The film and television industry is known for its lavish and extravagant lifestyles, but some actors are trying to change that. More than 100 actors have joined a campaign to improve sustainability in the industry by reducing the carbon impact of their contract requirements or conditions, known as riders.
The campaign, called Green Rider, is an initiative by the actors’ union Equity. It encourages actors to consider and negotiate better practices, such as rejecting private air travel, opting for non-exclusive trailers, and recycling sets and costumes. The campaign also aims to promote a cultural shift where status is measured in positive influence, not climate-damaging perks.
Some of the common riders that have a high environmental cost include private jets, police escorts, hot tubs, and animal print rugs. According to Equity, these riders can generate up to 100 times more emissions than the average person’s annual carbon footprint.
The campaign has received support from prominent actors such as Hayley Atwell, Bill Nighy, Mark Rylance, and David Harewood, who have agreed to be Green Rider ambassadors. They have pledged to use their influence for good and inspire others to do the same.
Hayley Atwell, who starred in Marvel’s Agent Carter and Captain America, said: “I think it’s really important that we all do our bit. It’s not just about the big corporations and governments, it’s about individuals as well. And I think actors have a responsibility and an opportunity to use their influence for good.”
David Harewood, who played CIA director David Estes in Homeland and Martian Manhunter in Supergirl, said: “It’s not about being preachy or judgmental, it’s about being collaborative and creative. It’s about finding solutions that work for everyone, that make our industry more efficient, more inclusive, and more sustainable.”
Mark Rylance, who won an Oscar for his role in Bridge of Spies and played Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall, said: “We have a duty of care to our planet and we have the power to make a difference. We can’t just sit back and wait for someone else to do it. We have to be the change we want to see in the world.”
Bill Nighy, who is known for his roles in Love Actually and Pirates of the Caribbean, said: “I’m really proud to be part of this campaign. I think it’s a great way to raise awareness and inspire action. I hope that by showing our commitment to the environment, we can encourage others to do the same.”
Paul W Fleming, general secretary of Equity, said: “We want to create a culture where it’s cool to be green. Where you’re not seen as a diva if you ask about recycling on set, or where you won’t lose your job if you dare to question the environmental impact of your work.”
The Green Rider campaign is part of a wider movement to make the film and television industry more eco-friendly. Other initiatives include BAFTA’s Albert scheme, which provides carbon calculators and certification for productions that meet sustainability standards; Screen New Deal, which offers guidance and resources for green recovery in the screen sector; and Film4Climate, which is a global network of filmmakers committed to climate action.
The Green Rider campaign hopes to inspire not only actors, but also producers, directors, writers, crew members, and audiences to join the green revolution. As Fleming said: “We believe that together we can make a difference. We can make our industry a force for good in the world.”
Relevant articles:
– Green Rider: Equity launch campaign to make film and TV production greener, Sky News, 22 August 2023
– The ‘no jet’ set: actors back campaign to cut climate impact of ‘celebrity riders’, The Guardian, 21 August 2023
– BAFTA-Backed Sustainability Project Launches Green Rider for Actors, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 May 2023