A new way of shooting films is to be the norm in an increasingly fragile environment –
“green filmmaking’. Not only is going green environmentally friendly it is thought to save
filmmakers’ production budgets, such as running vehicles on bio fuel, using energy
saving lights and organic catering, plus promoting a basic appreciation for the natural
environment. Karen van Schalkwyk spoke to some local companies about their green
approach to filmmaking.
With the ever increasing demand on energy and natural resources, filmmakers will need
to play their part in adopting green practices to ensure they protect and safeguard the
environment.
Elle Matthews of Green Shoot Films maintains that the film industry is unsustainable. “It
is an enormously wasteful industry, characterised by on set waste, construction waste,
food waste and a large carbon footprint. Production companies can do a lot more to
minimise their impact on the environment by following green filming best practice,
including conserving fuel and energy, avoiding toxins and pollution, saving water and
preventing landfill waste, to name a few.’
Greg Bold of catering company Spotted Zebra says that everyone’s main objective
should be to save the planet. “This is no easy task. As a catering company we need
electricity but we plan to cut down our consumption by 35% and use gas instead. Water
is also a commodity that we can’t do without but it is necessary for us to save on this
precious natural resource.’
According to CEO Terry Tselane the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) promotes green
filmmaking. “We encourage filmmakers to be aware of green issues and to use
environmentally sensitive production materials and techniques. For example: purchase
recyclable products; avoid using Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable products;
select caterers that do the same; purchase locally produced products and provide
recycling bins on set and in the office as well as practice eco-conscious habits such as
turning off equipment and vehicles when they are not in use. All this not only
contributes to the economy but reduces wasteful energy consumption.’
Maja Heynecke of Permitz SA comments: “The regulating act for environmental issues on
film sets — the National Environmental Management Act (MEMA) — is imminent through
Permitz SA’s office. In 2009 the CFC launched its Green Awareness Campaign and, along
with the industry, pledged to sustain the environment particularly in terms of filmmaking
practices.’
Heynecke adds that together with the Cape Film Commission (CFC) they also launched a
Green Awareness Campaign on their website. “This offers filmmakers advice and tips on
low impact practices and production particularly in the art department, catering and craft
services.’
Changing mindsets
The industry is generally unaware of green filmmaking practices. Matthews says that
they only work with suppliers that are green vendors. “They must buy locally, recycle
and take measures to conserve energy and water. We also offer heads of departments
(HOD) guidelines on “greening’ their department. Some basic regulations or guidelines
include: conserving energy in the production office, reducing fuel consumption, saving
on paper and ink, reducing waste, conserving locations, donating wardrobe and props
and using sustainable material. If companies follow some of these basic principles there
would be quite a change.’
The challenge, Matthews maintains, is that South Africa does not have the infrastructure
and support that overseas productions enjoy. “One of the most challenging aspects as
a producer is to re-educate crew and suppliers to encourage them to think “green’.
Changing mindsets is difficult and at the moment it is still expensive to save the
environment on productions, such as paying a recycling company to collect waste
material.’
Our main responsibility is to ensure people protect the natural world. “We aim to be as
environmentally friendly as possible and make a contribution. To teach and educate
people is critical to ensure that everyone knows the consequences of not doing their bit.
For example, we use fresh produce in cardboard or wooden boxes and try our best to
avoid plastic packaging. The challenge is that many products that are available to the
rest of the world are too costly in our country, such as modified starch cutlery and
containers. These are so good for you that you could actually eat them. The availability
of organic food is still an issue,’ says Bold.
Heynecke explains that big challenges include litter, fire and open flames during summer.
“Alien plants and animals brought onto set and the chance of cross-pollination or
contamination are also issues. Chemicals and oil from generators is also a
challenge.’
International standards
But is South Africa on a par with international standards in conserving the environment?
Matthews is adamant that we are not. “I don’t think the local industry has really begun
to implement environmentally friendly film policies properly yet. A few production
companies have incorporated green practices into their philosophy but we need to
create a green best practice for our film industry.’
Bold says that some South African companies parented by overseas conglomerates are
forcing their suppliers to go green. “I think this will benefit everyone in the long run.
Green is definitely more of a trend then a fad and people need to take it seriously.’
Heynecke maintains that we are on a par with the global community. “There has even
been a case where a client has complained that our green regulations are too strict. I
think we are heading in the right direction and I encourage all filmmakers to go green,’
adds Heynecke.
