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Our team adopted impactful sustainable practices such as using reusable lunch boxes, second-hand wardrobes, and energy-efficient LED lighting,
significantly reducing our environmental footprint.
These efforts, guided by experienced faculty and fueled by our team's commitment to eco-conscious filmmaking, culminated in earning the Green Seal from Environmental Media Association (EMA), establishing School of Art, Design and Media - Nanyang Technological University as the first university in Southeast Asia to achieve this recognition in sustainable film production.
Being recognised alongside renowned studios like Walt Disney, Warner Bros, and other major industry players, which have long set the standard for excellence in filmmaking, makes this achievement even more meaningful and highlights the significance of our efforts.
The Environmental Media Association (EMA) is a non-profit organisation
that promotes environmental awareness through the entertainment industry.
Each year, the EMA Green Seal award is presented to media productions
that demonstrate outstanding commitment to sustainable practices,
serving as a benchmark for environmental responsibility within the industry.
45 student seals, with university around the world, now submitting applications, including the School of Art, Design and Media, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, which received it's first Environmental Media Association (EMA) Green Seal.
Auliʻi Cravalho
33rd Environmental Media Awards
Environmental Media Association
Preface
It is essential to be environmentally conscious in today’s day and age due to the staggering amount of waste and carbon footprint generated by industries worldwide. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, global waste generation will increase by 70% by 2050, and the film industry is not an exception.
For instance, a film production generates tons of waste, including food containers, plastic bottles, and other materials, which ultimately end up in landfills or oceans. In a local Singaporean long form production, where the average crew size ranges from 50 to 85 people, you can imagine the enormous amount of waste being sent to our landfills each day.
Putting the wellbeing of the planet at the forefront of our film, the team behind Paper Planes, Don’t Always Soar (PDAS) believes that it is imperative for us to pull our weight and take action to instill change where possible within our production pipelines.
Introducing
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Approximately 5 Minutes Reading Time
The Green Filmmaking Initiative by PDAS was in fact inspired by one of our senior's final-year-project titled, My Name is Tan You Yu, where both crew and cast were mandated to bring their own water bottles for refills instead of receiving their disposable counterparts from the production team.
Here at PDAS, we decided to take it a step further, and include other one-use items such as styrofoam boxes and single-use plastics to test if the reason for expediency truly outweighs efficiency onboard a fast paced working environment.
In the following write-up, we highlight our efforts in showing by example that being eco-friendly while maintaining convenience in the taxing industry of filmmaking are not in fact mutually exclusive events. Even as a small team of less than 30 members, we believe that the benefits of instilling green efforts in the long run is beneficial for the longevity of this industry and for this planet we live in.
Implementation Plan
1 / The Film Pack
Eco-friendly essentials for sustainable film production
2 / Sustainable Wardrobe
Vintage clothing, reducing fashion waste
3 / LED Lights
Energy-efficient lighting for low carbon sets
4 / Recycled Paper
Sustainable printing made easy with recycled paper
5 / Secondhand Props
Reusing items for authentic, green storytelling
6 / Reuseable Batteries
Sustainable energy, reducing hazardous waste
7 / Designated Recycling Points
Making recycling accessible on set
8 / Green Label on Set
Promoting environmental mindfulness on set
9/ Eco-friendly Paints for ADM Grad Show 2023
Extending green practices beyond film production
The Film Pack
Eco-friendly essentials for sustainable productions
For a start, we have collaborated with Gift Market, a leading corporate gift company that has been delivering curated, creative, and highly customized gifting solutions for clients since 2013.
With a shared vision of leaving a positive impact on the environment, we are proud to have them as our primary green partner for the Green Filmmaking Initiative.
Our partnership with Gift Market is a testament to their commitment to sustainability, and we are thrilled to have their support in achieving our goals.
Together, the team has curated a film pack that works towards improving our efficiency in film production. Amongst the four products included are: a Lunch Box, a Thermos Water Bottle, an EZ-link Transit Card, an Eco-Friendly Notebook and Pen.
Eco-friendly Essentials from our Film Pack
Lunch Box
Waste-reducing, reusable meal containers
To reduce excess food waste, we have opted to serve our cast and crew members using a buffet-style setup. This allows them to take only the amount of food they need, rather than predetermined portions in takeaways that often lead to leftover waste.
With the Lunch Box, cast and crew members will collect their food from the buffet setup and dispose of any food remnants once finished. After ensuring that there is no food waste left, the production team will then collect the lunch boxes, wash and dry them for use in the next meal. Any leftover food from the buffet trays is then brought home by crew members who have brought their own reusable containers.
