While the idea of using sustainable practices during production (and pre and post) may seem straightforward enough, taking on this approach yourself requires a lot of background information and knowledge of the how-to’s and the best local resources.  Ideally, producers will employ an expert that already has knowledge of the best practices and resources and will be able to most effectively implement these strategies.  However, if you’re going to tackle making an eco-friendly film yourself, it’s best to start reading up.

To make the research process a little less daunting, I’ve compiled a list of resources from general guides on sustainable filmmaking, to state specific information.  Find this list, and read more about my thoughts on the subject, here:

Austin EcoNetwork-Green Film Guides

As a follow up to my Green Film Intro, I recently posted about the film Away We Go.  There is a bonus feature on the DVD that discusses the green initiatives that were implemented during production and gives a great overall perspective of what it means to film green.  In addition to the behind-the-scenes featurette, a comprehensive study was conducted over the course of production to assess ways in which productions can reduce their carbon emissions and other negative environmental impacts. This study and the resulting adjustments made on the set of Away We Go are a significant step forward for those working to green the film industry.

I highly recommend those that haven’t yet seen the bonus feature to do so – I also recommend you check out my post on the topic here to get the full story (with links to the study and additional resources):

Austin EcoNetwork: A Green Film Exposed

Filmmakers have a lot to worry about:  raising funds, figuring out the logistics of production and post, actually getting people to see their film… And now they’re also supposed to think about saving the environment along the way?

With the growing awareness of global warming and the need to protect Earth’s resources, there’s pressure on all industries to clean up their act.  It’s this awareness, along with the recognition that filmmakers already have enough on their plate that has spawned the green movement within the film industry.  This is a relatively new area that goes behind the scenes and analyzes the environmental impact of the filmmaking process.

Filming green means adjusting current practices to reduce consumption, waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore lower production’s carbon footprint.  The green film movement seeks to develop resources and guidelines to help make these changes possible.  With the right resources in place, filming green won’t add to a filmmaker’s worries, but will in fact lighten the load.

In blogs to come I’ll give more in depth information on everything relating to green filmmaking (how-to’s, resources, philosophical thoughts… you name it).  If you can’t wait for more details, you can read my longer introduction here:

http://austineconetwork.com/content/green-film-introduction