Database

Cinema Sostenibile is a platform created by the Association Dire Fare Cambiare APS, dedicated to the topic of sustainable filmmaking. The project was born as a natural consequence of the Manifesto for Common and Sustainable Culture launched in 2020 and signed by numerous artists, organizations, cultural and social spaces and associations. The film industry, like any other, has a significant environmental impact. In Italy, there is an increasing culture focused on sustainable and responsible production, which provides considerable benefits for those who choose to change course. The platform serves all professionals in the film industry interested in this topic and is the first step towards a green revolution.

The SARDEGNA Green Film Shooting guide aims to help filmmakers and production companies adopt practical and simple solutions to limit the environmental impact of sets and save economic resources, while also sharing an innovative and respectful model of development in line with the European Union’s 2020 strategy to address global climate change. The guide offers practical measures for any production company to implement, even with small budgets, and utilize smart strategies to optimize available resources. The Sardegna Film Commission Foundation has been committed to promoting green productions on the island and communicating the importance of a cinema-audiovisual-telecommunications chain that is increasingly sustainable from an environmental, social, and economic point of view.

The EcoMuvi certification ensures transparent management of public and private funding by requiring independent and certified reporting. The protocol evaluates and certifies the sustainability performance of audiovisual sets in pre-production, shooting, and post-production phases, with a streamlined workflow for agile projects. EcoMuvi is applicable to various types of audiovisual projects in Italy and abroad. The evaluation system is based on a scale of unsatisfactory, satisfactory, highly satisfactory, and not applicable. The PEF System groups all actions by macro-thematic categories, such as management systems, resource management, waste management, energy consumption, and GHG emissions. The certification body assigns a classic logo (25%-79% PEF achieved) or an excellence logo (80%-100% PEF achieved) based on the project’s performance rate.

The Green Film Lab is a training program organized by TorinoFilmLab with the aim of promoting environmentally sustainable practices in film production. It offers 3-day workshops in different European regions for film professionals and sustainability managers to learn how to apply best practices in areas such as energy-saving, transportation, catering, and waste management. The program uses a project-based approach and includes a sustainability plan and certification process for audiovisual projects. The workshops are led by experienced sustainability manager tutors and are open to up to 24 participants. The program is supported by Creative Europe – MEDIA Sub-programme of the European Union.

Green Film Certification is an international program that recognizes and certifies environmentally responsible film and television productions. Developed by the Trentino Film Commission in Italy, the certification is based on a point system that awards points for sustainable practices in various areas. Productions that meet the minimum requirements receive a certificate and can use the Green Film Certification logo. The program aims to promote sustainability in the industry and raise awareness of the environmental impact of film production. The process involves downloading and reading the Rating System, completing a checklist of environmental sustainability criteria, committing to those criteria during shooting, and undergoing an evaluation by an independent verifying body. Positive evaluations result in certification for the film.

ScreenIreland is dedicated to promoting sustainability in film production within Ireland. They provide a range of agreed resources and tools, including carbon calculation and Albert certification, to assist productions in achieving their sustainability goals. Additionally, the website offers valuable information on sustainable production practices, case studies, and links to helpful tools.

“Keen to be green” is a web seminar series presented by the German Film Commissions, consisting of 12 episodes that are available for free on YouTube. The series is conducted entirely in German and covers topics related to sustainable filmmaking practices. The seminars aim to promote environmentally conscious filmmaking and educate filmmakers on how to reduce their carbon footprint while still producing high-quality content.

The BVCD (Bundesverband Deutscher Unternehmensberater) is the German Association of Green Consultants, dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in the cultural and media landscape. They provide a directory of green consultants in each German region, training programs for becoming a certified green consultant, and other resources for sustainable audiovisual productions. The BVCD sits on various committees at the regional, national, and European levels to promote sustainability holistically and systematically. As green consultants, they assist film and media productions in reducing their CO2 emissions, conserving resources, and adopting sustainable practices. Their long-term goal is to establish ecological, social, and ethical criteria as the standard for working and production conditions in the industry.

The “Best Practice Guide for Sustainable Film Production” by MOIN Filmförderung provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable practices in film production, including energy-efficient lighting, green set design, and sustainable catering. It also offers practical tips for reducing waste and CO2 emissions during production. The guide is aimed at filmmakers and production companies looking to reduce their environmental impact and make sustainable choices throughout the production process.

MOIN Filmförderung is a German film fund that has been promoting ecological and sustainable practices in the film industry since 2012. The fund provides a range of resources and initiatives to help productions in Northern Germany meet green standards. These include the Green Motion label, which sets uniform standards for production throughout Germany. Additionally, the fund offers a set of green guidelines and criteria to help productions meet these standards. The Hanseatische Material Verwaltung is also a co-operation partner, which collects sustainable materials for creative projects.

Green Film Shooting is a platform that promotes sustainability in the media industry by showcasing innovative approaches to sustainable production methods. It provides information on environmentally friendly production methods, energy-efficient equipment, and sustainable film and TV sets, as well as guidance on smart IT management and sustainable post-production processes. Green Film Shooting serves as a forum for industry professionals to share their experiences, ideas, and new approaches to sustainable media production. The platform is a strategic partner of the Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein.

The “Ökologische Standards für deutsche Kino-, TV- und Online-/VoD-Produktionen” establish guidelines for achieving the GreenMotion label. The standards have 21 mandatory requirements, of which at least 16 (18 from July 1, 2024) must be met for productions made in Germany, and 16 (18 from July 1, 2024) out of 21 for productions with more than 25% of the total costs incurred abroad.

The GreenMotion label represents the nationwide ecological standards for audiovisual production in Germany, developed by the Green Shooting Working Group, which includes major German TV broadcasters, VoD services, film/TV production companies, and associations. These standards aim to reduce the high CO₂ emissions caused by the production of cinema, TV, and online/VoD productions by promoting environmentally and resource-friendly production practices. Many production companies and broadcasters have committed themselves to these standards, and from July 1, 2023, compliance with them will be a requirement for all publicly funded audiovisual productions in Germany. The label “green motion” can be used to showcase a production’s adherence to these ecological standards.

This Eco-Production Guide is designed to serve as a roadmap for eco-friendly audiovisual production. From carbon assessment to recommended actions and professional checklists, this guide offers practical advice and insights for reducing the environmental impact of audiovisual projects. Available in both French and English

CarbonClap is a carbon calculator developed by EcoProd, a French initiative aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the audiovisual industry. The tool allows industry professionals to estimate the carbon footprint of their productions and identify areas for improvement to reduce their environmental impact. CarbonClap is available for free on the EcoProd website and is one of the many resources and tools provided by the platform to help professionals adopt sustainable practices in their productions.