green filming

Logo: Berlin Brandenburg Film Commission Logo: Berlin Brandenburg Film Commission

green filming

With the kind support from:  Philip Gassmann  and  Korina Gutsche

The basic principles for an eco-friendly production method:

Saving fuel and energy / avoiding toxins and environmental pollution / using water sparingly / avoiding waste

This shouldn't be new to anyone. Nevertheless, there is always a lack of implementation of these principles.
Especially in the fast-paced process of film production, where too much time is rarely planned for any production process

With our guide for  every individual department, we, want to provide clear instructions that enable a quick check even in times of high stress and thus promote environmentally conscious production.
Many environmentally harmful behaviors occur less out of ignorance but rather out of a lack of time We would like to support productions in finding easly eco-friendly options and therefore provide a best practice guide We are constantly updating our "green" directory of service providers.

If you already work with environmentally conscious suppliers and service providers, please make them aware of our directory. Others can benefit from your knowledge and experience.
 

Let’s join for the sake of the environment!

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Producers / Green filming is a management issue

For the Berlinale 2020, specific, trend-setting requirements for film and TV productions were announced, which must be implemented after Covid-19. The self-declaration of the producers for sustainable production as the use of CO2 calculators will become part of the funding, For the future Green Consultants will support the productions and work closely with the trades. 

The additional costs for a Green Consultant as part of the manufacturing costs  are recognized, in part, even financially support by the regional funding institutions,  including Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg.  .

Keep in mind! 

Not only the way how, but also what we produce is decisive: Green storytelling 

If the producer has made a clear decision to film as eco-friendly as possible, he/she should communicate this clearly at the beginning of the production preparations and initiate appropiate steps. 

  • Make a fundamental decision for environmentally conscious production right from the start.
  • Be a role model.
  • Include all Heads of Departments at an early stage and plan realistic production goals
  •  Hire a sustainability officer (Green Consulatant)  as a contact person for all departments. He can  take care of research and information on the topic, report regularly on the status quo and check implementation at the individual departments.
  • Use the CO2 calculator to check your carbon footprint.
  • Communicate the successes both within the team for motivation and to promote the image of your production in public.
  • Use the kick-off meeting with the cast and crew to inform them about your "green goals", get them on board and  introduce the sustainability officer.
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Script/storytelling

  • Reduction/waiver! Make as much as possible out of as little as possible. 
  • When writing, also think about location logistics. The fewer locations the story needs, the better (keyword: travel and lighting logistics)
  • Think about the possibility of filming in a studio.  The more shots that can be realized in the studio, the better. 
  • Storytelling - the stories that are told shape society. Implement green content in your stories. Attention: Right now, stations areopen to stories that deal with the environmental issue. 
  • The important thing is not to be instructive in storytelling but casually tell the topic. Nomoral index finger. Subtle weave in green content!
  • Create a normality! We ate sustainably, used to sustainably ... Tell the new normal - but casually. 
  • Green product placement. Promote "green things"!
  • From dystopia to utopia. Show utopias and thus change reality.
  • Think creatively! The theme can be set in all areas/genres (comedy, tragedy, thriller ...). What would a green superhero look like?
  • https://www.climatechangepost.com/ as inspiration for topics.
  • You can knit thrillers from real stories, for example about "climate-polluting corporations".
  • What positive side effects does climate change have?
  • Point things out. Tell backgrounds!
  • How are the "green characters" portrayed in films? Remember: It doesn't always have to be the "eco" who sets green content. 
  • Tip: Planet Placement (BBC) https://wearealbert.org/planet-placement/ (mindsets)
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Consultant for sustainable production / green consultant

Consultants for sustainable production are the link between producers/directors and trades. 

Right from the start of production, they should clearly communicate the decision of the production to film sustainable. In regards of the trades, they should offer their support and know-how by planning and implementation of individual production processes.
This not only requires basic knowledge of the processes and requirements in the individual departments but also an extensive background knowledge of sustainable service providers, materials, and sustainable time efficient solution ,  and diplomatic skills in order to take all interests into account.

  • It is important to get reports on the state of affairs on a weekly basis, in order to eventually adjust sustainable process on set.

