(Article by Brendan Swift, published by IF Magazine November 22, 2024)
Carnival Films and Matchbox Pictures have employed a suite of sustainability processes during production of drama series All Her Fault which points the way forward for the film and TV sector.
A key part of the approach has been starting discussions with all heads of departments on day one of pre-production, which included individual meetings per department in order to create tailored targets.
“Our approach is intentionally positive and non-judgmental – our learnings include that there is a fine line between encouragement and inadvertently making people feel overwhelmed, or worse – ashamed,” according to a statement from Matchbox Pictures.
“The sustainability team has been making a concerted effort to work with departments, to lift them up, engage in meaningful conversations to find solutions and avoid adding to their workloads.”
The screen sector is increasingly playing a role in reducing carbon emissions to help meet the Paris Agreement’s 2050 net zero target. However, changes need to be instituted efficiently as the sector struggles with budget constraints.
Carnival Films is a leader in sustainability in the UK industry and was able to bring its expertise to the Melbourne-shot drama. More than 120 crew members attended the production’s Sustainability Training Session and kick-off meeting.
Some of the production’s achievements included:
- The first known Australian production to source and use hydrotreated vegetable oil (or HVO) in unit base generators, reducing lifecycle emissions up to 90 per cent compared to standard diesel.
- Out of the 59 vehicles in its transport fleet, the team hired eight fully electric vehicles and 19 hybrid vehicles.
- Matchbox installed a rapid EV charger at Docklands Studios – the charger will remain on the lot as a legacy, making it accessible to future productions.
- The locations department sourced grid power on location wherever possible and thanks to Docklands Studios, mains power for shooting on stages was under a 100 per cent renewable tariff.
- Unit manager Andy Pappas estimated that on set general waste was approximately halved, disposable biodegradable cup use was down by 40 per cent (only being used by extras) and generator fuel consumption was down 30-40 per cent compared to other projects of this size.
- The production had a strict zero disposable water bottle policy.
Matchbox said on all future productions it would now employ key crew who are sustainability champions, as well as make sure that sustainability is prioritised at every opportunity, in order to maximise crew and cast engagement.
The sustainability drive was led by Charlotte Ashby (head of production at Carnival), who helped to ensure the environment is prioritised and considered at every stage.
Line producer Paul Walton helped communicate the team’s objectives to stakeholders and crew, while Matchbox’s Helen Panckhurst and Lily Rolfe helped adapt Carnival’s policies and guidelines to local processes while keeping track of progress.
Sustainability supervisor Dan Astin and assistant Tobias Miller answered questions, gathered data and ensured sustainability was prioritised.
UK environmental consultant Alex Cheeseman at Picture Zero was also engaged during production. Picture Zero have been working with Carnival and Universal International Studios for many years, providing a blueprint, expertise, research and support.
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