Governor Bill Richardson today released his initial recommendations on "Green Filmmaking" practices for film and television projects shooting in New Mexico. The program consists of a list of voluntary steps a production can take to limit its impact on the environment and maximize its benefit to the community.
3:10 to Yuma is very happy to be one of the first productions to participate in Governor Richardson's new Green Filmmaking Program. We are continually looking for additional ways to contribute to these efforts
"New Mexico continues to find ways to lead the film and television production industry in innovative practices and incentives," said Governor Richardson. "Our green filmmaking program shows our commitment to respecting and protecting our state's natural resources while aggressively growing this industry. We'll continue to add to and refine the program as we go along but this is a terrific start."
Eric Witt, the governor's Director of Media Arts and Entertainment Development, explained the structure of the initiative. "Our program is simple," said Witt. "First, help educate filmmakers about environmentally sensitive materials and practices that are either cost-neutral or in some cases even cost-savers. Second, provide productions with contacts to local suppliers of these goods and services, as well as encourage the local business communities to step in where new opportunities arise such as providing recyclable materials pick-up services for set locations. Third, consider limited financial sweeteners such as waiving certain permit fees for productions that adopt these practices - although I stress that New Mexico already has the most progressive financial production incentive program in the country so this is probably the least critical element. Clearly education and connecting productions with the appropriate resources are the key ingredients."
Paul Haggis, writer/director/producer of In the Valley of Elah, currently filming in Albuquerque, is a strong environmental advocate and a board member of the Environmental Media Association (EMA) in Los Angeles. "We are proud to be one of the first New Mexico productions to practice environmentally conscious filmmaking," said Haggis. "In addition to using fuel-efficient vehicles, using biodegradable products, and implementing an extensive recycling program, we have contracted with a local food bank to donate all of our contained and unused food on a daily basis."
"We look forward to playing a part in implementing New Mexico's Green Filmmaking Program. We think it's a great example for other states to follow as well," said Haggis.
3:10 to Yuma, a feature film shooting in Santa Fe and starring Russell Crowe, has also put green filmmaking into practice. On top of donating lumber to a local charity organization, they are also providing their leftover food to a Santa Fe food bank on a daily basis. The production estimates that the food bank will have received thousands of meals by the time filming has ended.
"3:10 to Yuma is very happy to be one of the first productions to participate in Governor Richardson's new Green Filmmaking Program. We are continually looking for additional ways to contribute to these efforts," said Location Manager, Mike Fantasia.
Says EMA president, Debbie Levin, "We're very excited that New Mexico wants to step up and lead the way for green production."
PROGRAM INFORMATION
New Mexico's Green Filmmaking Initiative is a voluntary program to encourage environmentally sensitive film & television production, built around three principles:
· Educate and Encourage productions in the use of environmentally sensitive production materials and techniques.
· Provide resources for green materials and services.
· Incentivize the use of green materials and techniques where necessary.
Educate & Encourage: The New Mexico Film Office will offer educational materials to productions about the use of alternative materials and environmentally friendly practices in the production office and on-set. This would include information on: recycling; purchasing locally made and/or organic products; donating unused/unwanted items to local school, church or animal welfare organizations; using non-toxic/low-toxic supplies and paints; leasing hybrid/electric vehicles; using biodiesel for generators; using alternative and biofuels for all other vehicles; water management/rainwater harvesting; and waste reduction techniques, among others.
We will provide all productions with a "Green Information Packet" explaining the financial and functional benefits of being eco-friendly - not just for the production but for the community and overall environment.
A Green Filmmaking working group has provided Governor Richardson with preliminary guidelines for building the Green Filmmaking program (see below). The administration will continue to explore new ways to inform and encourage environmentally sensitive productions and examine new business opportunities created through servicing these productions. For example, providing on-location pick-up services for recyclable or unused materials and food is one way the business community and/or private sector can fill anticipated needs.
A voluntary New Mexico Green Filmmaking certification program will also be offered to key production personnel such as Production Managers, Coordinators and other department heads interested in more intensive training in green production. This certification will further awareness and dissemination of information throughout the production community.
Resources: The New Mexico Film Office will supply contacts for environmentally friendly production goods and services through print and on-line resources, encouraging local purchasing where available.
Incentives: New Mexico already offers the most comprehensive film and television production incentive package in the nation. We will consider additional financial benefits, such as waiving certain permit fees, for productions that adhere to the principles of the green production program.
See the list of preliminary recommendations at http://www.ballantinespr.com/newmexico/GreenFilm_BestPractices2_120706.html
For more information on Green Production practices and resources please visit online at http://www.nmfilm.com or http://www.ema-online.org. Or call the New Mexico State Film Office at (505) 827-9810.
Indie Network