The San Antonio Film Commission is committed to supporting low-impact filmmaking, and we also try to have as small a carbon footprint as possible in everything we do. Reducing paper waste, utilizing hybrid vehicles, and participating in local re-vegetation and tree-planting events are just some of the ways we try to stay “green”. We met Larry Fessenden, film producer and author of “Low Impact Filmmaking” in the mid-nineties and have tried to reduce our environmental impact ever since, after being inspired by his book.

We support the Environmental Media Association’s “Green Seal” program for productions, both in the production office and on the set. Read their guidelines for earning a EMA “Green Seal” at their website.

In general, you can reduce the carbon footprint of your production by doing the following:

• Use certified Renewable/Sustainable building materials for set construction (not endangered rainforest hardwood sold as meranti/lauan).
• Use paints, sealants and lacquers that are low-emission (low VOC) and less toxic.
• Lease Hybrid and/or Electric vehicles for the production whenever possible.
• Request that traditional transport vehicles not idle.
• Buy Ultra Low Sulfur diesel (available at ARCO stations) for all production vehicles.
• Use bio-diesel fuels for all auxiliary power generators.
• Use nontoxic cleaning products and buy unbleached, high recycled content items for production offices (paper towels, plates, cups, office paper, pencils; t-shirts).
• Reuse or donate unwanted production materials and supplies (sets, paints, props, office products, etc.).
• Arrange for all set materials and office equipment to be recycled or donated. Coordinate with non-profits and local schools before production ends.
• Recycle production office materials (paper, plastics, glass, cans, cardboard, wood, VHS, Digi Beta cams, DVDs, etc.).
• Make sure food/beverage suppliers & caterers provide reusable, recyclable and/or biodegradable serving products, instead of Styrofoam and plastic.
• Request that caterers provide food that is locally sourced and is organic or sustainable.
• Ensure that recycling bins are located in convenient and easily accessible locations on set and in production offices.
• Arrange for a local food bank to pick up leftover food at the end of each day.
• Go paperless whenever possible utilizing electronic forms of communication. Only print scripts on demand.
• Use Tablet PCs or digital dailies; email revised scripts.
• Brief the publicity department on the production’s environmental commitment and have everyone involved speak about it when speaking to the press and on publicity tours.
• Offset carbon emissions.