Flora Li Thiemann | Inspiring People to Use What We Already Have

What specific environmental and social impacts of film and music production have caught your attention?

I think what caught my attention the most is the realization of what a challenge it can be to include greener alternatives in film production, given that the industry is really complex and involves a lot of people who need to find compromises and work as a team. Of course, the responsibility to plan more sustainably and include green alternatives lies with the production from the beginning. That is the most important first step and should serve as inspiration, motivation, and also a standard for the team.

But, moreover, the commitment to help our planet and the responsibility to do something for our climate comes from within. It requires the ability to work as a team and to have the right mindset about how we want to work on a project together. There needs to be the will and responsibility in every department and every person to really work more sustainably. Creating a working space where everyone feels they are treated fairly, fairly paid, open to collaboration, and able to find sustainable compromises can be a challenge.

The environmental impact of the film industry is immense, and there needs to be a change. The first step is to plan more sustainably from the pre-production stage, and the next, really important step, in my opinion, is to inspire, motivate, and bring together people who are open to working sustainably and really feel responsible for doing what they can in their work to help produce as green and as fair a production as possible. Even though setting sustainable guidelines from the beginning is important, it is not enough. Film production is a big team effort in which everyone is responsible for contributing and influencing. Therefore, it must be a priority for production teams to create a fair and safe working space in which people feel motivated to create something sustainable and good.

How do you think the behavior and practices within these industries contribute to these environmental and social issues?

Since there are so many different departments and processes in film production, it brings together a variety of environmental and social influences. From environmental pollution, overuse of resources, the transportation of so many people from different places, the energy use, and the use of numerous locations, which again involves more transportation, etc., it’s a complex issue. Since each department and person has an influence, it’s so important to plan carefully to produce as sustainably as possible and for everyone to feel responsible for it in their respective departments.

What actions can filmmakers, studios, and audiences take to support a more sustainable and ethical film industry?

Filmmakers, studios, and everyone working on a project can have a sustainable influence. As I mentioned before, the first and most important action lies in the planning and production phases, where guidelines and rules for sustainable production should be set. This requires a lot of detailed, logical planning. Additionally, every person on set can make a difference. To share some examples: being open to taking the train, even if it takes longer, to minimize transportation; carpooling when cars are necessary; using second-hand costumes; incorporating sustainable products in hair and makeup; minimizing energy consumption; and offering vegetarian/vegan catering. If you feel responsible enough, you will find a way to have a sustainable impact. I think audiences can support the films that try to produce sustainably by watching and promoting them.

What are you personally doing to change the trend?

I think it’s always good to talk to people, to inspire and motivate. Nowadays, I think a lot of people fear extremes. Everyone knows it’s in our hands to protect the climate, but many avoid feeling responsible because they aren’t ready to give up the comfortable privilege of living without “limitations” and feel the pressure and expectation to quit everything (flights, animal products, fast fashion, etc.) to make an impact.

While that would be ideal, it’s not the case. Everyone can have an impact on our climate and world. If you’re not ready to give up animal products completely, try cutting out meat and milk. If you need to take that flight, try taking the train next time. Challenge yourself to buy second-hand for a month. There are many ways you can have an influence. It’s not that hard. And it’s our responsibility to realize that.