1 – There needs to be a comprehensive website providing a thorough database of pertinent web links and resources to connect those working to green the film industry with those who want to; and

2 – Local, location-specific guides and resources need to be developed and made available to make on location sustainable filmmaking a viable option.

 

If you Google “green film guide” or “green production guide” you will get a few pages of useful links, mixed in with others that have nothing to do with sustainable practices in filmmaking. Thorough research on the topic takes a lot of digging and clicking through page after page of information in search of actual valuable resources. Once found, these resources often lead you through a virtual maze of additional links and information. Even I, who spend a lot of time reading on the topic, am often surprised when I come across a new website or organization, and marvel at how difficult it was to have found it. When we also take into consideration the growing interest in this movement and the amount of new information that is being developed, all this can be very overwhelming.

 

Looked at from a filmmaker’s perspective who is busy just trying to get their film made, the task of greening their production can seem daunting, especially when local resources aren’t readily available. While general guidelines provide an overview and framework with which to approach sustainable filmmaking, the importance of having location-specific guidelines can’t be ignored. Just as a production team needs to know where to rent a camera dolly in Austin, TX, or whom they can get locally to operate it, so do they need to know what waste hauler will take their recyclables, and what caterers use local, organic food.

 

So where are Texans’ guides to shooting green? I’m working on that… but in the meantime, I’ve tried to provide you with the key general green guidelines and resources. In addition, I searched every film commission’s website in the U.S. (and a few internationally) for environmental film programs and guides and came up with ten states and cities that have information up on their sites.

 

See below – while this list is still not all-inclusive, I hope these resources are helpful and informative.

 

 

Back in 1995, the EMA launched an Environmental Production Guide online resource for filmmakers. Since 2004, EMA has recognized film and TV productions that use sustainable practices through the Green Seal Awards. As of 2009, qualification for the award will be verified by a third party green certification organization. 

 

After conducting a worldwide study on the best practices in sustainable filmmaking, American University School of Communication’s Center for Social Media developed this Code for Best Practices in Sustainable Filmmaking in Feb 2009.

 

The Producer’s Guild of America developed a national green committee in 2009 to focus on the growing need for sustainable film practices. They provide the link to the Motion Picture Association of America’s Best Practices Guide, in addition to other current trends and resources, on their website.

 

 

 

Film Commissions worldwide are a great resource to filmmakers shooting on location as they provide an essential liaison to local governments. In addition to coordinating the necessary municipal and government services, most film commissions maintain a database of local crew and services, and seek to attract productions to their area by offering tax incentives and touting what their location has to offer. What better way to add to a location’s appeal than to be able to provide eco-friendly resources? 

 

Below is a list of local green film programs and guides offered by state and city film commissions. Most are not comprehensive, and some are clearly better than others, but at least they’re on the right track.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.thegreenlocation.com/ 

While the major Hollywood studios have been recycling since the 1970’s, the last few years have seen major changes to their operations, from installing solar panels on their lots, to making carbon neutral programming. While other Hollywood studios are involved with eco-initiatives, below are the studios that have made a guide or website readily available.