Toolbox for Green Innovation
Case Studies / Ireland
Sustainable Film Production in Ireland: A Case Study Report
Production country: Ireland
Production year: 2023
Certificate: Albert
Director: Brian O’Malley
Length: 4 x 1-hour TV Mini Series
Screenings/premiere: April 8th, 2024
Budget: Band 2 (between €0.5m and €1m per hour)
Funded by: n/a
1. Background & Context
Industry Experience and Motivation
Experience in Film:
Stan Nangle has worked in the film industry since 2011, initially as a location manager. His personal interest in the environment led him to observe that large-scale productions were generating significant waste and inefficiencies. He has worked on a very large production was a turning point that forced him to think differently about production methods.
Shift to Sustainability:
Around 2017 Stan started to focus on climate issues within the industry. In early 2022, he transitioned from being a location manager to taking on the role of a sustainability manager. His first assignment in that capacity was on a production in West Cork that needed to comply with funders’ requirements (using, for example, the Albert calculator). Since then, he has worked across multiple productions in Ireland and on co-productions with other countries.
The Broader Landscape
Industry Networks:
Stan noted that Ireland is at the forefront of sustainable film production. He is a part of a guild of eight sustainability advisors in Ireland and participates in an international network (via a WhatsApp group) that includes sustainability advocates from Italy, France, Germany, the UK, and beyond. This network helps share insights, tools, and ideas globally.
2. Implementation & Methodologies
Early Involvement and Guiding Principles
Early Entry into the Production Process:
Stan stressed the importance of coming in early - ideally before the production office opens. His experience shows that the earlier the sustainability advisor is involved, the greater the influence on decisions ranging from camera selection to lighting and logistics. For instance, on production of “the Cuckoo”, conversations were started during pre-production, which led to choices that impacted how the production was planned, even before budgets were finalized.
Tailored, Department-Specific Guidelines:
Rather than sending a single global document to every crew member, Stan developed one-page guidelines for each department. These documents focus on three key areas: emissions reduction, circular economy practices, and carbon calculation. They are written in the “language” of each department to ensure that the guidance is practical and relevant. This approach has helped create ownership among crew members who are encouraged to share ideas and continuously improve practices.
Models of Sustainability Management
Large Productions:
On high-budget jobs (for example, a television series for BBC/Amazon), a full-time advisor may be engaged. Even when using a “one day a week” model (where sustainability is supported only one day per week), these productions showed significant results. On one such project, the team achieved a 20% reduction in emissions compared to expected levels.
Lower Budget/Family-Run Productions:
On smaller projects - such as a two‑week shooting time feature film - smaller crews have been very receptive. Their willingness to adopt sustainable practices, such as using LED lights, electric vehicles, and other energy-saving measures, has resulted in very positive outcomes despite limited budgets.
Integration with Creative Decisions:
Sustainability is not only about technical or logistical changes. Stan explains that decisions such as selecting a Sony Venice camera - which, due to its light-sensing capabilities, reduced the need for extra lighting - or opting for bicycles on set are examples of creative measures that intertwine sustainability with storytelling. He advocates for a training component with the writer’s guild so that script development can also reflect sustainable practices (for example, using public transport for travel scenes rather than air travel).
3. Financial Aspects & Cost Implications
Funding Models and Budget Considerations
Funding Support:
Stan highlighted the role of Screen Ireland’s Sustainability Innovation Fund. Productions that are funded by Screen Ireland have access to grants used to cover some of the additional costs incurred by sustainable initiatives. For example, on the production of “the Cuckoo,” the production company could invest in using HVO fuel for generators - at an extra cost of approximately 20–30 cents per litre - and received funding to help with this marginal expense. Likewise, there is funding available to purchase new equipment such as LED lights specifically designed for energy efficiency.
Budgetary Trade-Offs:
A major point Stan made is that while some sustainability measures may involve a direct extra cost (e.g., choosing a more expensive camera or fuel), many decisions are now evaluated with sustainability in mind. The props master, for example, might choose not to send a van on a long journey, thereby saving money indirectly. Stan also noted that much of the green transition involves changing decision-making processes and mindset rather than recording discrete cost savings. Decisions are made on a “best option” basis using sustainability as one of several criteria.
Impact on Decision Making:
The adoption of sustainable practices has led to a rethinking of discretionary spending. Production teams are now more open to reallocating budgets to invest in new, more efficient technologies - such as LED lighting systems that can switch between day and night settings with less labour and fewer consumables - as well as equipment that improves overall operational efficiency.
4. Crew Engagement, Challenges, and Lessons Learned
Team Buy-In and Ownership
Positive Reception:
Across various productions, the introduction of sustainability measures has been met with enthusiasm, particularly from creative departments and heads of department. Crew members have taken pride in learning about new equipment and techniques. For instance, on another production, a waste management service observed excellent waste segregation even though the sustainability advisor was present only one day a week. Such feedback confirms that once sustainable practices are introduced, crews embrace them and incorporate them into their routines.
Peer-to-Peer Learning:
Stan emphasizes that one of the strengths of this model is the sharing of best practices. Crew members who have successfully implemented sustainable solutions (for example, using state-of-the-art rechargeable batteries for sound equipment) help guide their peers on subsequent projects. This peer-to-peer sharing not only demystifies technological advances but also builds confidence in adopting new methods.
Challenges in the Green Transition
Technical and Operational Hurdles:
While many measures have been well received, some challenges remain. For example, there is occasional resistance from certain logistic staff regarding new technologies like HVO fuel - despite some mechanical experts reporting no issues over extended use.
Early Involvement is Key:
Stan consistently notes that the ability to influence decisions is greater when sustainability advisors are involved from the outset. Last-minute integration (only a few days before shooting) forces teams to implement measures on a tighter timeline and limits the impact of strategic planning.
Adapting Existing Practices:
A recurring theme is the need for change management. Crew members who are accustomed to traditional approaches (especially on the logistics side) sometimes require extra time and training to incorporate new methods. Stan’s tailored, department-specific guidelines and continuous conversations are central to resolving these issues and making the green transition smoother.
5. Impact for Production Companies and Future Directions
Advantages for Production Companies
Competitive Edge:
Sustainability has become a selling point. Stan explained that production companies can use their sustainable track record to attract international productions. When producers meet internationally mandated sustainability standards (such as those related to CSR reporting), having a well-documented green case study gives them a distinct competitive advantage.
Cultural Shift and Long-Term Change:
The incorporation of sustainable practices is already influencing decision-making at all levels - from creative direction (in scriptwriting or location selection) to technical operations (such as adopting LED lighting and energy-efficient fuel). The ongoing dialogue between sustainability managers, department heads, and creative teams is steadily embedding these practices into the industry’s culture.
Outlook:
Scaling and Standardization:
Stan envisions that sustainability will eventually be woven into the very fabric of production planning in Ireland. He advocates for making sustainability training a standard requirement for producers and directors, with guidelines and checklists that are part of every production’s planning process.
Continuous Innovation and Sharing:
New equipment and technologies - like advanced LED lights and improved battery packs - continue to emerge. The challenge, as well as the opportunity, lies in ensuring that these innovations can be incorporated into everyday practice. The sharing of success stories and technical solutions among production crews is critical to this evolution.