Additionally, we have collaborated with the food vendor to use reusable metal trays instead of disposable ones, and we have arranged for the production team to wash and return the trays after each use. These efforts total up and allow us to significantly reduce our waste production.
By providing Thermos Water Bottles to members on board the film, it is ensured that everyone has a reusable bottle to participate in our green initiative by using the water dispenser available on set.
We also color-coded our lunch boxes and water bottles, effectively accomplishing two objectives. First, it helped with hygiene purposes as everyone could easily identify their own products and reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Second, it made it easier for each department to locate their specific products. For instance, the Directing department has their products labeled in red, while the Sound department has theirs in yellow.
Other features of our film pack includes an EZ-link Transit Card to encourage our cast and crew to reduce their carbon footprint with public transportation, as well as an Eco-friendly Notebook and Pen made from recycled paper for jotting down production notes where necessary.
In addition to the all the products mentioned above, we have also customized reusable tote bags for each member of our crew and cast to use after the film production.
The purpose of the Film Pack is to show appreciation for the contributions of cast and crew members and to help foster a positive working environment on set. It can help to boost morale and create a sense of camaraderie among cast and crew members, which can be especially important on long or challenging shoots.
All in all, our goal wasn't just to provide practical and personalized items for the cast and crew, but also to promote environmental consciousness. We wanted to encourage everyone to be mindful of their environmental impact, even after the film wrapped up. By customizing eco-friendly products and making a dedicated effort to personalize take-home items as keepsake memorabilia, we hope to inspire the cast and crew to be a part of this green initiative.
Overall, our Film Pack is an excellent way to support our Green Filmmaking Initiative while also improving efficiency in film production. We're proud to collaborate with Gift Market, our primary green partner, to offer these products to our cast and crew members.
Sustainable Wardrobe
Vintage clothing, reducing fashion waste
We are proud to collaborate with Cloop, a company that specializes in upcycling and circular fashion. Their mission to extend the life cycle of clothing and reduce textile waste aligns well with our Green Filmmaking Initiative and we are eager to further our partnership with them.
Prior to the shoot, our Art Director, Colette, and Director, Diyana, visited the Cloop store at Sprout Hub to curate and select clothes for our cast. Working with Cloop effectively helped us save costs on art wardrobe and gave a second life to used clothes.
Additionally, Cloop had a wide selection of clothes, so we had no trouble finding the right wardrobe to suit the look we are going for in our film.
By generously allowing us a fitting session to ensure that the cast could wear the clothes comfortably, our film showcases a delicately curated wardrobe by Colette and the versatile varieties Cloop has to offer to all.
LED Lights
Energy-efficient lighting for low carbon sets
Nanlite is an industry-leading manufacturer of LED lights and accessories for professional photo and video content creators.
Their products are known for their high-quality, reliability, and energy efficiency, making them an ideal partner for our Green Filmmaking Initiative.
By using Nanlite's LED fixtures, we can significantly reduce energy consumption and improve the consistency and accuracy of our lighting on set, while also minimizing the risk of equipment failure and disruption.
Recycled Paper
Sustainable printing made easy with recycled paper
In an effort to reduce the environmental impact of film production, using recycled paper for scripts, call sheets, and other printed materials can be a simple yet effective step towards sustainability.
By choosing recycled paper, the production can reduce the amount of waste generated and help to conserve natural resources.
Secondhand Props
Reusing items for authentic, green storytelling
Rather than purchasing brand new props, choosing secondhand props or repurposing existing items can be a more sustainable option for film productions.
Not only can this reduce waste and the environmental impact of production, but it can also save money and add unique character to the film's aesthetic.
Reusable Batteries
Sustainable energy, reducing hazardous waste
By using rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones, film productions can significantly reduce their environmental impact and waste generation.
Not only can this help to conserve resources and reduce pollution, but it can also save money in the long run by reducing the need to constantly purchase new batteries.
Designated Recycling Points
Making recycling accessible on set
Creating designated recycling points on set can encourage the proper disposal of waste and recycling, and make it easier for crew members to do so.
This can include having clearly marked recycling bins for paper, plastic, and other materials, as well as composting bins for food waste.
Green Label on Set
Promoting environmental mindfulness on set
Displaying a "Green Set" or "Eco-Friendly Production" label on set can help to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices among crew members and visitors.
This can also help to demonstrate the production's commitment to environmental responsibility and inspire others in the industry to follow suit.
