2023-08-10 19:47:09
Oh, the cinema! This magic that transports us, from the depths of our sofas to the discovery of distant worlds. But do you know what the price of this motionless journey is? Not that of your ticket or your Netflix subscription, no. I’m talking regarding the environmental cost of audiovisual production. Often very neglected or even victim of omerta (while cars are the opposite…), the ecological impact of entertainment is nevertheless heavy, very heavy, so how to make the Cinema turn Green?
Lights, cameras… Pollution ?
It all starts with an idea, a scenario, a dream. When we think of cinema, we imagine these fantastic worlds, these love stories, these flamboyant actors, and these breathtaking settings. But how many of us stop to think regarding what’s really going on behind the scenes? And I’m not talking regarding gossip or relationships between actors. I’m talking regarding the ecological footprint of the world of audiovisual production.
Lighting: bright undersides
We’ve all heard it at least once: “Turn on the spotlight! But these projectors, although essential to obtain this perfect lighting, consume a lot of electricity. Large projectors can consume as much energy as a small house for an entire day. And since a shoot never takes place with just one light, multiply that by the number of lights on a typical set. Lo and behold, your cute little romantic drama consumes as much as an entire residential neighborhood!
Generating electricity is not free for the planet
Most locations where filming takes place still depend on fossil fuels to power the electricity grid. Thus, each illuminated scene contributes, in its own way, to greenhouse gas emissions. Of course, it is essential that each scene is well lit so that the public can see and appreciate the film. However, this begs the question: is there a better way to do things?
When electricity goes mobile
Don’t get me wrong, even if a shoot takes place outdoors, under the stars, energy is still needed. Mobile equipment, generators, often power filming equipment away from sources of electricity. These generators typically run on gasoline or diesel, adding another layer of carbon emissions to the equation.
Not-so-deco decors
The sets, these magnificent backdrops that immerse us in the story. Manufactured and then dismantled, they often end up in the trash following just one use. Imagine throwing out your living room following every movie night – absurd, right?
Transport: Round trip to the future
Have you ever seen a movie without any cars, trucks or helicopters on screen? Vehicles used during filming consume fuel. And that’s not all: think regarding the trips of the team, the equipment…
Responsible actors
Movie projectors don’t run on the energy of the director’s passion, unfortunately. They need electricity, and lots of it! These lights are one of the main sources of carbon emissions on a film set.
But let’s not fall into melodrama! The audiovisual industry is increasingly aware of these issues and many actors are committed to more eco-responsible filming.
The wind of change: Green Shooting
The good news? Some directors and audiovisual producers are taking note. Solutions such as mobile solar panels and rechargeable batteries are beginning to be adopted to reduce the carbon impact of filming.
Taking the example of Suprahead Studio, an audiovisual production agency established in Strasbourg, the commitment to sustainability materializes in a concrete way. Suprahead Studio has set itself the goal of reducing its environmental impact, by focusing on best and innovative practices.
Suprahead Studio is also interested in environmental innovationsas the draftDragonfly electric microlight of which he made one of the first professional quality promotional videos :
In particular, the Suprahead agency made the resolute choice to use LED lighting systems exclusively. This smart decision replaces conventional lighting with energy-efficient LED solutions, drastically reducing power consumption. This transition not only minimizes the carbon footprint, but also shows the importance of adopting more environmentally friendly technologies in the industry.
A particularly impressive initiative is their choice to opt in priority for soft means of transport during productions. By favoring trips by bicycle or public transport, the agency considerably reduces the carbon footprint generated by the journeys.
In the end, the magic of cinema is not without consequence for our dear planet. But like any great production, there is always room for a sequel. Let’s hope that the film industry’s next act will be one of sustainable innovation. After all, if cinema can teach us anything, it’s that anything is possible!
The Green Shooting: the new star of film sets
With the growing awareness of climate and environmental issues, the film and television industry is adapting. This is how “Green Shooting” was born, an initiative that aims to produce content while respecting the planet. A look back at this practice which is revolutionizing the 7th art.
1. What is Green Shooting?
“Green Shooting” refers to a set of eco-responsible practices adopted by film crews in order to reduce their environmental impact. It is not only a transformation of traditional methods, but also a real philosophy that rethinks the way of producing films or series.
2. Energy at the heart of concerns
One of the main modifications of Green Shooting concerns the source of energy used. Rather than relying on diesel or gasoline-powered generators, teams are opting for renewable solutions, such as solar panels or wind turbines. This transition significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Environmentally friendly decorations
The sets, essential elements of a production, can be very greedy in resources. Green Shooting advocates the use of recycled or recyclable materials, thus limiting waste. In addition, the design of modular and reusable decorations is encouraged to avoid their disposal following a single use.
4. Limit travel
Staff and equipment travel is another major source of carbon emissions. To remedy this, Green Shooting encourages choosing close filming locations, favoring public transport or electric vehicles and optimizing schedules in order to group scenes and minimize round trips.
5. Redesigned logistics
From catering to accommodation, all logistical aspects are reviewed from the perspective of sustainable development. We favor organic and local food, eco-responsible housing or even eco-designed consumables.
And following the end clap?
In addition, some studios undertake to offset their CO2 emissions by investing in reforestation or sustainable development projects. Gone are the days when following the final “cut”, we forgot the environment.
The green heroes of the screen
Directors, actors and producers are also mobilizing for the cause. Leonardo DiCaprio is no longer the only one to step up. And rest assured, you won’t be asked to shed a tear every time you watch a movie. Just choose, when you can, eco-responsible productions.
The future is in the green (movie)
Just like in a good movie script, there are challenges to overcome. But, with increasing industry and public engagement, cinema can not only be a source of escape, but also an inspiration for a greener world. After all, if Hollywood can imagine worlds where cars fly and dinosaurs come to life, why can’t we envision a sustainable film world?
So the next time you watch a movie, think regarding what’s behind the camera. And remember that every ticket, every click, is a vote for the type of production you want to support. Lights, camera, action… but with awareness!
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