How Green is that Hollywood Movie?
The moviemaking business has a very large environmental footprint. Idling production vehicles, construction of elaborate sets, extensive lighting needs and a crew of hundreds who all need to be fed and transported are just a few of the contributing factors to the un-enviromentally friendly aspects of the film and television industry.
The UCLA Institute of the Environment's annual report last year found that when compared to other top industries in California, the film and television industry tops the list in air pollution and green house gas emissions. The problem, the study suggested, was that each production is a short lived entity and doesn't have to think of long term supply chain effects that face other types of business and industries.
Most U.S. states and major U.S. cities have a film department, which are usually part of the mayors office to facilitate film productions. Many provide assistance in acquiring permits, location scouting, and hiring local professionals, but very few offer additional incentives for going green or even contain info with practical, money saving tips on being more enviro-friendly.
New Mexico is an exception with their Green Filmmaking Program. The initiative is simple. It is a voluntary program that offers guidelines for productions that want to lessen their footprint. The film office has compiled helpful information on the use of alternative materials and green practices such as recycling, purchasing local products, donating set materials, leasing hybrid vehicles, getting biodiesel for generators, and other waste reduction techniques. They also offer additional tax incentives for productions that follow these guidelines.
New York City, a popular filming destination for movies and TV shows, has recently announced NYC: Green Screen, similar to New Mexico's program offering tools and practical guidelines for shooting greener in NYC.
New Zealand, another moviemaking hotspot (Lord of the Rings triology) features Greening The Screen, an environmental toolkit for productions. The main motivation there is to lessen the impact on New Zealand's historical and cultural heritage, but also to help the boost the country's economy.
The Environmental Media Association presents the Green Seal Award for productions that strive for enviro-friendly practices on and offset as an added incentive for green recognition.
There are some films that will go carbon neutral with out any help from a voluntary program, and others it just makes sense for them to do so, like An Inconvenient Truth. But there is a lot of room for improvement in this multi-billion dollar industry. Maybe Leonardo Dicaprio can extend his efforts to greening his workplace.
Further reading:
Digital Content Producer
Tags: Environment, Film, film production, Hollywood, Media, movies, New Mexico, New Zealand, Television
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May 14th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Good afternooon Amy.
I was informed of your article from a California Film Commissioner and I am curious where you got your research. I am currently writing my thesis about this topic and have done some extensive research about the topic. I know about the programs that you listed many of which are new and just sprouting whereas Hollywood has been having incentives and programs since 1989. I feel that your brief article is incomplete and could potentially cause confusion and controversy if distributed, mainly because of the examples you bring up and your sources. Although it is true that the history of the industry may be wasteful they have made significant improvements in the past 20 years. I once felt similar to you in that the industry was the most horrible thing for the environment and that it should all be changed, but talking with members of the film community you will find that it is a very sensitive subject that is getting recognition at the levels that make a difference. Rather than blaming Hollywood, could you present solutions for them?
I will caution you about the UCLA as it refers to old data and is based on interviews which are not representative of the entire industry. Have you contacted the green programs that you refer to in your article about the efficiency of the programs and how they are being carried out? As a filmmaker, are you going to do something about the greening of the industry?
This topic has a deep history and is a very sensitive issue, so I suggest doing some in depth research before making blanket statements. I’m not saying the industry is not saying, but what I am saying is that film offices, studios and companies are looking to alternatives and we should encourage them to do so in a positive manner but providing assistance and making our own movies green. I agree that the industry has a long way to go, but their programs are successful, just check out Hollywood Recycles for an example or talk to any film commissioner in California.
Thank you for your time.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:11 am
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