Eco-friendly Paints for ADM Grad Show
Extending green practices beyond film production
In our continued commitment to sustainability, we are excited to announce our partnership with Alora Paints for our exhibition booth at ADM Graduation Show 2023. Building upon our remarkable production efforts from last year, this collaboration marks another significant stride in our green journey.
Alora Paints has carved out a unique niche in the industry as a provider of eco-friendly painting solutions, catering to both residential and industrial needs. Their odorless paints, boasting near-zero VOCs, have earned prestigious double certifications from US Green Seal (USGS) and Singapore Green Label (SGL).
This partnership with Alora Paints allows us to further our ambition of promoting sustainable practices within and beyond our production set. We are proud to be making a positive impact on our industry and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.
Outreach and Engagement Plan
We're thrilled to share that an editorial featuring our Green Filmmaking Initiative was published by Mothership, Singapore's leading digital news platform for the youth, on 5th June 2023. As a platform with a dedicated segment towards environment-related content, Mothership has built a strong and consistent following.
To read the article:
In addition, on June 8th, we were invited to discuss our initiative on CNA 938 Radio Station, providing us with another platform to spread awareness of our sustainability efforts.
To listen to the podcast:
Coupled with our marketing efforts through Instagram, an in-person booth at the ADM Graduation Show 2023, Industry Screenings and our film's Private Screening Event, we hope to amplify our outreach and inspire others in similar positions to make conscious choices of going green whenever possible.
Measuring Our Impact:
Infographics on Sustainable Success
As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, we're excited to share some infographics showcasing the real-world impact of our sustainability initiative.
Reduced up to
800
plastic / styrofoam containers and cutleries from ending up in landfills
with
25
reusable lunch boxes from Gift Market that last more than 5 years.
Our initiative served a total of
200 sustainable meals (lunch and dinner) to a maximum of 25 cast and crew members during
8 meals across a 4-day indoor shoot.
Eliminated the use of
250
single-use
plastic water bottles
with
25
reusable thermos water bottles from Gift Market that last more than 7 years.
Based on the average consumption of
2-3x 500ml water bottles per person for
10 hours film set with 25 cast and crew members in the span of 5 days.
Eliminated the purchase of
15
set of new apparels
with
150
second-hand set of apparels from Cloop to handpick for our cast members to wear in our film.
To complement the film's narrative, our art department has identified the need for 4-5 sets of apparel for each of our 3 cast members.
Saved up to
90%
energy and
reduced carbon footprint
with
11
set of powerful and versatile
LED lights from Nanlite to
illuminate our film set.
Our camera and lighting department needs a diverse range of lighting equipment with
various effects to illuminate up to 18 scenes
across multiple sets.
Cut down on
150
pages of paper footprint
with
100%
recycled cyclus paper to provide key information to our cast and crew members in our entire production.
To facilitate our workflow, our entire team requires an average of 3 physical copies of key production documents. However, we have implemented a paper reduction policy, and non-essential documents are only accessible through mobile phones or tablets.
Eliminated the purchase of
25
pieces of new props
with
25
upcycled set decorations sourced from our team's households to
feature in our film.
Our art department has identified the requirement for up to 25 sets of props to
enhance the visual aesthetic of the film.
Eliminated the use of
75
disposable AA batteries and
original packaging waste
with
32
pieces of rechargeable nickel–metal hydride 2600 mAh AA batteries to power our equipment sustainably.
To ensure optimal audio quality, our sound department has acquired 4 sets of Lavalier microphones, each powered by 4 pieces of AA batteries for the duration of our 5-day shoot.
Reached up to
6M
internet users
with
1
article collaboration with Mothership to spread the word about our initiative.
The article was published on Mothership's various platforms on June 5, 2023, in conjunction with
World Environment Day.
As of 2021, Mothership's news platform has gained significant reach, attracting over 6 million unique users and generating more than 40 million monthly page views.
Conclusion
The Green Filmmaking Initiative by the team at PDAS strives to make a positive impact on the environment through sustainable practices in the film industry. We believe that by taking responsibility for our actions, we can each make a difference and inspire others in similar positions to do the same.
Join us on this journey towards a greener tomorrow. Together, we can make a difference and create a sustainable film industry and a better world for generations to come.
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An Initiative by
Terry Tan De Hao
Editorial Written by
Chiu Chin Wai, Vanessa
Photography and Videography
Amelia Yeo Xing Yi
Terry Tan De Hao
Special Thanks
Christoph Hahnheiser
Ross Adrian Williams
Gerard Dominic Nagulendran
Alinta Burton
Lim Li Han, Brina
Maryam Muhd Hamim
Rick Tan
Green Partners
Gift Market
Cloop
Nanlite
Alora Paints