A  IHK certified training for Green consultants is currently offered only in Bavaria. In other federal states, such as Berlin and Brandenburg, work is still being carried out on IHK certification. 

CO calculator:
Important controlling tools:
CO2 compensation:
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Art department: production design, construction stage, equipment, props

Tips:

Construction stage: 

  • Avoid filming on location /studio - always worth considering!
  • CGI (Computer-ganerated Imagery) can save a lot of energy, time, and effort.
  • Perspective tricks can save a lot of material, travel, and time.
  • Careful and creative planning will help to drastically reduce waste.
  • Set up waste management systems in all workshops and ensure that they are disposed in appropriate recycling systems.
  • Think about sustainability  while designing. Pay attention to the economical use of material, its reusability, and its recyclability.
  • Design with the possibility of dismantling in mind so that the kits and built-ins can be easily reused. 
  • Use screws instead of nails or glue so the material can be easily reused after use. 
  • Use wood that has been obtained in accordance with the international regulations for sustainable forestry " Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)  ".
  • Avoid luan, a term for plywood made from imported tropical hardwoods.
  • Avoid plywood and particleboard, which are usually made with formaldehyde adhesives, which give off noxious fumes indoors. In addition, plywood is sometimes processed on tropical wood.
  • Avoid using woods like mahogany.
  • Use wood made from millet, bamboo, or palm trees, or sweetgum, madrone, and California oak.
  • Store wood waste separately and use wood waste first before using new wood. 
  • Donate the scrap wood, material that is no longer required or entire kits to the material mafia, for example.
  • Use no-VOC or low-VOC paints, sealants, and varnishes.
  • When shopping for paints, look for environmental certifications. 
  • Avoid spray paint.
  • Use herbal paint strippers.
  • Buy gallon cans made from recyclable steel instead of plastic and use cans of the same size. 
  • Use paint residues from previous productions for primers.
  • Clearly mark unused paint residues and keep them for further productions or donate the paint residues. 
  • Use color sparingly.
  • Carefully seal unused paint and brushes from the air, e.g. with plastic bags, between uses. 
  • Do not empty excess paint down the sink. Collect "excess paint" and dispose of it as hazardous waste.
  • Let empty paint cans dry out and recycle them.
  • Dispose of used paint including the used brushes and rags in the appropriate hazardous waste container.
  • Whenever possible, buy or rent instead of building. 
  • Make sure that you source your building materials from regional suppliers.
  • Choose biodegradable materials like canvas, paper, wood, and cardboard, and materials with a high percentage of recycled material.
  • Use sustainably produced building materials such as bamboo, cork, and wooden structures.
  • Avoid products with the following ingredients: formaldehyde / polyvinyl chloride (PVC) / phthalate plasticizers (often referred to as "fragrances" on product labels) / brominated flame retardants (if possible) / chromium / chromates copper arsenate
  • Instead of VOC or low-VOC and solvent-free adhesives, use water-based adhesives. Avoid harsh solvents and preservatives.
  • Use reusable rags instead of paper.
  • Turn off all devices and lights that are not in use. 
  • Use reusable batteries. 
  • Recycle metals, carpets, polystyrene, stretch film, and non-rechargeable batteries.
  • Use steel scaffolding as the basic structure instead of wood for deco construction and platforms.
  • Printed backgrounds instead of "real materials, such as GBK". (As has always been done in the theater.)
  • Mattes and Backdrops - The Return of Splattering and  Matte Painting  (https://www.digitalmattepaintinghandbook.com/Welcome.html)
  • Always look for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional products and processes.
  • Find out in advance about the environmental awareness of your suppliers.
  • Check: https://www.siegelklarheit.de/#holz-holzprodukte
  • Check: https://www.siegelklarheit.de/#naturstein
Equipment / props: 

Attention: A message for sustainability can also be implemented in the film due tot he  selection of props and thus anchored in social awareness! 

