From albert to Green The Bid (aka. the leading organisation pushing for global change) | Sustainable Production

Sustainable Production

From albert to Green The Bid

(aka. the leading organisation pushing for global change)

Oscar may have been the leading man in Hollywood for decades, but now - all eyes turn to Albert. What started as BAFTA’s tailor-made carbon calculator is now one of the top sustainability agents in the film and television industry, bringing together studios, production houses and individual filmmakers to strive for a more environmentally responsible way of producing.

In their own words, Albert supports everyone working in film and TV to understand their opportunities to create positive environmental change. Their mission is empowering, inspiring, educating, and enabling and providing resources for filmmakers to meet their environmental objectives. With an overwhelmingly female-dominated team, a fresh outlook and daring action-taking, Albert’s very existence gives a glimpse into what the future of filmmaking can and should look like.

Albert’s strategy is now directly ingrained in industry standards. For example, when producing for global companies such as BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky or even Netflix, it is a requirement to calculate your production’s carbon footprint via the toolkit provided by Albert. As a reward for implementing the toolkit, a production may receive a sustainable production certification, subject to meeting all environmental objectives. What is more, Albert’s website provides invaluable resources and advice on effectively managing all production departments with sustainability in mind.

But there are other environmental gatekeepers that producers can go to for guidance. For example, the advertising industry can rely on AdGreen for all its sustainability needs. AdGreen unites advertisers to eliminate the negative impact of production, supporting and championing the industry goal of achieving net zero emissions. Also working in close collaboration with BAFTA and Albert, AdGreen offers its version of a carbon calculator and a multitude of knowledge and tips on how to minimise the negative impact of your production.

Luckily, this strive for more sustainability in film and content production is truly a global effort. In Los Angeles, the environmental organisation Green The Bid provides a tailored framework for widespread industry adoption. It includes the propagation of sustainability consultants and green set specialists who can assist producers with the process. Checklists to ensure environmental accountability across all departments on set. Signage to guide and serve as reminders for cast and crew members, and training and education for any filmmakers wishing to make a change.

The Dutch film industry, although much smaller, is also taking forward-thinking steps into the future. For example, the foundation Green Film Making, run by sustainability manager Els Rientjes and commissioned by the Dutch Film Fund, aims to educate and encourage film professionals to adopt greener practices. Like its international counterparts, GFM offers a comprehensive toolkit for each department and individually tailored services to facilitate the process at an affordable cost.

It is worth noticing that all organisations demonstrate a profound understanding of the reality of producing - it’s fast-paced, chaotic and jam-packed. Unfortunately, this reality is often the very thing that prevents producers from pursuing environmental practices. Forming a sustainable strategy requires time, research and a considerable amount of effort. This process is facilitated thanks to the toolkits and checklists provided by agents like the ones mentioned above. Now, producers can refer to a feasible, comprehensive guide which will make the environmental undertaking much more accessible and easier to manage. Although it can be an additional cost, one that might feel overwhelming - especially in the case of independent productions and passion projects (believe us, we know!) - the benefits of including sustainability into your budget are much more significant than any financial burdens.

Please tune in for a case study into one of our sustainable productions next week!