Though it’s not as funny as the nightly David Letterman shtick, there’s a top 10 list you can smile about, knowing that you’re doing right while earning a livelihood.
The list can be found at the Web site of the Entertainment Industry Development Corporation (EIDC), the private/public sector partnership that oversees the Los Angeles City/County Film Office. The online resource has been dubbed the Environmental Production Guide (EPG), and is designed to help production companies on the ecological front. By logging onto eidc.com and clicking on EPG, you can access info such as names of vendors that sell recyclable materials, and how to best dispose of surplus lumber and paints.
Also provided is a brief checklist to make sure your production is eco-friendly. Here’s an edited countdown:
10. Consult a studio/production company environmental specialist. If you don’t have one, make sure you’ve obtained all necessary environmental permits.
9. When setting up the production office, try to buy products (such as paper) made from recycled content, or at least products that can be recycled and that don’t contain toxic materials.
8. If shooting on location, be careful not to do things that cause permanent harm to a site, particularly if you’re in a sensitive area such as a park, beach or desert.
7. In set construction, avoid tropical hardwoods (luaun), and use reusable alternatives to wood if you can (steel scaffolding). Use water-based paints, and never throw partial cans of paint in regular trash. While the set’s going up, think about what materials you might be able to donate when you’re through.
6. When dressing the set, try not to use new products—look for used stuff.
5. If you’re arranging the catering, think about organic food and provide vegetarian options. Be sure to provide recycling containers for bottles and cans. Arrange to donate any leftovers to a food bank.
4. Use energy-efficient lights and other equipment, and explore alternatives to diesel generators for your power needs.
3. Try to use hair and makeup products that don’t pollute the air. Don’t leave bottles of solvents open (like nail polish remover), and use cosmetics that aren’t tested on animals. If it works with the script, have characters wear tee-shirts or buttons that promote environmental causes. You can even buy clothes made of recycled materials ("fleece" jackets and vests made from recycled plastic soda bottles are currently popular).
2. See if you can get clean-fuel vehicles for your production. There are a lot of natural-gas trucks around these days, and you can even rent electric and natural-gas vehicles in the LA. Area, as well as in other cities, from Budget subsidiary EV Rentals. Worst-case scenario: Tell drivers to turn off the engines rather than having cars and trucks sitting around and idling.
And, finally, 1. When you’re striking the set, donate materials and unneeded props. Recycle materials that aren’t appropriate for donating, and be sure to properly dispose of hazardous and toxic materials. Don’t dump anything but pure water on the ground or in a waterway.
"While movies may be timeless, landfill capacity is not," said EIDC president Cody G. Cluff. "The EPG will be a tangible resource for filmmakers, … The same producers that work here also live in this community. Protecting our environment is in everyone’s interests."
