Database

The aim of this document is to provide concrete guidelines and recommendations for production companies of all sizes to produce a live-action film, audiovisual or advertising work in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals. This document uses the term “project” rather than “work”. Thus, it defines a methodological framework with three commitment levels to encourage production companies to adopt more sustainable, ethical and responsible practices, taking into account the crucial environmental, social and economic issues facing our world.

SRF filmmakers, eager to commit to greater ecological responsibility, launch a six-part podcast: Ecology and the practice of filmmaking.

Deploying the measures listed in the Ecoprod Label is an effective way of reducing the environmental impact of audiovisual production: for the 4 main emission sources, following the Ecoprod Label reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 41%. Eco-production is accompanied by the emergence of new professions, such as eco-production manager, which play a decisive role in the success of the approach. These are just some of the key findings of the Audiovisual Eco-production Impact Study.

The Guide des Tournages en Milieux Naturels is the result of a collective initiative to limit the impact of audiovisual production on natural areas and species. Audiens, Ecoprod and IFFCAM are launching the Guide des Tournages en Milieux Naturels to help all types of productions (dramas, series, commercials, documentaries) take natural areas into account during location scouting and filming.

The Guide de l’Animation Éco-Responsable is a collaborative effort involving professionals from the 2D and 3D animation industry. It aims to raise awareness, provide practical solutions, and engage professionals in implementing eco-transition plans. The guide consists of around sixty fact sheets and 150 actionable measures, categorizing actions based on targeted professionals and their ecological and financial impacts. It covers infrastructure, workflows, and various aspects of studio life, such as building management, work organization, training, nutrition, communication, and merchandise.

The EcoProd label is a certification tool for sustainable films, audiovisual content, and ads. Its protocol lists sustainable practices in all areas, from script to post-production. Each action awards points, allowing productions to calculate the sustainability score of the film. An independent certification body evaluates the production process and awards the label.

CUT Collective Cinema for Transition is a French group of film professionals dedicated to promoting sustainability and addressing environmental challenges in the film industry. It was founded in January 2023 by Hiam Abbas, Julie Amalric, Swann Arlaud, Cyril Dion, Carole Scotta, Flore Vasseur, and Jérémie Renier. The collective aims to initiate discussions and explore possible transformations towards a more sustainable model for the cinema world. They have published a manifesto and created a platform and an engagement charter for actors and agents. Their goals include minimizing the industry’s ecological footprint, creating impactful narratives, and maximizing the dissemination of socially impactful works. Through collaboration and the power of cinema, they aim to contribute to a livable world for all.

Screens of Tomorrow is a collaborative project that offers a guide for TV and film professionals, fostering reflection on writing and story development. With a questionnaire and a resource center, it provides new reference points for viewers. The movement brings together professionals from various fields to accelerate industry evolution and share best practices. The project promotes a collective approach, offering tailored versions of the guide for writing, production, and distribution professionals. Additionally, the resource center provides access to studies, reports, and contacts for deepening understanding of social and environmental issues, aiming to transform the audiovisual sector through impactful storytelling.

The “Plan Action!” is a policy for the ecological and energy transition of the cinema, audiovisual, and technical industries sectors. It was developed in response to international and national climate commitments. The objectives of the plan include making the cinema and audiovisual sectors exemplary in energy carbon reduction, raising awareness among professionals about the environmental impacts of their activities, and supporting them in adapting to climate change effects. The plan aims to promote eco-responsibility in French productions as a competitive advantage and an international attractiveness factor. The plan was constructed through a six-month collaboration between environmental experts and the National Center for Cinema and Animated Image (CNC), resulting in a three-year plan from 2022 to 2024. The plan consists of various actions, including establishing an Observatory for Ecological Transition, providing initial training on eco-production, and implementing progressive eco-conditionalities for financial assistance to productions.

CPNEF Audiovisuel (National Joint Commission for Employment and Training in Audiovisual) is an organization that brings together social partners from the audiovisual professional sectors in France to address employment and training issues. Recognizing the environmental impact of audiovisual productions, CPNEF has developed initiatives to promote eco-responsibility in the industry. As part of their efforts, CPNEF has created a Professional Skills Certificate (CCP) for “Implementing an Eco-Responsible Approach in Professional Practice within an Audiovisual Project.” This certificate aims to equip professionals from various fields within the industry with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to environmentally sustainable projects. Six authorized training organizations offer the program leading to the CCP, including La CinéFabrique with Ecoprod, CST with INA and EcoProd, the MediaFaculty, Illusion & Macadam, Travelling with France.tv studio, and La Fabrique des Formats with Ecoprod. The certification process has received technical support from Afdas and financial support from the “Culture, Creation, Communication, Sport, and Tourism” Employment and Competence Development Commitment (EDEC) under the Investment Plan in Skills. CPNEF also provides information on financing studies for sustainability in the industry. Overall, CPNEF’s certification aims to educate professionals in the audiovisual sector about eco-responsible practices and contribute to a more environmentally respectful industry.

DGC Green – Here’s how! is an initiative by the Directors Guild of Canada (DGC) aimed at supporting sustainability in the Canadian audiovisual industry. The platform offers tips and suggestions to various industry professionals on how to make productions more environmentally friendly. It provides specific advice for directors, accounting personnel, editors, production managers, production coordinators, location managers, assistant directors, and the art department. Additionally, it offers information and news about sustainability in the industry and ongoing initiatives. The DGC recognizes the crucial role of directors in setting the tone and culture of a production, and emphasizes their responsibility in managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The National Sustainability & Climate Action Committee (NSCAC) was established in 2020 to examine the challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainable productions nationwide. The committee aims to empower DGC members to progressively adopt sustainable practices and become leaders in climate action, with the ultimate goal of creating a safer, more efficient, and rewarding environment for all involved. “Members In Action” showcases the dedication of DGC members across Canada in promoting sustainable practices on production sets. Through recorded videos, panel discussions, how-to guides, and interviews, members share their achievements and sustainable philosophies. This platform serves as a resource for learning from their experiences and discovering practical ways to raise awareness and effect positive change in future productions.

Secoya Eco-Tournage’s carbon calculator, Seco2, enables you to calculate the carbon footprint of your audiovisual project, regardless of its format. Based on data from ADEME, this tool has been presented to several institutions. Recently, the Centre national du cinéma et de l’image animée (CNC) approved Seco2 as one of the first two carbon calculators to meet its “eco-conditionality” requirements for carbon assessments of films and audiovisual works.

The CO2 calculator is a tool designed to record the emissions of your film, media, and TV production. The calculator allows you to enter all the essential production data, identify the truly climate-relevant activities per production phase, collaborate with colleagues, business partners, and stakeholders, and get the results compiled in a report. In addition, the CO2 calculator provides key figures for broadcasters, production companies, or film fundings. The tool has already been successfully used in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and South Tyrol. By using the CO2 calculator, productions can accurately measure their carbon footprint and take actions to reduce their impact on the environment.

Sustainable Arts is a platform that offers information, tips, and tools to promote sustainability in the cultural sector. The platform is divided into sections that focus on different cultural industries, including the Film Industry, Festivals and Events, Stage Production, and Museums. Sustainable Arts provides a list of tools and best practices from various countries, along with a list of recommended actions to reduce the carbon footprint of different cultural productions and activities. In addition to these resources, Sustainable Arts provides information about training opportunities and a link to a Swiss carbon calculator. This calculator allows users to measure their carbon footprint and provides suggestions on how to reduce it. Overall, Sustainable Arts is a valuable resource for anyone in the cultural sector who wants to learn more about sustainability and take action to reduce their impact on the environment.