Here's how you can incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly practices into video production innovation.

1) Hire local crew to avoid plane travel by flying entire crew + equipment to each location. 2) Use digital scripts and rechargeable tablets instead of printing. 3) Include carbon offsets in budget if you must travel by air and gasoline powered vehicles. Make sure to research viable carbon offsets if you choose this option.

Pre Pro(duction): Sustainable Scripting and Storytelling: Develop scripts and stories that highlight environmental themes or incorporate eco-friendly practices as part of the narrative. Consider shooting locations that require minimal travel to reduce carbon footprints. Digital Pre-Production: Use digital tools for scriptwriting, storyboarding, and planning to minimize paper waste. Conduct virtual meetings and location scouting to reduce travel.

Best thing to do here is not ask me but ask a sustainability expert like @ciaran armstrong (sadly... no link). The film and video industry is infamous for non-sustainability – notably the fact that camera gear and associated tech is ALWAYS being upgraded to the latest resolution / lighter-weight / sharper image. This won't change but measures can be taken to minimise the impact. Working with remote crews are one extremely obvious element – but one that's also tricky to navigate if the language gap and distance are big enough between. Locations are more accessible now too – we can bring them 'home' with tech like Unreal Engine and huge studio screens for some talent-focused shots.

Use energy-efficient lighting such as LED lights, which consume less power and produce less heat. Implement solar-powered generators and other renewable energy sources on set. Eco-Friendly Set Design: Use recycled, upcycled, or sustainably sourced materials for set construction. Avoid single-use plastics and encourage reusable or compostable materials for props and set pieces. Sustainable Transportation: Encourage carpooling, use of hybrid or electric vehicles, and public transportation for cast and crew. Opt for local hires to reduce travel-related emissions. Waste Management: Set up comprehensive recycling and composting systems on set. Minimize food waste by donating leftover catering to local shelters or composting organic waste.

LED has changed the game for energy consumption in the industry but the constant production of gear is the main problem, not the individual productions themselves. Hold onto the kit you have for as long as possible, and recycle it but giving it away to support local groups when the time comes to say goodbye.

Absolutely! Lighting and equipment play a crucial role in video production, but they can use a lot of energy. Choosing LED lights is a smart move because they’re energy-efficient and generate less heat, creating a more comfortable environment on set. It’s also important to turn off equipment when it’s not needed and explore solar-powered options whenever feasible. Every bit of energy saved helps make production more sustainable.

1) Encourage use of public transportation for crew members who do not have equipment. 2) Encourage crew to bring their own water bottles to refill to reduce waste. 3) This is a tough one: vegetarian and plastic free lunches.

This is an interesting one – because often locations and call times will dictate the transport that crew need to take. Plus the amount of gear needed – even for a small production. Interestingly the overall impact of newer vehicles on a production line is far more harmful than an exisiting vehicle on the road, but it's a catch 22 quandary we need to address. Assigning a role such as a sustainability ambassador for one of the junior crew members ensures there is someone holding others accountable. They, of course, must be respected : )

Post-Production Digital Distribution: Opt for digital distribution and promotion rather than physical media to reduce material waste. Use energy-efficient data storage solutions and cloud services. Green Editing: Utilize energy-efficient equipment and encourage remote collaboration to minimize travel for post-production teams. Implement sustainable practices in post-production facilities, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing waste.

This is the biggest advantage of video – to shine a light on issues we can all help with. Embedding values like sustainable production and purpose into the projects and the clients you work with can have a far-reaching effect when the content helps people change their own perspectives.

HBO's True Detective S4 was a prime example of this... they partnered with not only the country of Iceland but also aligned with EMA - gaining a Green Certificate: Green Certification: Aim for green certifications such as the Environmental Media Association (EMA) Green Seal or albert Sustainable Production Certification. Hire sustainability consultants to ensure all practices align with the highest standards of eco-friendliness.

Catering: Source organic, locally-produced food for catering. Provide plant-based meal options to reduce the carbon footprint associated with meat production. Awareness and Training: Educate cast and crew about sustainable practices and the importance of environmental conservation. Incorporate sustainability training into crew orientations. Measuring and Offsetting Carbon Footprint: Track and measure the carbon footprint of the production and implement strategies to offset it, such as planting trees or investing in renewable energy projects. Partnerships and Sponsorships: Partner with eco-friendly brands and sponsors that align with sustainable values. Collaborate with environmental organizations to enhance credibility and impact.