Programming
Film Production
Filmmaking brings unique opportunities and challenges for making operations more sustainable. NBCUniversal’s film division is committed to becoming a more sustainable business by identifying and integrating innovative ways to reduce our environmental footprint. Universal Pictures and Focus Features developed a detailed Sustainable Production Guide for their casts and crews to give each department production-specific information, resources and best practices. Universal Pictures has also hired an executive to assist productions in implementing these practices and the shows utilize the GreenProductionGuide.com for additional resources. Read more about some of the eco-accomplishments taking place:
2013 Current Releases
Fast & Furious 6, May 24, 2013
© Universal Pictures
For the sixth installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, the crew’s effort to reduce waste was taken to the next level. Through widespread recycling and composting, principal photography in the United Kingdom was able to boast a 95% diversion rate. Film sets and crew meals were not the only items that were recycled; used cooking oil from the caterers was picked up, refined and used to fuel the 4×4 pick-up trucks working behind the scenes. This is a great example of “closing the loop” where one not only recycles, but also uses the recycled product.
Throughout production of Fast & Furious 6, crew was kept informed by “Green Facts” on their daily schedules and sign postings stating their environmental progress. All of these practices and more were kept on track by the production’s designated Environmental Manager. In the end, a large amount of set dressing such as fruit and vegetables, clothing, shoes and luggage were donated to a London charity that distributes items to various local charities.
R.I.P.D., July 19, 2013
© Universal Pictures
Filmed in Boston, the production of R.I.P.D. employed sustainable production practices throughout the production process. In an effort to reduce disposable plastic, a large capacity water filter was installed in production stages. As crew filled their stainless steel reusable water bottles, they saved thousands of plastic bottles from being used.
Many departments participated in the environmental effort. The lighting department utilized Universal’s more energy efficient Mac Tech LED set lights and both the Camera and Sound departments used rechargeable batteries in place of single-use batteries. Catering avoided using polystyrene and instead used compostable food service products. At wrap, set materials were donated to a local vocational high school and paint supplies were donated to a local church. Throughout production, the office used 100% recycled content paper and communicated R.I.P.D.’s environmental initiative through “Green Memos” to the crew.
2013 Earlier Releases
Identity Thief, February 8, 2013
- © Universal Pictures/Credit: Bob Mohoney
For the comedy Identity Thief, filmed in Atlanta, crew across departments took steps to reduce the environmental impact of the production. In an effort to reduce waste, crew members were provided reusable water bottles and catering provided reusable dishes for meals. If disposables were needed, compostable plates and bowls were used. The costume department washed wardrobe in cold water, saving energy, and used phosphate-free, biodegradable detergent. When dry cleaning was required, a PERC-free dry cleaner was utilized. Sets were painted with low-VOC and no-VOC paints that emit significantly less levels of harmful chemicals than conventional paint. These practices and more were communicated to the crew via digital “Green Memos” that listed the green practices in place, offered additional suggestions and resources, and encouraged the crew to participate in Identity Thief’s green initiative.
Admission, March 22, 2013
- © Focus Feature / Credit: David Lee
While filming in and around New York and neighboring states, the production office on Focus Features’ comedy/drama Admission set the tone for an environmentally conscious production. By engaging the various departments in the green initiative, paper usage was dramatically cut and replaced with digital communication. When paper was required, 100% recycled was used. Comprehensive recycling and non-toxic, biodegradable soaps and cleaning supplies were employed throughout the production. Crew members were given reusable water bottles and filled them at water filters installed in the office or at water coolers on set. With the help of local non-profit, Rock and Wrap it Up, leftover food from catering provided over 1400 meals to the hungry in NYC. For Admission, a limited number of sets were built, and when done so, they were painted with low-VOC paints. All set waste was recycled, with the construction department boasting a 91% recycling rate.
Oblivion, April 19, 2013
- © Universal Pictures / Credit: David James
The crew on the Tom Cruise action-adventure, Oblivion, worked together to reduce the production’s environmental impact. Filmed primarily in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the production office implemented comprehensive recycling and purchased recycled content office paper. To reduce carbon emissions, hybrid vehicles were rented for crew. In front of the camera, the Sky Tower set piece was primarily lit with LED lights. Behind the scenes, the transportation department used a biodiesel blended fuel made from used cooking oil while filming in parts of Louisiana. Other departments also did their part to help the environment, including craft service, which offered organic produce, and the production supplied crew members with reusable water bottles to reduce plastic water bottle waste. With recent advances in rechargeable battery technology, the sound department was able to use rechargeable batteries exclusively in headsets and microphone transmitters. This simple step is estimated to have saved over 4,500 single-use batteries.
GreenProductionGuide.com
The Green Production Guide features an interactive searchable database of environmentally-sensitive products and services, listed by state in the U.S. and select international locations. The Guide also features best practices and tools like the Carbon Calculator to help producers determine their production’s carbon footprint on a comprehensive level.
You can help grow the Green Production Guide by adding your favorite green vendors. Suggest a vendor here and we’ll contact them to get listed. Or point your production’s green steward here to register for an account to add vendors.