, they can be rented or donated to other plays. 

Use rechargeable or energy-efficient devices: Computers, cameras, and lighting. generators. The equipment and energy requirements of a film set are high. Try your best to use these suggestions to make the film production more environmentally friendly: 

Make use of LED lights: LED lighting produces less heat and uses less energy. Yes, their average longer operation will offset the cost you will probably pay more up front for them. 

Utilizing them is a win-win situation for everyone: Just keep in mind that LED brightness is measured in lumens, not watts, when comparing it to that of an incandescent light! 

Utilize rechargeable batteries: When it's feasible, use rechargeable batteries to power your headsets, microphones, laptops, and other tiny equipment. 

Hire solar-powered machinery: If you're producing a movie where you need to make trailers for your actors, consider your solar-powered possibilities. You may also consider using solar-powered generators for your everyday power requirements. 

Use alternate fuels and energy sources for your needs: There are uses for sustainable film production techniques outside of the set or site. There are frequently significant transportation needs. The exhaust from all those automobiles, vans, and trucks adds up, as every Angelino knows! consume these tips to reduce the amount of fuel you consume and the resulting air pollution: 

Promote the use of bicycles or public transit: Unless they want to, no one is asking your star actor to ride their bike to the scene! You may also let your team know if the area you're filming is bike-friendly. Providing your cast and crew with public transit choices might also lead to fewer people on the road, if it makes sense for your production. 

Hire fuel-efficient or hybrid cars: Using bicycles or public transit may not always be an option during a production, particularly when moving props or set items. But if you're the one providing transportation for your group, a lot of automobile rental firms provide eco-friendly choices. 

Put in place a policy banning idle: A no-idling policy can help you adopt green film production practices even in situations when using public transit or electric vehicles are not an option. Tell every crew member who has access to a vehicle to turn it off when it's not in use for moving actors, crew, or props.

Conclusion 

Using tools like eco-friendly checklist makes it simple to develop a practice of producing eco-friendly films. Just like any other habit, all it takes is the will to stick with it and the support of others to follow suit. While you're writing your script breakdown in the beginning is the ideal moment to start thinking environmentally. Now is the best moment. By working together, we can make sure that the industry and art of entertainment don't harm the environment.