Toolbox for Green Innovation
Sustainable Film Production in Flanders: A Case Study Report
Production Country: Belgium (Flanders)
Production Year: 2025
Certificate: No specific label
Director/Producer: Stephen de Beul and Ben Tesseur – Producer Stephen Vandingenen (producer, line producer, sustainability lead)
Length: 5 x 26 minutes (Animated TV series)
Screenings/Premiere: To be decided
Budget: 1,3 million Euros
Funded by: Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF), Screen Flanders, The Tax Shelter of the Belgian Federal Government, BNP Paribas Fortis Film Finance, Ekome, VRT, AVROTROS, NDR, ERT
1. Background & Context
Flanders’ film production is competitive and adept at finding routes for international distribution to international markets (see: Export markets and international distribution). While digital distribution and video on-demand services have presented challenges for cinema attendance in Flanders, they have also contributed to the international circulation of Flemish fiction. However, digital distribution tends to favour series more than films.
2. Implementing Sustainable Practices
Approach and Methodologies:
Sustainability is considered from the earliest stages of production, especially in budgeting and planning. While there are not many dedicated green managers or coordinators on set in Flanders, Stephen often takes on this responsibility himself, particularly when acting as line producer. The company uses an obligatory green calculator to monitor environmental impact, and sustainability is discussed with heads of department from the outset.
Key Practices Implemented:
- The animated series "Mr Paper" is inherently sustainable, as the entire world is made of paper, with sets and props crafted from recycled and locally sourced materials. Animation tables are also made from recycled materials.
- The production is centralized in one studio for the entire 13-month period, minimizing transport and travel. This approach also allowed for significant reuse of materials from the first season.
- Public transport and cycling are strongly encouraged for the team. The company does not reimburse car travel, making sustainable commuting the most practical option for most staff.
- The studio is powered by solar panels, and the location was chosen for its commitment to sustainability.
- The storyline itself incorporates sustainability themes, introducing young viewers to concepts like reuse, recycling, and the importance of forests and public transport. The main character, Mr Paper, creates his world from newspapers and reuses elements throughout the series.
- Catering on set is largely vegetarian or pescatarian, with red meat eliminated. This change was well received by the team.
3. Impact & Challenges
Team Engagement and Cultural Shifts:
The team responded very positively to sustainable practices, with many members already personally committed to sustainability. Directors and staff often cycle to work, and the culture of the production naturally aligns with the project's environmental values. The choice to centralize production in one studio further reduced travel and associated costs.
Financial Aspects:
Sustainable choices often resulted in cost savings. Centralizing production reduced transport and accommodation expenses, and the use of local materials and public transport was both practical and economical. There was no negative financial impact from sustainability measures on "Mr Paper." In fact, the approach streamlined the budget and improved efficiency.
Challenges:
- The main challenge was the unavoidable need for some materials, such as specific paper for backgrounds, to be imported from the United States. Once a material is chosen for continuity, it is difficult to change suppliers mid-production.
- Reusing paper scraps was initially overlooked, but a new system was implemented to sort and reuse smaller pieces.
- The most difficult aspect of sustainable production remains limiting air travel for co-productions, as flights are often cheaper and faster than trains, making it hard to convince partners to choose more sustainable options.
4. Lessons Learned & Looking Forward
What Worked Well:
- Early integration of sustainability into both production planning and storytelling.
- Centralizing production in one location to minimize travel and maximize reuse of materials.
- Encouraging sustainable commuting and making it the default option for staff.
- Embedding sustainability themes in the narrative, effectively practicing "planet placement" for young audiences.
What Could Be Improved:
- Sourcing all materials locally to avoid unnecessary transport emissions.
- Implementing systems for reusing more materials from the outset.
- Introducing incentives for sustainable commuting, such as monetary rewards for cycling.
Broader Industry Context:
Sustainability is increasingly a priority in Flanders, driven by both industry requirements and personal commitment from producers and creatives. While there is no direct financial advantage or external recognition for sustainable production, it is valued in funding applications and by collaborators who share similar values. The company is developing new projects with sustainability and animal rights activism at their core, reflecting a broader cultural shift in the industry.