  • Borrow your props instead of buying them in stock.
  • Use secondhand shops and flea markets to buy props.
  • If you buy new products or building materials, pay attention to their sustainability (eco-label).
  • After filming has finished, donate props and materials that are no longer required to funds, schools, community centers or charities, or hand over your props to the  Material Mafia.
  • Use environmentally friendly request vehicles and reduce your trips to the bare minimum (efficient route planning)!
  • If you need food props, be sure to use organic produce. Donate clean, fresh products and packaged food props to charitable organizations after filming, such as the Berliner Tafel.
  • If you need green plants for the set, rent or borrow them instead of buying them and return them after filming. Also, take care of the plants on set so that they get enough light and water. Use native, organically grown plants. Avoid plastic flower pots. If you use some, give them back to the florist after filming so that they can use them again. 
  • Use carpets made from natural fiber wool, sisal, jute, coconut, or seaweed.
  • Use the low-emission one-component adhesive.
  • Use organic cotton, linen, kapok, and wool for bed linen, and cellulose and bamboo for towels.
  • Use reusable bags instead of plastic bags when shopping.
Fund requirements:
Building material: 
Tips:
  • Avoid PVC / styrofoam / plastic / formaldehyde!
  • Demand FSC certified products!
  • Use CFC-free sprays and solvent-free adhesives! 
  • Tip: Use of recycled material (e.g. wood or laminate) Use / develop modular construction methods (Lego principle)!
  • Check whether surfaces can also be painted (the prerequisite is the use of environmentally friendly colors)
  • Purchasing guidelines:  Seal: FSC = Forest Stewardship Council
  • Attention: When using plywood, it is essential to pay attention to the FSC seal, as tropical wood is often used! In addition, chipboard often contains  formaldehyde
  • Tip: 100% formaldehyde-free chipboard at  LivingBoard
  • Book tip: "Material revolution II: New sustainable and multifunctional materials for design and architecture" by Sascha Peters "
  • Book tip: DVA Öko Design Guide, 1000 products, designers, websites by Rebecca Proctor
  • Alternative to the building: use of  backdrops
Colors: 
Wood:
Styrofoam alternatives: 
Plastics: 
Adhesives:
Insulation material: 
Additional:
Tool sharing
Quality seal furniture: 
  • The Golden M of the Deutsche Gütegemeinschaft Möbel eV (DGM)  is a qualitiy seal  for furniture in Germany. Furniture with this seal is primarily tested for its environmentally friendly production conditions, such as low energy consumption during manufacture. 
  • The FSC logo of the  Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)  distinguishes furniture and wood in which the raw materials have not been treated with pesticides and come from controlled cultivation.
    Attention: The FSC logo has been under massive criticism for years, among other things because of industrial logging in primeval forests.
    More at: www.regenwald.org
  • The Blue Angel, awarded by the Federal Environment Ministry, honors furniture that has been manufactured with low emissions, without harmful substances, and primarily from renewable raw materials.  Pay attention to the addition "protects the environment and health", as the seal only exists with the addition "protects health". 
  • The  PEFC seal
    (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes) stands for sustainable forest management and sees itself as a kind of worldwide "Forest TÜV". The guidelines for the award of certificates range from: "No more wood is felled than grows back." up to: "The rights of people who live from the forest and/or depend on it (for example forest farmers or indigenous peoples in South America) are secured."
    Find out more here!
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Office

Tips:

Taking steps to reduce consumption in the office not only saves natural resources but also can lower office costs.

In the office too, the team should first be made aware of the need to use the least possible resources for everything that is purchased and used.

