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Film Biz Recycling (FBR) is not the only game in town as far as "greening up" the Biz. Not even close. What is interesting, however, is how insular their efforts are. This business is one that plays with cards held close to the chest. So, if I may use a metaphor, lots of people are embarking from different sides up a tall mountain, not being able to see one another or even be aware of another presence or efforts. It is our hope that Film Biz Recycling is the common thread that tethers one effort to the other, so our strengths are multiplied and we reach the top together. LeNoble Lumber - main supplier of lumber to the industry, is getting FSC Certified (Forest Stewardship Council). This does NOT mean that all their lumber is renewable. It does mean they will sell certified wood. It might cost 20-25% more as far as this industry is concerned. Pay it. Luan - get the primed luan that only comes in 10' sheets. It comes from a FSC certified company. It's something. I personally think if you can rent a flat, do it. LeNoble is an on-board company that knows the environmental issues and cares. We will continue to work together to find suitable solutions for all of us.
Unions - Local 52 and 829 - both union presidents are happy to talk and meet and it seems 52 has some fantastic ideas. Sorry to report the meeting with 52 and city leaders was canceled and has yet to be rescheduled, but from what I can tell they also are aware that systemic changes are nigh and want solutions that sustain the environment and their members. I meet with 829 president Beverly Miller tomorrow. The union positions in another letter another day.
Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) - have already started putting together a list of guidelines for production companies. What they thought would be a simple task is not turning out so easy. Film Biz Recycling will be working with them to assist in anyway possible. We made suggestions, broke down the phases of productions and shared some stories. A big "green push" from agencies and clients is on the horizon. Recently, an agency required the production to recycle cans and bottles. It's FBR's stance that recycling beverage containers is nowhere near enough to call yourself green. We need to standardize green practices in all phases of production for example, a industry-wide call for paperless pre-pro books, bio-based craft service utensils and plates, FSC certified building materials and a PA dedicated to recycling and proper disposal - we give a new meaning to the term "green PA".
Additionally, these new practices need to be paid for by the client or ad agency in a new and necessary GREEN LINE. Even $500-2,000 a spot could make the difference in greenhouse gasses and landfill tonnage (the two go hand in hand, really).
Showman Fabricators - Showman Fabricators is starting up a new program to take back the sets they build for clients. Their staff and workers (they are Local 4)will break it up into components and reuse if possible. Bravo.
The Producer's Guild of America (PGA) - has begun, with Eartmark.net, to host a series of events in New York to bring the environmental issues to the industry's attention while providing a forum for industry leaders to ask questions and learn in a comfortable setting. The first was about Bio-Diesel, the next is about Recycling. Eva Radke will be speaking. No firm date has been set.
New York Women Film and Television (NYWIFT) - has also begun to collect ideas and stories about going green in the film business. This month we will meet with them to take this deep seated environmantal concerns and turn them into standard practices.
As you can see, it's happening all over. Strong voices are coming together and it's making a difference.
