Toolbox for Green Innovation
Sustainable Film Production in Estonia: A Case Study Report
Key Productions: "Von Folck" (TV series, Green Film Certified), various NAFTA Films projects
Year: 2024
Certificate: Green Film Certification (for "Von Folck" and others)
Producers: OreeFilms, Zorba Productions, NAFTA Films (minority co-producer on "Von Folck")
Length: 8 x 41 minutes
Screenings/Premiere: March 14, 2025 (Estonia)
Budget: Not specified (public funding and European support involved)
Funded by: Estonian Film Institute, European funds, national broadcaster, and other partners
1. Background & Context
Industry Experience and Motivation:
Estonia’s film industry has a strong tradition of resourcefulness and environmental awareness, shaped by both cultural habits and the small scale of the market. Olga Hartšuk, representing Nafta Films, describes how many sustainable practices - such as waste sorting, reusing materials, and minimizing single-use plastics - are already embedded in everyday production routines. Helen Lohmus, a freelance producer (Oree Films/Zorba Productions), notes that for many Estonian crews, “green” thinking is second nature, with recycling, digital workflows, and efficient resource use being standard practice.
The initial motivation for implementing more formal sustainable practices was both practical and value-driven: reducing waste, increasing efficiency, and responding to growing expectations from funders and international partners. The decision to pursue Green Film Certification for "Von Folck" was a deliberate step to align with European standards and access funding that increasingly requires sustainability measures.
2. Implementing Sustainable Practices
Approach and Methodologies:
Sustainability in Estonian film is a mix of ingrained habits and new, more formalized approaches. On "Von Folck," the production team made a conscious decision to follow the Green Film rulebook, with dedicated staff responsible for documenting and coordinating sustainable actions on set. This included collaboration between Estonian, Latvian, and Italian partners, each bringing their own perspectives and standards.
Key Practices Implemented:
- Waste sorting and recycling are standard, supported by national regulations and cultural norms.
- Use of reusable tableware, glass bottles, and avoidance of single-use plastics is common.
- Digital workflows minimize paper use; call sheets and scripts are shared electronically.
- Solar panels are used on location vehicles and pavilions, reducing reliance on generators.
- Efficient transport planning, including carpooling and minimizing unnecessary travel, is prioritized.
- Dedicated sustainability coordinators are hired for larger productions to ensure compliance and documentation.
- Food waste is minimized, with leftovers often repurposed or donated.
- Collaboration with international partners sometimes requires negotiation to align on best practices (e.g., packaging, catering, water bottles).
3. Impact & Challenges
Team Engagement and Cultural Shifts:
For most Estonian crews, sustainable practices are not a radical change but an extension of existing habits. The main challenge is often documentation and meeting the formal requirements of certification, rather than changing behavior. Younger crew members are especially motivated, while some older colleagues may need more encouragement to adapt to digital workflows or new recycling routines.
Financial Aspects:
Implementing formal sustainability measures does add some costs - such as hiring certified coordinators and tracking environmental impact - but these are often offset by efficiencies and are increasingly necessary to access European funding. The overall financial impact is manageable, especially for larger productions, but may be a barrier for smaller projects.
Challenges
- Aligning practices across international co-productions, where standards and expectations may differ.
- Documenting and reporting sustainability actions, which can add to the workload of already busy teams.
- Managing transport emissions, especially when shooting in rural areas or across borders.
- Ensuring all partners and departments share the same commitment to green practices.
4. Lessons Learned
What Worked Well:
- Many sustainable practices are already part of the Estonian production culture, making formal certification easier to achieve.
- Collaboration and clear communication between partners are key to successful green productions.
- Visible leadership and dedicated sustainability roles help ensure compliance and foster a positive team culture.
- Access to European funding and increased industry prestige are significant advantages of going green.
What Could Be Improved:
- More comprehensive data collection and analysis to better understand the financial and environmental impact of sustainable practices.
- Continued efforts to harmonize standards and expectations across international co-productions.
- Greater support for smaller productions to implement and document green practices.
- More integration of sustainability into storytelling and on-screen content, reflecting the values and concerns of younger generations.
Broader Industry Context:
Estonia is seen as a leader in the Baltic region for sustainable film production, with the Estonian Film Institute providing strong support and many local crews already familiar with green practices. As European funding increasingly requires sustainability measures, Estonia’s experience offers a valuable model for other small markets.