  • Use fluorescent tubes, CFL, or LED lighting.
  • If possible, work in daylight.
  • Use desk lamps instead of ceiling lights.
  • Only switch lights on where you really need them.
  • Discover alternative forms of energy such as solar and wind energy. There are now various solar chargers, for example for cell phones, that can be charged on the window sill during working hours.
  • Obtain the electricity from an ecological electricity provider.
  • Use water sparingly.
  • Use a water dispenser for your employees' drinking needs. There are also those that can be conveniently filled with tap water and have a filter device.
  • When buying or renting computers and monitors, be careful with power consumption.
  • Turn off the computers when you have finished work  - no stnady by modus (Tip: There are even standby killers on the market. It's a small control box that automatically detects standby mode and finally disconnects the device from the power supply after 60 seconds. If you press the power button on the power is automatically switched on again.
  • Only print when necessary, using recycled paper. Recycled papers bearing the Blue Angel are guaranteed to be made from 100% recycled paper.
  • Use the printer function "print on both sides" and save paper.
  • New inkjet printers are much more energy-efficient than laser printers. 
  • Consumables such as loose-leaf binders and file folders are also made from waste paper and cardboard. Avoid purchasing products made of PVC or coated with foil.
  • Obtain catering from a bio-caterer.
  • Avoid disposable bottles. Use reusable bottles.
  • Look out for the fair trade symbol when shopping for coffee or tea.
  • Use environmentally conscious shipping and courier services, such as the cargo bike.
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to order an environmental taxi. Just ask for it when calling the taxi. It doesn't take longer and there is no extra charge. The environmental taxis run on biodiesel. Or even better, call a Velotaxi.
  • Separate rubbish and try to avoid rubbish.
  • Turn off screen savers and set your computer into sleep mode after a few minutes of inactivity. In Windows, you will find the settings in the Control Panel, in Mac under System Preferences.
  • Use Google's energy-saving search engine "Backle" for your Internet research.
  • Use power strips to easily switch all devices on and off at the same time, in order to prevent one of the devices from accidentally remaining on overnight.
  • Use laptops instead of desktop computers with separate screens, as these are more energy-efficient.
  • Rent your office equipment instead of buying it.

When purchasing or renting production and materials, always pay attention to the common environmental seals: e.g. EPEAT or the Blue Angel.


Energy-saving tips for the office are also available at the following link:  http://www.nabu.de/downloads/energie_sparen.pdf

 
Digitization of the production office processes:

- Specialized in payroll for extras, small actors, event staff, dubbing actors and speakers.

- Short presentation:  

https://adag.tv/download/ADAG_Digitale_Werkzeuge_1.4.pdf

- Explanatory video for extras:  https://youtu.be/YM_mnkbguZQ

Avoid digital coworking tools/meeting trips through video conferences or cloud research!
Online, but sustainable): 
Office supplies / accessories:
Office cleaning: 
Energy-saving tips for the office: 

Tip: Heat meter (analysis of the room temperature in order to quickly discover possible weak points and isolate them if necessary

  • EPEAT serves manufacturers and buyers of IT hardware worldwide. It provides a system for assessing the environmental compatibility of electronic products. For more information, contact DEKRA, the EPEAT contact for Europe.
  • GRÜNER STROM LABEL e.V. is an association that was founded in 1998 on the initiative of EUROSOLAR and has certified green electricity offers with the 'Green Electricity Label' (GSL) since 1999. It is the oldest seal of approval for green electricity in Germany and is the only one of environmental associations (EUROSOLAR, Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND), Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU), Deutscher Naturschutzring (DNR), International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (Deutsche Section IPPNW), The Consumer Initiative, Natural Scientists Initiative).
  • THE BLUE ANGEL, the oldest ecolabel in the world, was launched in 1978. With this award, companies are rewarded for their commitment to environmental protection. The standards and criteria for environmentally friendly products and services are defined and decided by an independent jury.
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Catering / food / groceries

