Jonah Zeiger’s Post

Much needed research by veteran producer and Shorenstein Documentary Film Fellow Karin Chien on the sustainability of documentary production in a post-Netflix era, and why you're only seeing projects about cons, cults, and celebrities. Worth watching the whole presentation, but here are her key takeaways (none of which will be surprising to my fellow mid-career producers, but feels validating to be backed up hard data and a thorough landscape analysis): 1. Pre-existing capital is the most important factor for determining success 2. Project by project funding model undermines long-term financial stability and drives burn out 3. Need for early stage capital to develop diversity of talent and ideas 4. Funding biases inhibits a lot 5. Opacity of information keeps power concentrated in the hands of few.

Is it worth you starting  a project to downgauge your film? In our experience it is, and it can be done for one of the following four reasons:    👉🏻 Achieve a cost-saving  👉🏻 Reduce your Scope Three Carbon Emissions  👉🏻 Solve problems with movement in transits  👉🏻 Improve the amount of downtime on production lines Does this sound like you? Get in touch to find out how Bridge Johnson can help. #TransitPackaging #MakingPackagingEffortless #FoodAndBeverageIndustry

What did I learn from the Toronto Film Festival about using innovation to solve big challenges? In this video, I share key insights and how they apply to tackling the world’s toughest problems. Watch below! #tiff #toronto #innovation

The Urgent Need for Holistic Sustainability in Film Production Zsófia Szemerédy, Co-Founder of Green Eyes Productions, highlights a critical oversight in the film industry: the lack of long-term, holistic sustainability practices. Key points: • Major studios and streamers often fail to invest in sustainable improvements for frequently used soundstages • There's a pressing need to approach sustainability holistically across all aspects of film production • The industry must rethink its approach to environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability This insight challenges film professionals to consider: How can we implement more sustainable practices throughout the production process? What steps can your organization take to lead in this crucial area? #SustainableFilmmaking #GreenProduction #FilmIndustry #EnvironmentalResponsibility #SustainableBusiness

I just saw the Wicked movie. I expected green, but I didn't expect GREEN. ♻️ First thing is first: The movie was great and you should definitely check it out. But what I really wanted to talk about, which I can't really seem to find much information about, is all of the sustainability initiatives they incorporated. In a short video before the movie, the director Jon M. Chu explained how they made it a priority to "go green" on set. Through their GreenerLight program, they emphasize: 🔋 Energy efficient set lighting 🥗 Food donations 🚗 Fuel efficiency ♻️ Set material reuse and donations 🪴 Sustainable purchasing 🗑️ Waste reduction and recycling This is in line with the commitment from Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) to make movies in a more planet-friendly way. While they have had a Sustainable Production Program in place since 2009 (which has primarily focused on energy efficiency, fuel-use reduction and donations of food and set materials) they expanded their sustainability program strategies in 2023 with the establishment of the GreenerLight program which covers the entire filmmaking process. For the Wicked movie, they shared some of the sustainability initiatives they had in place. They're pretty cool! 🪄 Brought in dedicated eco-consultants to create a comprehensive plan 🚗 Used electric vehicles ♻️ Recycling efforts: Fabric scraps taken from costume department were donated to charities, some fabric was dyed and repurposed for different things 💡 Stages powered by 100% renewable energy 🚰 Avoided half a million plastic water bottles as waste by encouraging reusable bottles and providing refill stations 🔋Used battery units and piloted new technology such as a fully electric truck 🌷 Planted 9 MILLION tulips! In addition to being used as a major backdrop to set the scene, the heads of the flowers were harvested and used as living roofs on the Munchkins’ houses. Later, the bulbs were replanted by Norfolk Tulips, who plans to open up the rainbow tulip fields to the public next spring. I wonder what other strategies they incorporated. I look forward to hearing more about sustainability in the filmmaking process in the future from other studios! GreenerLight program: https://lnkd.in/eBHh-G7S.

Video Drop Friday: 🌿🎥 Our First Steps in Starting a #Sustainability Film Consultancy 1️⃣ Educate: Understand the #environmentalimpact of film productions. From #energy usage to waste, knowing the problem is key. 2️⃣ Build Your Network: Connect with #ecoconscious filmmakers, studios, and suppliers. #Collaboration drives change! 3️⃣ Start Small and Learn as you Go: Offer #practicalsolutions, like reducing single-use plastics or sourcing #renewableenergy for productions. 4️⃣ Create a Vision: Define your mission. Let’s rewrite the script on filmmaking and show the industry that sustainable stories start behind the scenes! 💚🎬 #ClimateChange #Filmmakers #Crew #SustainableFilmmaking #climateaction #takeaction

🌱♻ 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 Did you know, already 2021 we’ve produced a TEC Talk specialized on sustainability and its impact on your film production? In the video, our experts discuss solutions and services how to realign production for sustainable film types with 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗼-𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀, e.g. BOPE, BOPET and BOPA and show how 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 solutions meet the current and future market demands. In this context also the following topics have been highlighted: ◾ Improved quality (more A-grade film, less waste) ◾ Increased yield (line availability) ◾ Reduced ressources (raw material and energy consumption, optimized operation) 👀 𝗝𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗘𝗖 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗼𝗻-𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱: https://lnkd.in/d6DqAzdN #BrücknerServtec #ServingYourSuccess #Sustainability #FilmProduction #MonoMaterial #LineConcepts #Brueckner #Brückner #TECTalk

This month, the SDI Spotlight falls on ‘Tomorrow’, documentary film that paints a hopeful picture in the face of impending global crises.   Directed by Mélanie Laurent and Cyril Dion, this documentary is a rather refreshing departure from the typical doomsday narratives surrounding climate change. At the risk of preaching to the converted, the documentary film does not dwell on the problems and instead focusses on practical, grassroots solutions. It explores various initiatives in agriculture, energy, economy, democracy, and education that offer tangible pathways to a sustainable future.   An emphasis on optimism and empowerment is at the heart of "Tomorrow". It showcases individuals and communities taking proactive steps to enact positive change. From urban farming projects in Detroit, an envelope factory in Lille which reinvests its profits rather than paying shareholders, a citywide composting project in San Francisco, a village in India in which local democratic process has led to solidarity against the unjust caste system, to local currency systems in the UK, the documentary highlights real-world examples of resilience and innovation.   Though sometimes overly simplistic, and sometimes contradictory, the storytelling and commentary of the film is insightful and engaging, making "Tomorrow" a compelling call to action. It challenges us to critically look at our approach to environmental and social issues and inspires us to become active participants in shaping a better tomorrow. Irrespective of whether you find the solutions feasible or not, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone looking for inspiration in uncertain times.       Production companies: Move Movie, France 2 Cinema, Mars Films, MelyProductions Directors: Melanie Laurent, Cyril Dion Producer: Bruno Levy Director of photography: Alexandre Leglise Editor: Sandie Bompar Composer: Fredrika Stahl   #SolarDecathlonIndia #SDI #SDIspotlight #ClimateChange #ClimateAction #sustainability

This is a very useful piece explaining the difference between Sustainability and ESG. Worth a watch.

WHAT IS REGENERATION? Take the journey with us to find out. Imagine a world where every action you take contributes to the flourishing of life. This is the essence of regeneration—going beyond sustainability to actively improve ourselves, each other, the ecosystem, society and the transformation of our species. Come EMERGE with the Regenerators demonstrable, soul-stirring, intergenerational call to connect to each other and nature with a chorus of experts in the domain of regeneration, and then go beyond the film by joining 30 youths From 8 countries For 2 weeks On 1 regenerative village --> https://lnkd.in/eMnCMbKS