Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546223
Film and television have the power not only to reflect the world around us, but to influence how we care for it. The Environmental Media Association (EMA) was founded in 1989 on the belief that environmental stewardship and the power of storytelling can go hand in hand. Under the leadership of award-winning CEO Debbie Levin, who has guided the organization since 2000, EMA has become a global force inspiring both production and audiences to think "greener." Says Levin, "We have so much respect for LMGI and the on-the-ground production teams that not only appreciate and understand sustainable physical production, but also for the filmmakers who bring environmental responsibility into their storytelling." For location professionals, EMA's mission is especially meaningful. From deserts and coastlines to historic neighborhoods and parks, location professionals witness firsthand how thoughtful production practices can help preserve the places that make storytelling possible Long before sustainability became a part of mainstream conversation, EMA was bringing studios, filmmakers, and crews together to reduce the environmental impact of production. Through practical protocols and industry-wide collaboration, productions began replacing single-use plastic water bottles with refillable containers and hydration stations, composting organic waste, donating leftover food, repurposing lumber and set walls for community housing projects and local theaters, replacing diesel generators with battery-powered alternatives, expanding the use of LED lighting, and incorporating renewable energy wherever possible. These initiatives demonstrate that environmentally responsible filmmaking can also be efficient and cost-effective. 2 8 1 3 t h A N N U A L L M G I A W A R D S I L O C AT I O N M A N A G E R S G U I L D I N T E R N AT I O N A L LMGI HUMANITARIAN AWARD 2026 ENVIRONMENTAL MEDIA ASSOCIATION