MUMBAI: The major film studios collectively diverted 40.2 million pounds, or 63 percent, of their studio sets and other solid waste from landfills last year in their ongoing efforts to combat climate change and reduce their ecological footprint, according to the Solid Waste Task Force, a joint program of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
As a result, the studios prevented the emission of 33,797 metric tons of greenhouse gases. That’s equivalent to removing 7,315 cars from the road annually. In addition to their commitment to reusing and recycling, the studios are also generating nearly two million kilowatt-hours of clean energy through solar arrays. That’s enough electricity to power 233 households a year in California. More solar projects are on the way this year.
“The major film studios have much to celebrate this Earth Day. Our member companies continue to make environmental responsibility a top priority, and their eco-friendly initiatives provide a positive example of sustainability and responsible business practices,” said MPAA chairman and CEO Dan Glickman.
As a part of this initiative Walt Disney Studios is launching its first new label in more than 60 years. Disneynature will entertain and inform moviegoers about the wonders of our planet and encourage them to learn more about what they can do to conserve nature. Its first film, Earth opened on 22 April, 2009.
Fox Entertainment Group has launched the FOX Green Guide, a web-based tool designed to enable producers and crew members to efficiently find environmentally conscious guidance, as well as information on vendors who provide lowcarbon and eco-friendly products and services.
NBC Universal has committed to two green weeks a year as part of its ongoing environmental initiative “Green is Universal.” On 19 April, the company launched its second annual Earth Week, with more than 150 hours of green-themed content across all NBC Universal platforms and green volunteer events in more than 10 cities. The company also continues to green its operations with Nightly News with Brian Williams, Saturday Night Live and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon all recently adopting greener production practices.
Paramount recently established the “Green Room,” where productions can donate and take unused office supplies, reducing waste and cost. Additionally, digital distribution systems for production paperwork and dailies are being implemented to save paper, DVDs, packaging materials and shipping.
In the area of film production and distribution, Sony Pictures has begun using an ultra-light DVD case that uses about 20 percent less plastic than standard weight DVD cases. This will result in an estimated two million pound reduction in carbon emissions annually. The studio is reducing resources required in film production by increasing digital movie-making and increasing the digital distribution of films, which reduces the need for transportation and disposal of mass quantities of film stock. Sony Pictures is constructing a new office building at its Culver City headquarters according to LEED guidelines, the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability, established by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Warner Bros. constructed a new, “green” sound stage for film and television production, following the US Green Building Council’s LEED guidelines. Completed in early 2009, Stage 23 – the 35th sound stage at Warner Bros.’ Burbank facilities – incorporates sustainable elements such as energy efficient lighting, Ice Bear cooling technology that uses off-peak electricity for daytime cooling and local and environmentally preferable construction materials.
