Eco Filmmaking – Minimising Waste on Set

 

Eco Filmmaking – Minimising Waste on Set

Creating videos can be energy intensive, but it doesn’t have to be wasteful. At Philip M Russell Ltd, we’ve made a commitment to eco filmmaking — keeping production efficient, sustainable, and low impact. With a little forethought, every filming session can be cleaner, greener, and more cost effective.

Planning for Sustainability

Good planning saves both time and resources.

• Shoot smart: combine multiple scenes in one session to avoid repeated setup and travel.

• Use natural light where possible to reduce electricity use.

• Charge from renewable energy — we power our studio lights and cameras using solar-charged batteries.

• Bring reusable containers for drinks and snacks to avoid single-use plastics.

Managing Materials

Film sets generate more waste than you might think — paper notes, plastic tape, batteries, packaging. It also works out much cheaper!

• Replace disposable gaffer tape with reusable Velcro ties.

• Print scripts and call sheets digitally.

• Recharge batteries instead of discarding them.

• Reuse backdrop materials and props for multiple projects.

Travel and Energy Use

Transport is often the biggest environmental cost.

• Carpool or schedule shoots so everyone travels once.

• Use electric or hybrid vehicles for local filming when possible.

• Keep computers and editing systems on energy-efficient settings when rendering overnight.

The Takeaway

Eco filmmaking isn’t just about reducing waste — it’s about working smarter. With careful planning, creative reuse, and renewable energy, even small productions can make a real difference. Every sustainable choice, from power source to prop, helps create films that teach and inspire without leaving a heavy footprint.