Costume
  • Use detergent that is free from phosphates and fragrances.
  •  Use vodka to remove odors on clothes without washing. 
  • Use electricity- and water-saving washing machines and dryers. (Pay attention to the common environmental seals, such as the euro flower.)
  • Avoid dry cleaning.
  • Make sure that hangers and garment bags are reusable. Avoid using plastic materials.
  • Use wire hangers.
  • Use organic cotton, as a lot of pesticides are used in conventional cotton cultivation!
  • Shop for clothes made from organic cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo, linen, and silk.
  • Avoid new materials made from petroleum, such as vinyl and polyester.
  • If possible, buy second-hand clothing or use the costume store.
  • Donate the clothes you no longer need at the end of the production or make them available to a fund or second hand shop. Here is a list of possible buyers: (Donate instead of throwing it away !)
  • Repair damaged clothing instead of replacing it.
  • When buying clothes, look out for the common Eco-labels and fair trade certificates.
  • If possible, avoid clothing that requires cleaning.
  • If cleaning is unavoidable, make sure that you commission a cleaning service that does not use perchlorethylene (PERC), tetrachlorethylene. Tetrachlorethylene is a carcinogenic chemical that can remain on clothing after dry cleaning and from there pollute the air. 
  • Look for cleaners that offer "wet cleaning", washes gently with water and solvents, or offer CO-2 compressed liquid.
Common seals:
  • The Blue Angel  has existed since 1978, but it has only been used for textiles since 2011. This seal has very high standards and applies to both synthetic materials and natural fibers.
  • Bluesign  evaluates the chemicals used to process the textiles. This is intended to optimize textile processing. According to Greenpeace, however, the bluesign standard can still be improved.
  • Cradle to cradle  has existed since 1995. Products are awarded that use environmentally safe, non-hazardous and recyclable materials.
  • The EU Ecolabel , also known as the Euro Flower, exsits since 1993 and  is also been the standard for textiles since 2009.
  • GOTS  is only intended for natural fibers. Not only the chemicals used play a role here, but also compliance with minimum social standards.
  • IVN Best  only applies to natural fibers. The fibers used must be 100 percent organically produced. That is why the use of chemicals is particularly strictly regulated. The seal also guarantees minimum social standards and fair wages.
  • Oeko-Tex 100  has been around since 1992. Here, textiles are checked for residues of harmful substances. Thus it does not include manufacturing conditions and wages for the workers.
  • Made in green belongs to the Oeko-Tex family and replaces the Oeko-Tex 100 standard. This is used to award verifiably harmless products. The seal relates to the entire textile processing chain.
  • Fairtrade Certified Cotton  is known to many. Since 2008 it has also applied to cotton fabrics in Germany. The cotton farmers who have grown the cotton for the products of the label receive a minimum price, the cotton is guaranteed free of genetic engineering and grown without the use of certain pesticides. Decent working conditions must also be ensured for the further processing of this cotton. "
Shops: 
Cleaning:
Material / background info: 
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Financial institutions / insurance companies

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Camera and light, sound

Tips camera:
  • Record digitally on a hard drive instead of film material.
  • If you record traditionally on film, use "SUPER 35" 3 perf. Film material because 25 percent of the film material can be saved on recording and it requires fewer chemicals to manufacture and process.
  • Recycle all packaging materials such as foils.
  • If you dispose film material yourself, keep in mind that this can also be completely recycled.
  • If possible, view the digital dailies directly from the hard drive or digital systems instead of transferring them to a hard drive
  • When renting equipment, make sure that the equipment has the usual environmental labels and ask the rental company for tips on how to use the machine efficiently. 
  • Switch off all devices when they are not in use and thus avoid the stand-by mode.
  • Use rechargeable batteries. Production can  send them afterwards to a battery recycler. 

Innovation: thecamera bike  instead of a trailer vehicle ?

Tips light:
  • The DOP + gaffer should be involved in the production preparations at an early stage so that they have time for light tests and also have influence on the choice of location  in regards of  light. 
  • As much as possible, it shooting should happen in  daylight. 
  • If possible, use reflectors and styrofoam instead of lamps. By the way, there are now cardboard styros from Maier Bros.
  • When artificial lighting becomes necessary, use fluorescent or LED lighting instead of incandescent lamps whenever possible.
  • Use reflectors to set various light points with just one light source (if possible LED). 
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to create homogeneous lighting by deflecting the light source.  Exclusion of the distance law! 
  • Reflectors can often save you from having to set up a riser. Make use of  the light source through reflectors!
  • Use dimmers to reduce energy consumption.
  • Turn off all lighting that is not in use.
  • Dispose the use of energy-saving lamps that contain mercury as special waste.
  • Clearly designate waste bins for the consumables. e.g. recyclable / hazardous waste / reusable
  • Save color foils for future productions or donate them to an organization that can reuse them or drop them off at a recycling center that also recycles unlabeled plastics.
  • Consider buying permanent color effect glass (dichroic filters) and use this instead of color foils.
  • Almost all lighting equipment rental companies now have energy-saving LED headlights in their range. 
Tips sound:
  • Record your sound digitally and avoid the tape
  • Use rechargeable batteries or accumulators.
  • Collect empty batteries, foils and packaging material and make them available for the recycling process.  
  • When renting equipment, pay attention to the common environmental certificates and ask for tips on how to use the device efficiently.
  • Switch off unused devices instead of keeping them in the stand-by mode.
Rental / dollies, cranes
Rental / lighting technology (LED headlights, Skypanels, reflector systems)
Advanced training in LED lighting technology
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Costume

