Sustainability in UK Cinema

By project Green Screen

Published on 19 December 2019

United Kingdom

About this good practice

As part of the Green Screen European partnership, Film London reached out to a variety of cinema establishments to investigate sustainable processes already in place. Film London has hosted or contributed to three events in which sustainability in cinema has been given a platform for discussion among industry professionals. The first of these events took place during the London Film Festival in which Film London annually hosts an Exhibitor’s breakfast. Film London’s Green Screen team identified this as an opportunity to connect with the events far-reaching audience and begin the conversation on environmental sustainability in cinemas. Our panel comprised of Catherine Bottrill from Julie’s Bicycle, Ally Clow from Curzon and Carmen Slijpen from Depot. The venues we engaged & communicated with have succeeded in varying levels of sustainable results. Larger businesses such as the Curzon own established buildings and set ups that have to be manipulated into sustainable measures. They have adopted a strong environmental governance through strategy, policy and procurement. Depot had the distinct advantage of starting from scratch, so all decisions and procurement could be made with an environmentally aware agenda. HOME in Manchester embedded environmental sustainability into every aspect of its operations, programming and activities and committed to influencing and sustaining positive change. Future plans will be guided by learning how to embed SDGs into UK cinema.

Resources needed

The expenditure was approximately £4000 across the 3 events.
Personnel was made up predominantly of the London Green Screen team, namely Project Lead & Project Coordinator. Other Film London personnel contributed to running the Green Cinema event during August 2018 including Film London's CEO.

Evidence of success

The initial measurement of success was to be invited to This Way Up 2018 to replicate the initial event. The audience attendance at the events demonstrates the breadth and scope of the events.
Depot has been contacted by a journalist to be interviewed as a result of hearing about the sustainable cinema.

Potential for learning or transfer

The outcomes from various events include: buildings & venue, procurement, digital, infrastructure, transport to & from venue, staff training & job descriptions, catering, energy providers, waste production & removal. After 1st event, Film London were contacted directly by the organisers of This Way Up festival & asked to repeat the panel and include an additional venue.
Film London were also asked to disseminate the presentation on Depot cinema by the Bratislava partner. The presentation was seen by a journalist who contacted the cinema directly to write a specific article. Our hope is through international associations, initiatives & networks that our cinema & venue partners are connected with, the transfer of learning will continue through these extended relationships. Film London will continue to promote this work throughout the UK: Film Hub London is one of eight Film Hubs & networks of exhibitors UK wide & share best practice throught this network.