| INTRODUCTION
We hope to see independent filmmakers and film companies take advantage
of a few simple, smart, conscientious ideas that will improve their
workplace and help them make alternative cinema on and off the screen.
As Hollywood has always taken its initiative from up and coming
independent producers and directors, the introduction of low impact
practices into the world of independent and alternative film production
will assure its arrival in Hollywood, if for no other reason than
that it's good business.
WE
WILL OFFER TIPS AND RESOURCES on how to make film and video
production a less wasteful enterprise. We will show that in-all
aspects of filmmaking there are low impact alternatives that can
be explored, and that with proper planning, the crew and staff of
a film production can help reverse the trend of waste and over consumption
that has marked the film industry-for decades.
REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE are the three basic
tenets of the environmental movement. These simple concepts can
be applied over and over again, and give insight into low impact
solutions to all of the difficult problems that arise during the
filmmaking process.
ECONOMY VS. ECOLOGY: Many low impact items will
initially cost more than their mainstream market counterparts, but
they will often outlive and outperform them as well. This is the
case with compact fluorescent light bulbs, rechargeable batteries,
and ceramic mugs and plates. Many of these items are expensive because
there is limited demand for them: They do not advertise nationally,
they are products of smaller companies. This book is about factoring
environmental sustainability into the evaluation of a product and
.its, worth.
PRESS: There are a number of special interest groups
which may be interested in your efforts and may be willing to write
articles in papers that otherwise would take little interest in
your production. You can promote low impact ideals, and establish
your film in the alternative-press as well.
PLANNING AHEAD: While this-guide should enable
any producer to make low impact choices in the course of a production,
it is worth considering recruiting someone who will oversee the
complete environmental aspect of your production by helping the
production manager and heads of each department set up systems that
will facilitate your low impact efforts.
ENGAGE AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT. If you can
not afford a professional, perhaps a student of environmental studies
would be interested in applying some of his or her knowledge "in
the field" for little or no pay. Such a person will, be able
to handle the inquiries of all the department heads, spend time
connecting with alternative vendors, setting up recycling systems,
and so on.
START EARLY. Environmental considerations should
be- established during pre-production and built into all your plans.
As with all aspects of film production, the more prepared you are,
the more success you will have.
|
