MOFTB Associate Commissioner Julianne Cho welcomes the audience at the PGA's
"Going Green in TV and Film Production" panel. Photo courtesy of the PGA.

March 1, 2010 - “Going Green in TV and Film Production” is an on-going series from the Producers Guild of America featuring forums and discussions on keeping productions eco-friendly from prep to wrap. The most recent panel was held at The Central Park Arsenal on February 8 and included a gathering of key players in the City’s film community. Assistant Commissioner Jack T. Linn of the Parks Department introduced the evening by reminding producers that there are plenty of opportunities to give back to the city including planting trees to off-set carbon emissions.

Julianne Cho, associate commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, led the evening with opening remarks. “The PGA deserves major credit for taking a real leadership role in the green production movement, and this panel in particular creates an opportunity for multiple departments and labor reps to share responsible practices in a forum that usually doesn't exist in daily production,” she said.

The discussion was moderated by PGA East Vice Chair Dana Kuznetzkoff who led a spirited conversation with questions and comments ranging from the difference between biodegradable and compostable to practical suggestions about non-toxic materials, recycling sets and how to reduce paper and eliminate plastic water bottles on a show.

Panelist and production designer, Mark Friedberg’s most recent project was Paramount’s Morning Glory. Friedberg said the success of this production’s greening efforts was ensured because the director, producers and actors were all on board. All the panelists agreed when he said, “It is critical to have that type of cooperation from the top.” Friedberg went on to say that it is just as important for a project to be properly budgeted to be green. Producers must realize that often times it will take additional time and effort on the part of the crew when striking a set to be reused or repurposed.

It was noted that studios are starting to support the new crew position of green PA or environmental steward. Jeremy Albucher spoke about some of his job responsibilities in this role, including helping the transportation department coordinate bio-diesel orders and deliveries, supervising the sorting of trash and the recycling on the set, coordinating with “Rock and Wrap It” to pick up all leftover food to deliver to a shelter close to the location, and generally helping department heads set goals and achieve them. Albucher also provided green educational information in the form of weekly tips and updates on the crew’s green activities.

Every film union and guild was represented in the room. "A strength of the New York film industry is the power of the community in banding together to work on common interests,” said Lydia Dean Pilcher, one of the chairs of PGA Green. “The turn-out Monday night reflected the significant growth of a NY sustainability movement over the past two years, which now has people stepping forward from all departments to take leadership roles in taking our efforts and outreach further."

The other panelists assembled for “Going Green in TV and Film Production” included UPM/line producer Carol Cuddy (The Departed); Tim Metzger, leadman (The Interpreter); Greg Sullivan, scenic artist (Spiderman).

For more information, visit www.pgagreen.org.