  • Use detergent that is free from phosphates and fragrances.
  • Incidentally, with vodka you can remove odors on clothes without washing. 
  • Use electricity- and water-saving washing machines and dryers. (Pay attention to the common environmental seals , such as the euro flower.)
  • Avoid dry cleaning.
  • Make sure that hangers and garment bags are reusable. Avoid using plastic materials.
  • Use wire hangers.
  • Use organic cotton, as a lot of pesticides are used in conventional cotton cultivation!
  • Shop for clothes made from organic cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo, linen, and silk.
  • Avoid new materials made from petroleum, such as vinyl and polyester.
  • If possible, buy second-hand clothing or use the costume store.
  • Donate the clothes you no longer need at the end of the production or make them available to a fund or second hand shop. Here is a list of possible buyers: (Donate instead of throwing it away !)
  • Repair damaged clothing instead of replacing it.
  • When buying clothes, look out for the common Eco-labels and fair trade certificates.
  • If possible, avoid clothing that requires cleaning.
  • If cleaning is unavoidable, make sure that you commission a cleaning service that does not use perchlorethylene (PERC), ie  tetrachlorethylene  . Tetrachlorethylene is a carcinogenic chemical that can remain on clothing after dry cleaning and from there pollute the air. 
  • Look for cleaners that offer "wet cleaning", one that washes gently with water and solvents, or one that offers CO-2 cleaning, that is, one that uses CO-2 compressed liquid.
Common seals:
  • The Blue Angel  has existed since 1978, but it has only been used for textiles since 2011. This seal has very high standards and applies to both synthetic materials and natural fibers.
  • Bluesign  evaluates the chemicals used to process the textiles. This is intended to optimize textile processing. According to Greenpeace, however, the bluesign standard can still be improved.
  • Cradle to cradle  has existed since 1995. Products are awarded that use environmentally safe, non-hazardous and recyclable materials.
  • The EU Ecolabel , also known as the Euro Flower, has existed since 1993 and has also been the standard for textiles since 2009.
  • GOTS  is only intended for natural fibers. Not only the chemicals used play a role here, but also compliance with minimum social standards.
  • IVN Best  only applies to natural fibers. The fibers used must be 100 percent organically produced. That is why the use of chemicals is particularly strictly regulated. The seal also guarantees minimum social standards and fair wages.
  • Oeko-Tex 100  has been around since 1992. Here, textiles are checked for residues of harmful substances. Thus it does not include manufacturing conditions and wages for the workers.
  • Made in green  belongs to the Oeko-Tex family and replaces the Oeko-Tex 100 standard. This is used to award verifiably harmless products. The seal relates to the entire textile processing chain.
  • Fairtrade Certified Cotton  is known to many. Since 2008 it has also applied to cotton fabrics in Germany. The cotton farmers who have grown the cotton for the products with this label receive a minimum price, the cotton is guaranteed free of genetic engineering and is grown without the use of certain pesticides. Decent working conditions must also be ensured for the further processing of this cotton. "
Shops: 

Cleaning:

Material / background info: 
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Locationscouting / unit location manager

  • Include environmental aspects in the location search, such accessibility of the filming location by public transport, the ability  use electricity from the power grid instead of having to rely on generators,. 
  • Include lighting aspects in the location search. Aim: to require as little as possible or no artificial lighti.
  • Use your bike or local public transport for your mobility when scouting for nearby routes.
  • For longer journeys, use cars that consume as little fuel as possible or those that are powered by alternative fuels such as biodiesel or natural gas, or use electric vehicles. 
  • Use a digital camera when scouting.
  • When purchasing your equipment, pay attention to the common Eco-labels. 
  • Use rechargeable batteries
  • Include the knowledge of the people on site in your planning in order to film as environmentally friendly as possible.
  • Find out how the local waste disposal is organized. Ask about existing waste disposal options, such as bottle containers, etc., in order to be able to carry out the waste separation on set in a meaningful way and to dispose of the waste in an environmentally friendly way.
  • Provide the cast and crew with public transport timetables .
  • Pay attention to nature conservation.
  • Be considerate of local residents. 
  • During your work on site, pay attention to waste avoidance and separation
  • Save water!
  • Make sure you leave the place exactly as you found it.
  • Try to make all of the signage on location from recycled or recyclable materials.
  • Only use elastic bands or cords on trees, never staples, thumbtacks or tape, as these will damage the trees.
  • Protect interiors with recycled cardboard. 
  • Prevent the film crew from damaging the landscape. Avoid damage to the vegetation.
  • Block off all areas with particularly sensitive vegetation or wildlife.
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Mask

