Ecological Standards for German Cinema, TV, and Online/VoD Productions

Cinema, TV and online/VoD productions cause high CO₂ emissions and use up substantial amounts of resources. A relevant part of these CO₂ emissions can be avoided by switching to a more environmentally friendly production system that preserves resources.

Audiovisual film and TV productions that are eco-friendly and protect resources are an essential contribution towards reducing CO₂ consumption and at the same time a process of technological transformation comprising both technical and artistic changes.

For this reason, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM), the German Federal Film Board (FFA), the film funding institutions of the federal states, and the “Green Shooting” workgroup have agreed on nationwide uniform ecological standards for audiovisual productions.

To whom do the standards apply?

The ecological standards can be applied to all German cinema, TV and online/VoD productions and have three main areas of application:

• Within the framework of film funding institutions (federal and regional), the ecological standards are a mandatory requirement when submitting an application for funding (by July 1st, 2023 at the latest).
• They are mandatory for all productions for which a production company, a broadcaster or a VoD service has made a corresponding commitment.
• If the ecological standards are met, there is the option of being awarded the green motion label.

Where do the standards apply?

The ecological standards apply to all stages of production from pre- to post production and for the parts realised in Germany, generally irrespective of whether the production company is based in Germany or abroad.

How are the ecological standards structured?

The ecological standards are divided into five fields of action:

• General Requirements
• Energy Use
• Personnel and Material Transport
• Accommodation and Catering
• Employment and Use of Material

These areas contain both mandatory and target requirements.

The mandatory requirements must be met, whereas the target requirements are not to be understood as strict regulations, but as an appeal for ecologically sustainable production methods.