Sustainability has become an essential focus across industries, including film and media. Türkiye has taken meaningful steps toward integrating environmental practices into the creative sector with the publication of Çevre Dostu, Sürdürülebilir Film Yapımı (Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Film Production). This guide was developed by Kapadokya University as part of the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships Program under the project “Uniting for Environmental Sustainability in Cinema and Media.”

Sustainable film production focuses on reducing environmental impacts throughout the filmmaking process. This includes efficient use of resources, minimizing waste, and adopting renewable energy solutions. The guide presents strategies for implementing these practices at various stages of production, aiming to align the industry with broader sustainability goals.

The guide emphasizes the environmental costs of filmmaking, such as energy consumption, waste generation, and transport emissions. For instance, high-budget productions can generate significant carbon footprints, ranging from hundreds to thousands of tons of CO2. To address this, the guide proposes practical measures like transitioning to energy-efficient equipment, planning logistics to reduce travel, and utilizing renewable energy sources.

The guide draws inspiration from international initiatives, such as BAFTA’s Albert program and France’s Carbon’Clap. While these frameworks provide valuable models, Türkiye’s guide tailors its recommendations to local conditions, making sustainability more accessible for domestic productions.

Actionable Steps in the Guide
The guide provides detailed recommendations for each stage of production:

Education is a cornerstone of the guide’s approach, aiming to equip current and future professionals with the tools and knowledge necessary for sustainable filmmaking. By integrating sustainability into film and media curricula, Türkiye seeks to foster a culture of environmental responsibility within the industry.

Türkiye’s efforts, encapsulated in Çevre Dostu, Sürdürülebilir Film Yapımı, demonstrate a commitment to embedding sustainability in creative sectors. While not the first country to address environmental concerns in filmmaking, Türkiye’s focus on localizing solutions and fostering environmental awareness highlights its dedication to contributing to global sustainability efforts. By embedding environmental values into its cinematic landscape, Türkiye aligns with global sustainability goals and also positions itself as a forward-thinking destination for international co-productions.

At Medit, we support these efforts by offering seamless co-production services in Türkiye, enabling filmmakers to harness the country’s diverse locations, rich culture, and growing commitment to sustainability. If you’re looking to collaborate with local partners or navigate the legal landscape, Medit provides the expertise to turn your vision into reality while keeping environmental priorities in focus.

This article is based on Çevre Dostu, Sürdürülebilir Film Yapımı (Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Film Production), a guide developed by Kapadokya University under the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships Program as part of the project “Uniting for Environmental Sustainability in Cinema and Media.” The full guide can be accessed here.