The Big Picture
The film industry has a notable carbon footprint due to movie and TV production. For example, a film with a £60 million budget can generate around 3,500 metric tons of carbon. The footprint comes from many areas including materials, labor, equipment, and especially power and transport, which is the biggest contributor, making up about 51% of emissions on big film shoots. The industry is becoming more aware of this and is working towards being more sustainable to reduce its impact on the environment.
This is an ongoing process and this site will offer real time commentary and insight.
THE FOUR HORSEMEN
POWER
Historically, the film industry has consistently overestimated power requirements for every facet, ranging from catering to lighting. Now, we're stirring the lightning tree, initiating a shift towards recognizing and reducing these energy excesses, steering towards a more sustainable cinematic production landscape.
TRANSPORT
Transport in the film industry incurs a hefty carbon footprint due to the movement of crews, cast, and equipment to various locations, often globally. The reliance on fossil-fueled vehicles further exacerbates emissions, making transport a significant environmental concern within this sector.
CONSTRUCTION
The construction department significantly contributes to the film industry's carbon footprint due to the building and dismantling of sets, often with materials that are not reused or recycled. Additionally, the energy-intensive processes and transportation of materials further escalate the environmental impact.
WASTE
Traditional approaches to waste and recycling in the film industry are outdated, often lacking systematic reuse or recycling protocols. This leads to significant material waste and a larger carbon footprint, demonstrating a pressing need for modern, sustainable waste management practices.