Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1152740
The increased focus and resources, along with the new environmental positions, led to some positive progress. During his nine films running environmental initiatives, some highlighted accomplishments on individual films included: • 3,392 meals donated to food shelters by making daily donations from catering • 107,500 disposable water bottles avoided by using reusable bottles and bottle refilling station • 800 gallons of fuel saved by using renewable energy and LED lighting technology • Lumber exclusively sourced from certified sustainably managed forests through new wood procurement policy • 60 trees saved by reducing paper usage and altering paper sourcing and disposal practices • On one film, by working closely with the Art Department, construction department and wardrobe department, 21.7 tons of construction materials, clothes and supplies were donated to nonprofit partners Many of these positive impacts were accomplished without significant increase in production costs with some projects breaking even on the investment in sustainability or even saving money as a result of waste reduction. With a bit of upfront investment in sustainability, initiative creation (beginning with the end and with the environment in mind) productions made positive progress in mitigating environmental impact and greatly benefited the community. While progress continues and more productions incorporate an environmental or sustainability position (with the position valued little more than a PA), progress has been capped because many of C those who serve in the position move on into more traditional film department roles which seemingly have an established path of career advancement, or they pursue sustainability roles elsewhere. With the role not offering stability, experienced stewards move on, and with them some key know-how and expertise. The industry must rally to ensure this is a position on all film/TV projects, and support it as a necessary and legitimate career path. This should become a priority in discussions with studios and producers. As a Supervising Art Director and Production Designer for almost thirty years, I feel that another big challenge for environmental change is shifting the philosophical approach to the actual process of design. Designing a TV show or movie project is challenge enough. To effectively tell the visual story of characters in a script within budgetary constraints is already a huge endeavor; add to that challenge a design process that asks a designer to be considerate of the environment, as well as being budget conscious without environmental C. A TYPICAL STAGE BUILD, SHOWING THE RELIANCE ON LAUAN THAT IS TYPICAL IN THE INDUSTY. D-F. MATERIALS THAT HAVE BEEN SALVAGED AND MADE AVAILABLE FOR REUSE AT RECYCLED FILM SETS. D E F