The group is made up of industry professionals from the main domestic broadcasters alongside production heads of department

Screen Alliance North has launched a new, industry-wide working group to improve sustainability across productions in the north.

The northern screen industry skills cluster, supported by the BFI’s awarding of National Lottery funding, is working with sustainability consultants Picture Zero to establish a new Sustainability Working Group.

The group will comprise members from a cross-section of industry professionals, and run by Picture Zero on behalf of Screen Alliance North. It is sponsored by Sunbelt Rentals.

Representatives from ITV, BBC, Channel 4, 5, BFI and HoDs from across the industry will implement sustainable working practices across production companies, freelance crew, new entrants and on all types of productions shooting in the north.

Penny Hall, skills cluster lead at Screen Alliance North said: “We continue to work towards our aim of becoming a beacon of sustainable good practice and are establishing this group to allow us to communicate sustainability messages across the industry. Members of the group are at a senior level with significant experience of working on productions in the north. They will be sharing best practice, advocate for sustainable practices and aim to positively influence productions and crew.

“The group will meet four times a year to workshop solutions, share resources and use their network to drive change ultimately feeding into a joined-up set of criteria for productions to adhere to when filming anywhere in the north.”

Eve Stollery of Picture Zero added: “Reducing the environmental impact of production and putting climate messaging on screen requires action right from the start. The earlier sustainability is considered, the bigger the difference the production can make.

“We hope through working closely with Screen Alliance North and members of the Sustainability Working Group we can find ways to affect change early in the production process, communicate best practice and share new sustainable ways of working

“We are delighted to be collaborating with Screen Alliance North and I look forward to meeting with members and working towards a greener and more sustainable northern screen industry.”

Screen Alliance North is looking for sponsors for various elements of the Sustainability Working Group – meetings, a suppliers list, newsletter and programme of activity. If this is something your company would be interested in, please contact eve@picturezero.com.