Environmental sustainability has been established as one of the main pillars of action for the Portugal Film Commission. On the occasion of the National Sustainability Day, celebrated on September 25, we highlight a resource designed to raise awareness within the sector and encourage the adoption of sustainable environmental practices: the Guide for Sustainable Production.
Produced by the Portugal Film Commission, this manual provides guidelines for efficient resource management and use, as well as practices aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the various activities carried out by production teams.
The guide offers recommendations to be implemented across all phases of production and in its different areas: pre-production, production, transport, energy/lighting, equipment, catering, studio and set, wardrobe and make-up, cleaning, post-production, protected landscapes and scouting.
The basic principles for making a production greener include saving water and energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, avoiding toxic and disposable products, ensuring proper waste separation and disposal, and protecting and promoting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Access the Guide for Sustainable Production here.
Planting the seeds of greener production
As part of its ongoing work in promoting environmental sustainability, the Portugal Film Commission will host the Green Film Lab workshop in Lisbon at the beginning of November. This training program, led by the Torino Film Lab, focuses on sustainable practices and is aimed at European professionals in the sector as well as sustainability managers.
It should also be noted that this year the Ad Hoc support scheme, granted by the Portuguese Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual (ICA), has been extended to cover expenses related to sustainability in film and audiovisual productions. Furthermore, environmental sustainability criteria were already included last year in the regulations of both Pic Portugal incentives.
Within the productions supported by Pic Portugal – Production Incentive, it is worth highlighting that 18 Holes to Paradise was the first Portuguese project to be certified by Green Film, an international initiative that recognizes environmentally responsible film and television productions. Directed by João Nuno Pinto and produced by Wonder Maria Films, the feature film achieved this certification earlier this year.
Suggested listening
Episode 1 of Season 2 of the Portugal Film Commission podcast – Green Production: “When it comes to emissions, every fraction of a ton counts.”
