Green The Bid is a global organisation that is able to unite film production companies and agencies who are proactive in their support to protect the natural environment. Clockwork Films were lucky enough to interview co-founders Gabi Kay and Jessie Nagel to get further insight about Green The Bid and its movement.
1. How much waste do film productions make? Whether that be onset, pre-production or both?
The total amount of waste on a typical shoot has not been measured, but if you have ever been on one you’ve likely seen it all around you. Fortunately, there are so many things that can be done to mitigate waste – beginning in the planning / concept and pre-production phases. Green The Bid was established so that everyone involved in production – brands, agencies, production companies, post houses and more – could work in an aligned capacity. We have a lot of educational resources – including webinars aimed at producers, checklists, bid spec language, signage, examples or reporting and much more – so that people have clear guidance on how to actually get this done.
2. What are the impacts to our environment if film productions continue to generate excess waste that could have been avoided?
Every industry must transition to meet the targets, if we don’t the consequences are dire. We all have to change our behaviours so that we can avoid catastrophe. This isn’t something to do because it is the right thing – it’s the only thing. Luckily, we are an incredibly smart, resourceful industry that knows how to solve problems. We have the tools, now we need to apply willpower.
3. Why will practices of sustainability & being environmentally conscious benefit the film/tv/advertising industry?
On the one hand, as an industry we can’t afford not to shift our practices to being sustainable and regenerative; we must be all in this together, this is everyone’s fight. And on the other, consumers increasingly want to see the brands they shop from embody their own values, and brands (and TV networks and content studios) can be taken to task for not committing to robust sustainability goals. And taking a stand for social impact is good business; studies have shown that a majority of consumers are willing to pay more for a brand that stands for a social issue that they consider important.
4. What are some successful practices that are happening now? International or Domestic. (domestic being Australia)
The resources on our website are all created to be a guide for all of our stakeholders and productions in any location. As our membership grows we are hearing of an increasing number of requests by brands and agencies for “Green The Bid” shoots – another way of asking for sustainable practices on set. Because we are not legislative or regulatory, we rely on information directed to us by members and non members alike, which – in turn – informs ways that we can better help the industry in transition. Over the last two years it feels like an awakening and a growing commitment to action including in Australia where wildfires are the urgency of the climate crisis manifest.
5. For 5, I was wondering if you’d like to include the number 1 question you get asked all the time by agencies.
People often ask what they can do that will make the biggest impact. The truth is, flying accounts for the largest carbon footprint of most productions, and reducing flights is one of the biggest steps agencies – or anyone – can take. Among the many resources we’ve created since we launched is the Top 5 Things You Can Do. Another question people ask is what is expected of our members? When joining, companies commit to pledges that relate specifically to their roles in the advertising ecosystem which are outlined in our website. It doesn’t matter how far along the sustainability journey agencies have come – we welcome anyone who wants to act or intensify their actions and join a community of others committed to shifting our industry to zero waste and net carbon neutral.
