From green filmmaking incentives to reuse networks, North American production hubs are making sustainability more practical
According to a report by the Sustainable Production Alliance (SPA), tentpole films averaged 3,370 metric tons of CO2e, or about 33 metric tons per shooting day, while small projects averaged 391 metric tons of CO2e. Hollywood may be built on larger-than-life stories, but production leaves a measurable environmental footprint. Considering fuel, transportation, set construction, utilities and waste all contributing to a production’s impact, sustainability is no longer a side conversation; it’s a part of how productions plan, budget and choose film locations.
The good news is that green filmmaking is becoming the new standard, practical and budget-friendly. From LED lighting and reuse networks to virtual production, incentives and training programs, producers have several tools to go green, including destinations in North America promoting green initiatives.
What Green Filmmaking Looks Like in Practice
The reality of sustainable filming can be challenging. Instead of talking about what you can do in the abstract, here are some examples of sustainable changes that productions have put into practice.
LED Lighting
LED lighting reduces power demand and lasts longer than traditional bulbs, which can lower power demands on set. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was committed to running a sustainable film production. They earned a Gold Standard from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and were deemed carbon-neutral for their production and press tour. Part of this commitment came in the form of LED lighting. The movie’s most climactic fight scene was lit with LEDs. Everything was well thought out, from lighting panels and arrays to marquee lights and stoplights – even the no-walking signs.
Though this is a large-scale production with a superhero movie budget, even the smallest projects can make steps toward sustainability. Replacing your lightbulbs with LEDs and finding locations that use LED lighting are good places to start.
Rented Costumes, Reuse & Donation Programs
Sourcing good quality, affordable clothing can often be costly and time-consuming. Renting costumes decreases purchasing, storage, and disposal costs, as well as the stress of what to do with everything post-filming. Reuse and donation programs can also reduce landfill waste and storage costs. Plus, productions can work with local theaters, universities, nonprofits, and upcycle centers to keep props and other materials out of landfills.
Virtual Production
Virtual production can reduce travel and physical set builds using LED walls. If it’s in your budget, consider the advantages of an LED screen. These screens, or walls, offer the dual benefits of sustainability and cost savings. There are many examples of productions that have used LED screens – with great results.
For series set in interplanetary settings, virtual production allowed The Mandalorian to create expansive environments without sending crews to different physical locations. Instead of putting their actors in front of a green screen and adding CGI later, they took a different approach. The production used LED volume technology to create immersive environments in-camera, reducing the need for location work or traditional post-production fixes. While The Mandalorian is a large-scale production with a budget to boot, productions with tight schedules and budgetary constraints can still take advantage of LED walls.
The Tools and Standards to Know
These tools help producers measure environmental impacts, plan reductions, and document sustainable film production practices.
BAFTA Albert
If you are seeking the industry standard for sustainability best practices, look no further than BAFTA Albert. The Albert Certification is awarded to productions that conduct a Carbon Footprint Assessment, create a Carbon Action Plan, and submit documentation of the sustainable practices implemented. Productions that complete certification will be awarded a one, two, or three-star rating. The certification and star rating can then be included in your end credits to display your commitment to green filmmaking. The certification process also helps productions identify where their sustainability plans are working and where improvement is needed.
Green Production Guide
The Producers Guild of America and the Sustainable Production Alliance developed the Green Production Guide toolkit. It contains various useful resources and practical tools, including a directory of vetted eco-friendly vendors and practical frameworks for reducing aproduction’s environmental impact.
Green Seal
While Alberta focuses on carbon planning and certification, the Environmental Media Association’s Green Seal recognizes productions that implement green filmmaking practices and also encourages environmental storytelling through characters and plotlines with an extensive list. Awarded on a point system, the seal is more than just a symbol of recognition; it helps productions self-assess their own sustainability measures.
Destinations Leading the Way
Destination scouting becomes more complex when sustainability is integrated into the planning process. Beyond scenery, crew depth and green incentives, productions are increasingly seeking locations with appropriate vendors, reuse networks, low-emission transportation options, sustainability training and film offices that understand eco-friendly film production planning. These North American destinations offer a strong starting point for those seeking to reduce their environmental impact.
Illinois, USA
Illinois just became the first in the nation to launch an incentive program specifically for certified green productions. The program joins the already enticing credit of up to 35% for all film spending in the state. Illinois continues to show major growth in the film industry, and its latest sustainability incentive further drives both the film industry and environmental responsibility.
New York City, USA
One of the clearest examples of sustainable film production environments is New York City. NYC Film Green is administered by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and supports film and television productions that use environmentally friendly practices. The incentive also allows qualifying productions to earn a Film Green Seal to use in end credits. Other benefits to filming in NYC are easy transit access, green vendor networks and reuse opportunities that help reduce waste, limit transportation emissions and help keep materials in circulation after wrap.
Utah, USA
The Utah Film Commission’s commitment to supporting green production practices makes it an increasingly attractive filming destination. While they don’t currently offer any green-specific incentive programs, there is infrastructure in place for sustainable filming. Local vendors provide everything from rented equipment and low-cost materials to tax deductions on donated goods following production.
British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia in Canada has long been one of the most active production hubs in North America. Its Reel Green initiative bolsters the province’s strong sustainability framework to match its film infrastructure. The initiative supports sustainable film production through tools, training and collaboration among government, industry and local partners. BC offers producers a mature, green filmmaking ecosystem in which sustainability is a daily practice.
Film Fact: A clear example of sustainable practices in filmmaking is the production of Fifty Shades Freed, filmed in Vancouver. The production diverted 75% of its set waste and donated 288 tons of set materials, which kept 99% of the trilogy’s film sets out of landfills. Another example is the hit television series, The X-Files. During the filming of season 11 in British Columbia, the production worked with Green Spark to create a sustainability plan, ultimately diverting 68% of waste from local landfills.
Alberta, Canada
Alberta offers major production infrastructure and sustainability resources, including the Alberta Sustainable Production Guide, which helps crews find green vendors and services like recycling and waste management. Alberta gives producers location versatility and the tools to accomplish eco-friendly practices. Plus, a film and television tax credit of up to 30%on eligible labor costs and production makes the province cost-effective.
Sustainable programs, incentives, and vendors change often. With any location, it is important to confirm current offerings with each film office before the start of production.
The Cost Question
The assumption that sustainable filming costs more than traditional production is increasingly outdated. Today, there are plenty of logistical and financial advantages to green filmmaking.
LED lighting, digital paperwork, reusable water systems, local networks and material donations can help reduce expenses while being environmentally friendly. There are tax incentives, rebates and grants designed specifically for green filmmaking. Not to mention that a commitment to sustainability tends to attract investors seeking socially responsible projects.
If the question of cost has been holding you back from investing in sustainable film production, keep in mind that the myth of pricey green options is not today’s reality. Everything from big-budget blockbusters to small indies can save on costs through eco-friendly production choices.
The Future of Sustainable Film Production
Green filmmaking is no longer relegated to big-budget productions and major studios. More film offices, vendors, and production hubs are building sustainable practices into their services. For producers, this means eco-friendly filming is becoming easier to plan and more accessible. Successful productions will consider eco-friendly choices from the start, from green vendors and workflows that reduce waste to lower emissions and selecting destinations that support green filmmaking.
By Helene Martin
