Selecting the right filming locations
A badly targeted filming location can have serious consequences in terms of crew movements, transport of equipment and the use of energy resources. The production budget would skyrocket, and the environmental impact would also increase tenfold.
That’s why it can be very useful to ask the right questions upstream of production, in order to find alternatives that are closer to home, less costly and, above all, less polluting. There is huge scope for progress in transport, energy, accommodation and food.
How can the environmental impact of filming be reduced?
Minimising the impact of transport
Minimising the impact of transportTo limit the environmental impact of transport to your filming locations:
- Choose nearby filming locations;
- Plan the transport of equipment and teams in advance and encourage grouping;
- Choose low-emission vehicles;
- Communicate public transport timetables and stops, or even offer passes;
- Book parking close to the filming locations.
Optimising energy flows
Optimising energy flowsScouting out a filming location in advance also provides an opportunity to identify sources of energy supply.
To optimise energy flows:
- Think about energy supplies right from the planning stage;
- Contact your local authority to find out how you can connect to the public network;
- Avoid incandescent, halogen or fluorescent lighting systems;
- Identify all sources of green energy;
- Produce your own energy on location;
- Adopt the right reflexes for rational energy use;
- Choose daylight.
Making accommodation and meals coherent
Making accommodation and meals coherentChoose eco-responsible accommodation for your filming teams, or even stay with local residents.
For meals on location:
- Eat healthy, local, seasonal food;
- Avoid individual packaging;
- Choose eco-responsible catering services or eco-labelled restaurants;
- Prefer filtered connections to the drinking water network or self-contained drinks dispensers;
- Use reusable water bottles and/or cups for water, and washable cups for hot drinks;
- Remain vigilant about food waste and waste treatment.
