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5 Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Movie's Carbon Footprint: Going Green on Set

By Saro Varjabedianthan
posted May 15, 2009, 17:52

Saro Varjabedian is a director of photography based in New York and has worked on over twenty films, music videos and corporate videos for various production companies. He has recently finished post-production on �La Chambre de Motel,� which he wrote and directed. Currently, he has finished production on the spec for �GeoCache� and is getting ready to go into production on the music video for the band KHZ. Saro can be reached at www.sarodp.com.

As global warming continues to be a growing concern, Hollywood and the film industry in general have continued to trumpet the necessity of reducing one�s carbon footprint making green the trendiest color. However, there is no denying the fact that the film production process produces a large amount of carbon dioxide.

Consider this: A tungsten 1k Fresnel that is plugged into a location (that is not getting its energy from a renewable energy provider and based on state averages) will release 1.4 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere per hour of use. If the production is being powered by a generator that is running on gasoline, it will produce 20 pounds of CO2 per gallon used. Therefore, on a feature movie, lighting alone can easily produce 500 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions. If the film industry intends to continue leading the movement for a carbon neutral lifestyle, then filmmakers must also look to minimize their own carbon footprint.

Below are some simple steps that you can take during production to reduce your movie�s carbon emission.

1. Keep the Lights Off!
When the camera is off, make sure to turn off the lights. This will not only reduce CO2 emissions, but it will conserve the life of the bulbs for the use of filming. In addition, most lights produce a good amount of heat, and if the lights are being used indoors, keeping them off will help keep the room cool, reducing the need to use an air conditioner.

2. Consider Using Less Lighting
With the advancement of video and film technologies, both mediums have been able to gradually increase their sensitivity to light while maintaining picture quality. This means that lower wattage lights can be used to capture the image. Beyond using smaller lights, there are measures which could be taken to reduce the amount of lights needed, and often times, this may have better results on the look of the project. For instance, using a reflector to create fill light on a subject by placing it across from the key will eliminate the need of adding an extra light. You may find that this will give you the desired look, and it will mean that your crew will set up and break down one less light.

In addition, a set�s design plays a major factor in the amount of lights needed to illuminate a room. For example, a small room with bright walls would need less light than a large room with dark walls. Also, try to use sunlight as much as possible � it�s free.

3. Stop the Generator!
If your production is using a generator, try to keep it off whenever the lights are shut down. Simply doing this will reduce CO2 emissions and keep the amount of money spent on gas down. If it is impossible to go without power, look to rent a smaller, cheaper generator which will use less gas for those smaller items like the monitor or practical lights. If you have a little extra money in the budget and want to make an investment, there are solar powered generators available with outputs able to reach 600 watts or more. A benefit of using these generators is that they operate in complete silence.

4. Use Energy Efficient Lights
While not every situation may call for fluorescent lighting, whenever possible consider using these lights. A 4x4 fluorescent light bank roughly uses 300 watts with a light output similar to a 1k soft light and the bulbs are cool to the touch keeping the set cool. LED light panels are another means of energy efficient lighting. They are very compact, durable, and do not get hot, which makes them a good tool to use when lighting cramped interiors.

5. Consider Offsetting
After all of these reduction steps have been utilized, your production will still leave a carbon footprint. For those filmmakers who would like to have their production become completely carbon neutral, you can donate a small amount to one of several carbon offsetting providers. Each provider distributes the donations that they receive into different carbon offsetting programs such as reforestation or developing renewable energy technologies. Do a little research into the providers to learn which programs they support before making your contribution.

This article may not be reprinted in print or internet publications without express permission of StudentFilmmakers.com.

Check out this article in the December 2007 print edition of StudentFilmmakers magazine, page 20.