Cream and Crows Nest Films have made films together for many happy years and were really excited when Victoria invited us to create a Software Development Recruitment Film for EDF. EDF is Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity and Cream, EDF and Crows Nest were all extra excited about making the film as sustainable as possible, whilst also giving EDF a platform to share some of their sustainable in-house practices. We enjoyed many an online brainstorm and discussed how to make the best film the smallest carbon footprint.
In 2020, EDF made a commitment to help Britain achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 and limit the rise in global temperatures to less than 1.5°C. They started with the changes we need to make ourselves, taking action across our organisation to make sure the electricity they generate, and supply, is lower in carbon than ever before.
They are Britain’s biggest generator of zero carbon electricity and all their fixed home energy customers get zero carbon electricity as standard, helping their customers and colleagues live a zero carbon life. Excitingly they are investing in new carbon-cutting tech,
This is another Albert Certified sustainably produced film for Crows Nest, along with Ballybar. The Albert Certification, which is industry-backed and awarded by BAFTA, goes to productions that meet sustainable credentials, tackle the environmental impact of broadcasting, and inspire audiences to act on a more sustainable future.
"It's absolutely crucial to consider the management and, ideally, elimination of our environmental impact," says Head of Production, Fleur Willcox-Jones. "As filmmakers we have such a powerful communcation tool at our fingertips, but it's important that with this swell of enthusiasm, we also deliver infrastructure change on the scale that is required. That means looking at each step of the production and thinking how can we make that more sustainable? The Albert handbook is really informative and the carbon calculator gives an instant, clear read of areas that need addressing, allowing you to change behaviours before you make an impact. The Albert team are so helpful and inclusive. I've reached out to them for advice a number of times since completing their Sustainable Production course in 2020 and they've been so supportive. We've picked up sustainable practices that have grown into our personal lives. It's been a really positive influence."
We did face some challanges such as how to get the crew down to South East England in a sustainable way, when our current production vehicle, whilst being a low emissions vehicle is diesel powered. Unfortunately this is an area where we are creating a carbon footprint and we will need to offset this through the REDD+ portfolio and making a contribution to UK tree planting in accordance with the Woodland Carbon Code. Offsetting is the act of purchasing carbon credits to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere. Each carbon credit represents one tonne of carbon that has been reduced by a verified carbon finance project. As part of their climate action programmes, more and more companies are choosing to offset their unavoidable emissions by supporting impactful carbon finance projects around the world.
Actions taken to make the EDF Software Development Recruitment Film production sustainable included:
Reducing travel by car sharing.
Using 100% renewable electricity to charge our Avid suite and rechargeable batteries.
Powering down equipment when it wasn't being used.
All staff used re-usable water bottles and cups.
No single-use plastic.
Recycling all rubbish.
No waste.
Routinely discussing our sustainability goals and practices.
Off-setting our carbon footprint