SUSTA INAB I L I T Y ROUND TABL E INDUS TRY.
like Albert exists – a collaboration truly set up by the industry itself – and I think we should be really proud of what we’ve achieved as an industry so far. We’ve a long way to go and need to move faster, but I don’t think it will take a huge controversy, no. MCENALLAY: I suspect it’s just not something that’s thought about at that level yet. Film and TV is changing rapidly, in so many ways, and that technology has democratised the process enormously. As we consume media differently now, it may be that change will come from the ground up, using fewer tools more efficiently, to tell compelling stories. I understand there are already various green certifications in place, but could applauding the industry and tapping into its love of awards make for more sustainable productions? BALL: We all love awards, and there’s no doubt an Oscar for a sustainability storyline would capture attention, but green credentials often are, and should continue to be, written into award entries.
MARGRETT: Absolutely. At Albert we’re constantly looking at how we can further incentivise the industry. We are speaking to various awards bodies, not least our own – we are part of Bafta after all – about this. It’s important that sustainable production practices are standard for nominations for awards promoting best practice. How can any production claim to be the best, if it is not considering the environment? Specific awards should be created to encourage the industry to think about how it can weave climate change themes or solutions into their content. We should be judging programmes on the impact they have. How did it make the audience feel? Did you feel empowered to change? Did the content lead to change in the real world? MCENALLAY: I don’t think this is a solution. There are so many disparate programmes trying to make a difference, they would be stronger if they combined. I’ve always wondered why no one seems to have tied national or international film funding to a demonstrated commitment to sustainable production.
products, like carbon offsetting, need to be treated with extreme caution. There are a lot of really interesting environmental stories that need telling – and that’s a much more interesting way to go. For all of film & TV’s reputation as a liberal industry, it remains resistant to change and is very stuck in its ways. Will it take a huge controversy for sustainability to be embraced? Are execs worried about any transition? BALL : We are seeing change and things moving in the right direction. But we need increased collaboration and buy-in from the community to stick to sustainability principles. MARGRETT: This industry is adaptable and resilient. There’s been an enormous amount of change and fierce competition for eyeballs. Think about the transition from linear broadcast and DVDs to online short form, SVODs, etc. In terms of demands on production, the unrelenting competition means increasingly tighter budgets. Throw a global pandemic into the mix, and the fact that an organisation
37. MARCH 2022
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