Luke Bélanger, producer at Viking Film 1685 Inc. has obtained the accreditation of Rolling Green for season 6 of the Quebec Car Guide Academy. He tells us more about the eco-responsible actions taken during the shoot.
At the heart of an eco-responsible filming: The Car Guide Academy
This program, which can be seen on TVA, TVA Sports, TVA+ and Illico, introduces the public to rechargeable hybrid or 100% electric vehicles. Distinguished guest artists can test their driving skills on a circuit littered with obstacles and fun tests. It was only logical that the team, with the electrification of transportation as its backdrop, should be particularly involved in protecting the environment.
Season 6 of this show is directed and produced by Luke Bélanger and has obtained the Excellence level, the highest level of the Rolling Green accreditation, thanks to the simple, effective and well thought-out actions taken in advance, but above all, thanks to the cooperation of the entire team and all of the artists on the set!
But what exactly is the Green Shooting accreditation for film sets?
The Rolling Green accreditation in Quebec
The audiovisual sector has a strong impact on the environment: the purchase of new materials or costumes with one use, the waste of food and the use of plastic cutlery, the use of disposable plastic water bottles… were routine gestures in the past.
It is in this context that the Rolling Green project was created and in particular the accreditation in order to encourage as many productions as possible to reduce their carbon footprint in Quebec.
The accreditation is composed of 3 levels. Level 1 is accessible by filling out a simple form. For levels 2 and 3, an audit and a visit to the site are also required. All files are then examined by an independent committee.
An eco-responsible set for season 6
Luke Bélanger is proud to present us with the actions, but also the biggest challenge he had during the implementation of the ecoresponsible operations.
Eco-responsible actions taken on the set
“We are proud to have been able to put in place a system of ecological instructions and restrictions despite the pandemic.
Every year, we make a point of recovering the sets and adapting them to the needs of the new season. On the circuits, we promote the use of electric cars, we also reuse the obstacles and the scenery.
But our efforts don’t stop there and we also implement actions behind the camera that directly impact the staff. For example, everyone uses a reusable bottle or biodegradable wooden cutlery. There is no food waste and portions are calculated so that there is nothing left, or as little as possible,” explains Luke Bélanger.
Indeed, these are simple actions that can be carried out in everyday life and that can be transposed on a larger scale. All departments can implement actions to respect the environment.
The challenge encountered for an eco-responsible shooting
“The biggest challenge in implementing green initiatives was the Covid this year. With the deposits, disposable masks, etc., we had to be ingenious in order to reduce environmental costs.
We were accompanied by Public Health to find effective and responsible solutions to continue our efforts.
Our actions and research paid off and we were able to obtain level 3, Excellence, of the Rolling Green accreditation. “We are very proud that our efforts have been rewarded!” says Luke Belanger.
Thanks to this big challenge, the producer can give us some advice and offer us THE solution to create greener film sets here in Quebec.
Tips and keys to success for an eco-friendly set
Luke Bélanger gives us a few tips to easily reach the Excellence level and reduce your carbon footprint on film sets:
“The first commitment to make at the beginning that I advise: post and inform everyone of the instructions on the set.
Another essential point is to transmit your passion for respecting our planet and promising a future to future generations. We see it every day, the catastrophic ecological signs are real, even for the most skeptical: the planet overheats, burns, floods, is blown by tornadoes, hurricanes … everything more and more devastating. Not the kind of legacy to leave to our children…
Finally, it’s also important to commit to the process, establish ground rules, and each year set new goals and increase the number of these instructions to reach a higher level.”
The Car Guide Academy producer gives us the key to success for a successful eco-friendly shoot, according to him:
“We must not impose the instructions but rather ask the technicians and artists to participate in our goal: to be the first and the best to inspire other film sets to go green in Quebec. In the end, with the right actions and good preparation, the Excellence level of the Green Shooting accreditation is accessible to everyone.”
Final words
Luke Bélanger concludes by saying, “People often say that what we teach on set makes them aware and makes them want to put our instructions into practice at home. Two birds with one stone!
It is with small gestures and initiatives like those of Luke Bélanger and Rolling Green, that we will succeed in making the Quebec audiovisual industry carbon neutral.
And you, what actions are you taking to make your sets more ecological?