  • Include environmental aspects in the location search, such accessibility of the filming location by public transport, the ability  use electricity from the power grid instead of having to rely on generators,. 
  • Include lighting aspects in the location search. Aim: to require as little as possible or no artificial lighti.
  • Use your bike or local public transport for your mobility when scouting for nearby routes.
  • For longer journeys, use cars that consume as little fuel as possible or those that are powered by alternative fuels such as biodiesel or natural gas, or use electric vehicles. 
  • Use a digital camera when scouting.
  • When purchasing your equipment, pay attention to the common Eco-labels. 
  • Use rechargeable batteries
  • Include the knowledge of the people on site in your planning in order to film as environmentally friendly as possible.
  • Find out how the local waste disposal is organized. Ask about existing waste disposal options, such as bottle containers, etc., in order to be able to carry out the waste separation on set in a meaningful way and to dispose of the waste in an environmentally friendly way.
  • Provide the cast and crew with public transport timetables .
  • Pay attention to nature conservation.
  • Be considerate of local residents. 
  • During your work on site, pay attention to waste avoidance and separation
  • Save water!
  • Make sure you leave the place exactly as you found it.
  • Try to make all of the signage on location from recycled or recyclable materials.
  • Only use elastic bands or cords on trees, never staples, thumbtacks or tape, as these will damage the trees.
  • Protect interiors with recycled cardboard. 
  • Prevent the film crew from damaging the landscape. Avoid damage to the vegetation.
  • Block off all areas with particularly sensitive vegetation or wildlife.
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Material disposal / reuse / recycling / refood

According to the Commercial Waste Ordinance - GewAbfV § 3, producers and owners of commercial municipal waste (this also applies to filming) must collect and transport the following waste fractions separately and, in accordance with Section 8 (1) of the Recycling Management Act, give priority to preparation for reuse or recycling:

1. paper, cardboard and cardboard with the exception of hygiene paper,

2. glass,

3. plastics,

4. metals,

5. wood,

6. textiles,

7.  bio waste according to Section 3 Paragraph 7 of the Recycling Management Act and

8. other waste fractions that are contained in the waste specified in § 2 number 1 letter b. 

In the event of technical impossibility or economic unreasonableness, an exemption can be applied from the responsible waste disposal company. This requires detailed documentation. For more details see: Commercial waste ordinance - GewAbfV § 3

 Responsible disposal companies:
Tips:
  • Organize the disposal in advance, sketch out a waste management plan, how the materials will be recycled and put appropriate waste sorting bins at the work place / location! 
  • Find out how toxic chemical waste can be disposed..
  • When dismantling the set, please tkae care to dismantle the materials so that they can be reused. If the construction stage has used screws, bolts,  and glue guns instead of nails, reusability is made easier. 
  • You can reuse or donate leftover materials such as wood, nails, paint, and props.
Dress:
Food / Groceries: 
Building material / furniture: 
Computers and accessories:
Mixed: 
Info: 
  • Berlin waste check 
  • Attention: paper plates, paper cups and soiled napkins can not be deposit in teh paper bins.  Just "clean paper".
  • Waste guide Potsdam
  • By the way: waste separation is also worthwhile in monetary terms. Residual waste bins are more expensive than e.g. paper bins ... 
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Mobile sanitary facilities / toilets

Providers: 
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Mobility / transport / travel planning

