The 8th annual Sustainable Production Forum brings film and TV decarbonization solutions to Toronto and Vancouver this Fall
TORONTO / VANCOUVER — Sustainable Production Forum (SPF), the world’s leading global hybrid conference focused on accelerating sustainable solutions in the film industry, has announced its highly anticipated Canadian dates for 2023. The 8th annual event will take place in Toronto on September 25, at CBC’s Toronto Broadcast Centre (250 Front St. W), and in Vancouver on October 18 at the VIFF Centre (1181 Seymour St.).
The only one of its kind, SPF connects people and stories to spark ideas for increased sustainability in media production, and mobilizes industry partners to drive collective action. The full-day event features a wide range of premium industry programming, such as keynote speakers, panels, workshops, fireside chats, and networking breaks, where participants will learn about sustainable choices, create valuable connections, and be inspired to take action.
A highlight of SPF23 is a preview of the Clean Energy Series: a slew of training, workshops, and clean tech activations that support industry members to build clean energy plans.
In addition, notable change-makers and guest speakers at SPF23 are set to include:
Andy Hutton (Head of Products - Batteries & Mobile Power at Anton/Bauer)
Daniel Bekerman (Producer at Scythia Films/Good Question Media)
Steve Bradwell (Mechanical Engineer at Valid Manufacturing)
Adriana Chartrand (Lead, Indigenous Initiatives & Content Analyst at Telefilm Canada)
Justin Cutler (Commissioner at Ontario Film)
Maree Cochrane (Executive Director, Sustainable Screens Australia)
Lauren Davis (Director, Program Modernization at Telefilm Canada)
Belinda Gael Johnson (Program Director, GREENSET)
Craig Gainsborough-Waring (Chair, Greenlit)
Clara George (Producer, Sustainability Consultant, Directors Guild of Canada; Chair at National Sustainability and Climate Action Committee)
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault (Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada)
Jordan Hall (Co-Creator/Writer CARMILLA)
Zena Harris (President at Green Spark Group)
Shane Harker (Founder, President at ReThink Resource)
Carmen Henriquez (Producer/Filmmaker at RealWorld Media Inc./RealWorld Films Inc.)
Dr. Jennifer Jackson (Ocean Scientist and Film Festival Co-Founder at British Columbia Environmental Film Festival)
Monica Jahan Bose (Artist and Climate Activist, Storytelling with Saris)
Leaticia Kaggwa (Environmental Sustainability Lead at CBC)
Smiely Khurana (Reel Green™ Sustainability Lead at Creative BC)
Samantha Leigh (Sustainability Consultant for Green Spark Group)
Cynthia Lynch (Managing Director, Counsel at FilmOntario)
Fast Eddy Mikolič (Gaffer, CRIMES OF THE FUTURE)
David Miller (Managing Director at C40 Centre for City Climate Policy and Economy)
Alix Peña | Location Manager, Directors Guild of Canada
Moe Rai (Line Producer, Production Manager at the Directors Guild of Canada)
Noah Rogers (Production Sustainability Manager at DGC BC Sustainability Action Committee)
Bibesh Roy (Executive Director, International Academy of Film and Media: IAFM)
Julie Roy (CEO, Executive Director, Telefilm)
Charlene SanJenko (Founder & Filmmaker, Impact Producer, Media Visionary at reGEN media)
Elisa Suppa (Senior Advisor at Corporate Projects and Research, Telefilm Canada)
Farhan Umedaly (Filmmaker, educator at VoVo Productions)
Mary Anne Waterhouse (Producer at Quadrant Motion Picture)
Barbara Williams (Executive Vice President at CBC)
For a full list of speakers, visit SPF23’s full program online.
As sustainability becomes a global imperative, sustainable film production processes ensure filmmakers and studios remain competitive and adaptable to evolving environmental regulations and societal expectations. From Bill C11 and the current SAG-AFTRA strikes grinding production to a veritable standstill to the advancement of AI and the climate crisis derailing production schedules altogether—the need for sustainability in the arts has never been more pronounced. The response must be a global effort, and Canada has the opportunity to lead in the development of sustainable production solutions.
SPF23 is made possible by the generous support of our partners:
Green Spark Group, Reel Green™ at Creative BC, CBC/Radio-Canada, Telefilm Canada, IATSE Local 891, Directors Guild of Canada, National, Independent Production Fund, Canadian Media Producers Association, William F. White International/Sunbelt Rentals, Ontario Green Screen, Canada Media Fund, Calgary Film Centre, Bridge Studios, Trilight Entertainment Inc, Keep It Green Recycling, Canadian Film Centre, Vancouver Film Studios, Women in Film and Television - Toronto, Producers Guild of America, Marmoset Music, Bullfrog Power, Vancouver Latin American Film Festival, Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, BC Environmental Film Festival
With thanks to our vendors and hospitality partners:
Hearty Catering, Vert Casse-Croûte + Catering, Flavours of Hope, Bon Macaron, Patisserie, Scriptation, Driving Force, Salt- E Dog, Green Production Guide, Whiskey Jack, Valid Manufacturing, The Earth Group, Karbon Brewing, Terracycle, Muuse, Keslow Camera,Urban Jacks
About the Sustainable Entertainment Society
The Sustainable Entertainment Society, is a Canadian non-profit organization with the mission to accelerate sustainable development through culture, arts, and entertainment. The SES has a national mandate, an international audience, and a local approach. Green Spark Group, a world leader in sustainable production in the entertainment industry, is our Foundational Partner.
Our Values
Hyper-Collaboration
Local Development
Global Alignment with the UNSDGs -12, 13, 17
Our Goals
Foster the adoption of sustainable thinking from creation to exploitation
Connect, amplify, accelerate, and innovate sustainable solutions in arts & entertainment
Leverage the power of culture and storytelling to activate change in our society
The Sustainable Production Forum, the SES’ annual flagship event, is a global hybrid conference with the mission to connect people and stories, spark ideas, and advance sustainable practices. Learn more here: www.sustainableproductionforum.com