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From unit assistants, camera men, make-up artists, through to producers and directors - as of today everybody in the New Zealand screen industry has the tools to contribute to ‘greener’ film and TV productions.

A practical toolkit Greening the Screen was launched today during the annual conference of the Screen Production and Development Association of New Zealand (SPADA). The toolkit gives the industry tips on how to reduce the environmental impacts of screen productions.

“Moving towards ‘green’ productions is important for our international reputation and competitiveness. Overseas companies come here to film partly because of our fantastic scenery and environment. We need to nurture and support this,” says South Pacific Pictures' John Barnett.

“With very little effort, we can make significant improvements in the way we use resources, while we also reduce our waste. And to our surprise we have realised, whilst we make these improvements, we are actually saving money.”

The move to environmentally responsible screen productions fits a broader trend. Bill Bayfield, General Manager Sustainable Industry for the Ministry for the Environment says: “More and more, businesses recognise the need to adopt sound environmental practices, not just because of green idealism, but for good business reasons such as increases in competitive advantage and reputation.”

Although many good practices already exist, the film industry is keen to incorporate the guidelines into its daily work environment. Rob Fenwick, Director of TVNZ and Chairman of Landcare Research says: “One of the biggest achievements of this project is the absolute commitment of all sectors in the industry. A clean environment is close to people’s hearts. With the Greening the Screen toolkit it is easy to make a difference.”

Greening the Screen was developed by the Ministry for the Environment, Landcare Research, production company South Pacific Pictures, SPADA and Waitakere City Council. The project has been endorsed by 10 screen production organisations, including the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand and the New Zealand Film and Video Technicians Guild.

The Greening the Screen toolkit can be downloaded on www.greeningthescreen.co.nz

Media contact:
Polleke Peeters, Ministry for the Environment,
ph. 04 439 74 31/021 29 26 139.

Launch Greening the Screen during SPADA Conference
18 November 9-10am,  Hotel Intercontinental, Wellington

2005 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS HERE