The eco-universe is expanding

The use of natural light, reflectors, and LED lighting are among the best practices adopted by the Minuscule2 crew to minimize its impact on the environment when it was shooting this animated action adventure film in Guadeloupe National Park. The Caribbean is where a ladybug accidentally trapped in a cardboard box winds up being shipped. Part live-action, part CGI-animation, Paris-based Futurikon Films produced Minuscule 2 sustainably from pre- to post-production. For example, during the shooting of the jungle scenes, fresh locally-sourced meals were always prepared on location for the crew. The production team also recycled waste and used electric vehicles for general transportation.

 

But even the CGI-generated ladybug and its new Caribbean ladybug companions contributed to the preservation of the environment. The French post-production studio Supamonks is rendering CGI models of the tiny film stars with a rendering farm that is part of a smart green processing solution. “The rendering farm is situated in radiators, which then use the thermal discharge to heat the office”, explains Pierre de Cabissole, Head of Production at Supamonks. In order to create an eco-friendly production chain, Futurikon Films Production adopted key green measures that the French collective Ecoprod rolled out for the industry.

 

If a film production implements at least five of the recommendations suggested in the Green Production Guidelines, it may then apply for an Ecoprod Label. Another incentive to go green is provided by the Île-de-France Region Film Fund, which grants eco-bonuses to productions that take green measures and submit a carbon calculation. The grant ranges from €25,000 to €75,000 for films budgeted under €6 million, and up to €100,000 for films budgeted over €6 million.

 

The sustainability measures introduced by Ecoprod are spreading throughout the French film and media industry. In addition to longtime members such as broadcasters TF1 and France Télévisions, the Île-de-France Film Commission, the Agency for Environmental and Energy Management (ADEME) and the French Film Institute (CNC), the French Image and Sound Superior Technical Commission (CST) has come on board as new partner. “Most of our members express personal concerns about the ecological impact their lifestyle and profession makes”, says Angelo Cosimano, General Director, CST, “but we often lack the time to find the best solutions.”

 

Thanks to Ecoprod’s latest partnership with another eco-organization, Screlec-Batribox, a joint project on waste management is going to offer concrete solutions to audiovisual companies. This initiative includes a program that features a free pick-up service for collecting used power cells and batteries. “It’s important for the audiovisual sector to learn about relevant eco-organizations that can provide direct access to know-how”, sums up Joanna Gallardo, Ecoprod’s Coordinator. “This partnership is the Ecoprod collective’s latest step toward sustainable development.”

 

Photos: © Futurikon

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