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Green Filmmaking Guidelines

South West England is a region of great natural beauty – and we want to keep it that way.

Stretching from Gloucester and Swindon in the east to Lands End and the Isles of Scilly in the west, the South West is home to a slew of businesses engaged in keeping our countryside green. It’s our aim to include the creative media industries amongst them.

Our maritime climate and high solar radiation levels make the region a natural home for renewable energy, attracting over 200 companies and organisations to the sector, whilst the region is also home to 240 producers of organic food, including Riverford Farm Organic Vegetables, Hobbs House Bakery, Yeo Valley Organic Company Ltd., and Roskilly’s of Cornwall.

Bristol, the region’s biggest city, is a Fairtrade City, the UK’s first cycling city and a city dedicated to sustainable living.

At South West Screen we are keen to do our bit. That’s why we’re proud to have launched the Green Filmmaking Guidelines to incoming productions to show them how they can save the planet - and also their budgets! - by going green.


Mistresses, Lark Rise to Candleford, The Boat That Rocked and Alice are just a few of the dozens of productions that have used the stunning locations offered by the South West for filming. Last year alone, incoming productions generated over £29 million in inward investment to the region. It’s big business, which is why it’s vital we encourage these productions to go green.

The Guidelines are adapted from the Code of Best Practices in Sustainable Filmmaking; the work of the Bristol based wildlife producer, Andrew Buchanan, and Larry Engel, a US producer.

Download the Green Filmmaking Guidelines here to find out how you can make a difference.


We’re not the only Regional Screen Agency concerned with protecting the environment. At the Cannes Film Festival last year, Film London unveiled Green Screen, backed by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 60%.

Speaking about the launch, Boris Johnson, said

“Green Screen contains really practical information on how to reduce emissions and what's more, save money in the process through reduced energy bills. The film industry can play an important role in creating the new low-carbon economy. In a sector known for being imaginative and forward looking, this is another area that studios, producers and creative talent can take the lead.”

Oscar® winning actress Emma Thompson has also backed the campaign saying:

“Our planet is our most precious resource and we all have a role to play, both individually and collectively, in helping to preserve it for future generations. It is really great that the film and TV industry has come together to show leadership but also take real action on this critical issue as it’s time for warm words to translate into action and as of today I will be making changes in my own working practice to reduce my carbon footprint and fully play my part in helping make our industry greener and cleaner.”

Download Film London's Green Screen: Full Report (PDF)
 
Download Film London's Green Screen: Summary Report (PDF)
 
Download Film London's Carbon Calculator (MS Excel)

Going green