Explore how ARRI’s CPO programme and other innovative solutions contribute to sustainability in production, offering cost-effective, high-quality equipment while reducing environmental impact. The energy requirements of a product are often seen as an indicator of its eco-friendliness, but there is much more to consider. Eco-friendly design also demands durability, reparability, and the availability of spare … Read more
As the industry shifts away from diesel power, groundbreaking technologies are rapidly emerging, delivering not only lower carbon footprints but also greater adaptability in meeting production demands. Power and transport are the two biggest sources of CO2e emissions for productions. Getting these down to zero should be a priority. At first glance, this seems impossible, … Read more
The choice of lighting fixtures can make a significant difference to a production’s carbon footprint, with LED fixtures offering substantial power savings over traditional instruments. Since the introduction of LED lighting, despite its environmental benefits, many have argued that it can’t match the quality of tungsten light. However, is that argument now a thing of … Read more
INNOVATION, PROBLEM SOLVING, CREATIVITY The film industry is uniquely configured to respond to rapid change…but only if it’s forced to. Film production has a lot to answer for regarding sustainability – or lack of sustainability. The travelling circus of a film crew is driven by the imperative of getting the shot, on time and under … Read more
CREATING CHANGE All members of crew have power to bring about transformation, achieve sustainability goals, and be examples to peers in the wider industry, says Karl Liegis, head of production, 60Forty Films. Broadcasters and streamers have Net Zero targets and production companies have big ambitions, positive intentions, and are making meaningful transformations when it comes … Read more
POWERING THE JOURNEY TO NET ZERO Laurence Johnson outlines how the climate crisis can be addressed and public health improved by the film and TV industry embracing clean, renewable power and through initiatives such as Film London’s Grid Project and Fuel Project. The burning of fossil fuels has allowed economic development unparalleled in human history. … Read more
THIS IS NOT A MOVIE Recent data reveals transport accounts for over half of production emissions, overshadowing even commuting. Immediate action and incentives are crucial. Have you noticed a seismic shift in sustainable working practices over recent years? Most probably the answer will be no. Do I sound like a broken record? Most probably, yes. … Read more
INSIGHT AND INITIATIVES What does a 19th century royal consort have to do with the climate crisis in the 21st century? April Sotomayor, head of industry sustainability at BAFTA albert, explains. If you have ever watched a TV programme in the UK, you may have noticed a small black-and-white footprint logo in the end credits. … Read more
COLLABORATION: THE KEY TO THE FILM AND TV’S INDUSTRY’S SUSTAINABILITY The film and TV industry must embrace collaboration and innovation to overcome significant sustainability challenges and drive meaningful change. In an industry renowned for creativity and innovation, the film and TV sector faces a significant challenge in sustainability. The environmental impact of production processes—from energy … Read more
SKY’S THE LIMIT Whether the cloud is a sustainability saviour or a nightmare is still debated, but new tech is helping production teams use it more responsibly. As repeated ad nauseum throughout this special, you want to avoid moving things around if you’re trying to decarbonise. Moving things takes energy and, although it’s getting better, … Read more
MEALS FOR THE PLANET While green film production sparks debates, few topics stir as much passion as on-set catering, especially the shift to plant-based menus. When it comes to green film production, few topics spark as much emotion as on-set catering. Despite studies, medical reports, and the practices of athletes showing that a plant-based diet … Read more
Lead image credit: Phil Streather NO TEA PARTY The traditional approach to filming chimpanzees and many other species in their natural habitat is to use a large camera and a very long lens necessitating a large and heavy tripod, but Oscar-winning director James Reed (My Octopus Teacher) and cinematographer Ben Sadd (Jago: A Life Underwater; … Read more
CREATURE COMFORTS Cinematographer Jack Mifflin used the Laowa Ranger Compact Cine Zoom to capture European marmots in the wild. Images of wild marmots eating biscuits was the spur for award-winning filmmakers Yaz Ellis and Jack Mifflin to produce a short film highlighting the complicated relationship between humans and feeding wildlife. The pair, who live in … Read more
THE RIGHT PACKAGE FOR A SUCCESSFUL SHOOT Whether navigating tropical jungles, searing deserts, icy mountains, or the depths of the ocean, wildlife filmmakers face a unique set of challenges. Despite the variety of environments, a common set of considerations always guides their essential kit list. On every shoot, technical challenges are inevitable as capturing something … Read more
INTREPID ADVENTURE Anyone growing up in the UK is familiar with Captain Scott’s race to the South Pole as a tale of tragic heroism but there is far more to the story that a new film sets out to explore. The Worst Journey In The World is a biopic set in Antarctica, recounting one of … Read more
CAPTURING THE GRIT AND GLORY Guardians – a gripping new documentary series filmed using Blackmagic Design kit – sheds light on the courageous work of anti-poaching rangers in the Zambezi Delta of Mozambique. Produced by Conservation Film Company for EarthxTV, seven-episode documentary Guardians tracks the efforts of anti-poaching rangers – the unsung heroes – as … Read more
WILD NINJA Kristi Odom travels the world as a photographer and filmmaker to highlight wildlife stories and protect them. As an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, she has helped raise nearly $1m for conservation. On a recent trip to Bolivia, Kristi Odom visited La Senda Verde wildlife sanctuary to raise money … Read more
FEMALE FORCE Networking and support group Women in Wildlife (WiW) is connecting and amplifying women working within the wildlife industry. We hear from its founder and members about the group’s vital work. The planet is facing climate and biodiversity loss crises that impact all of humanity and yet globally, women remain underrepresented in leading solutions … Read more
SECOND NATURE Some of the cinematographers behind Planet Earth III reveal their techniques to capture the big wild world in all its glory. For wildlife cinematographer John Haskew, any filmmaking, including shooting the natural world, is “all about the story and engaging and educating the audience”. Immersing the viewer in the world of the subject, … Read more
FEMALES IN THE FRAME As well as the female dynasties at the centre of the story in Queens, talented and passionate women took on key roles behind the camera and throughout the production team to capture the groundbreaking wildlife series. After more than a century of bringing the world to readers via its distinctive, yellow-bordered … Read more