Tips:
  • If possible, use CNG vehicles in your vehicle fleet, those that can be powered by alternative fuels such as biodiesel or gas, electric cars or low-fuel vehicles. 
  • Check: http://www.autoumweltliste.ch/personenwagen/topten.html
  • Check: https://www.greengear.de/vergleich-liste-hybrid-autos-hev/
  • Use car sharing offers, public transport or, if possible, the bike. 
  • If you use biodiesel, use local soy. (Note that it is controversial whether and how environmentally friendly biodiesel really is.)
  • Do not use biodiesel at temperatures below 5 degrees.
  • Switch off the engine when it is idling!
  • Create incentives to use public transport or set up car pools. 
  • Plan your trips and routes economically.
  • Maintain the vehicles regularly and keep them in optimal operating condition.
  • Use electric or solar powered golf carts where possible.
  • You can also use the bike for cast and crew on set.
  • If flights are necessary, use scheduled flights instead of private planes. 
  • You can also use the Deutsche Bahn.
  • Set-up telephone or video conferences instead of meeting in person.
  • Recycle engine oil and antifreeze. 
  • Whenever possible, use the local power grid instead of a generator.
  • Also check out the mobile solar power generation options that are now on the market
Car sharing:
Courier services / forwarding agents / transports:
Ecological travel planning:
Rental / cargo bikes:
Mobility / alternatives to the traditional combustion engine:
Electromobility:
Hydrogen drive:
  • in development
Spritspartips:
Taxi company:
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Post production

  • If possible, use digital post-production workflow systems. By exchanging reports and rough cuts digitally, you not only save energy by avoidingthe printing process,  and the costs of courier and shipping.
  • Switch off the editing suite, including all computers and monitors, at the end of each working day.
For further tips, see directions:
Film music:
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Pyrotechnics / special effects

  • Before filming, identify potential environmental hazards and take all precautions to prevent and limit damage.
  • Do not incinerate any petroleum-based materials, including plastics, rubber, and diesel fuel.
  • Use propane and water-based smoke liquids for fire effects.
  • Use biodegradable artificial snow products whenever possible. 
  • Recycle all scrap.
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Actors / agencies

Actors have a voice! 
The media attention is particularly focused on them. You therefore can get involved in the social discourse and take responsibility - also for environmental issues.  

In this context, we would like to draw your attention to the Changemakers' "Voluntary commitment and declaration by actors to turn green". Please check out the their website www.changemakers.film, where the voluntary commitment can also be found.

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Electricity / energy / generators

Info / Tips:
Rental / generators:
Site electricity (alternative to generator):

Is there a high-voltage connection near the location that can be used instead of a generator? 
Companies that take care of so-called "building site electricity" offer the service of organizing power supply for temporary workplaces. They check whether it is possible to use a high voltage connection on site or whether a generator is necessary. 

One of these companies that offer this service is:

  1. Pinguin Baustrom Berlin

You can also contact directly Berlins power grid operator and register your "filming event" via strassenland@stromnetzberlin.de.

Attention: please consider a longer lead time in your planning!

Providers / green electricity:

With green electricity you can gainover 90% CO2 savings!

  1. http://www.oekostrom-vergleich.com/
  2. https://www.oekostrom-dienstleistungen.info/
  3. https://www.stromauskunft.de
  4. Natural power 
  5. Bright spot 
  6. Greenpeaceenergy 
  7. berlinstrom 
  8. EWP Ökostrom, Potsdam 
  9. Comparison portal 
  10. enyway - regional electricity producers
  11. Green electricity from independent green electricity providers
  12. Cloud&Heat
  13. Propane gas power generator 
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Accommodation

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Distribution

  • Use the results of the CO-2 calculator. You can use your positive ecological footprint to advertise your production.
  • Do not distribute printed advertising materials. Instead, use electronic press kits (EPKs) online.
  • Use email-based communication and invitations instead of paper. You also save postage costs.
  • If you need to print, choose recycled paper and soy-based inks for printing materials.
  • Use packaging material made from renewable raw materials when packaging the media.

More tips: see office

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Keen to be green

German Film Commissions continue "Keen to be green"as a networkingevent: Online meetings with green pratice examples start in December 2020.

Service provider search engines

Networks / initiatives

Impressions from the region

Impressions from the region

Film location Berlin Brandenburg 2020

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