Sustainable Production Forum Returns to Toronto and Vancouver This Fall to Educate and Inspire Action for a Greener Future in Entertainment
Toronto, O.N.; Vancouver, B.C., Sept. 5, 2024 — Sustainable Production Forum (SPF), the annual global hybrid conference with a mission to reduce the carbon footprint of the arts and entertainment industry, is back for its 9th year of championing a greener future for filmmaking.
SPF24 takes place in Toronto on September 23 at the CBC Toronto Broadcast Centre, Vancouver on October 8 at the Roundhouse, and virtually on October 23.
The conference features panels, workshops, and more with industry leaders and innovators. Award-winning science journalist, filmmaker, and Daily Planet co-host Ziya Tong will be on-site in Toronto and Vancouver to deliver a special keynote on microplastics.
“As climate change intensifies and the demand for content soars, it’s never been more urgent to advance sustainable thinking and practices in the entertainment industry,” says Melanie Windle, Executive Director at Sustainable Entertainment Society (SES).
“We’re thrilled about what’s on at SPF24. We have an exciting program that not only educates and illuminates, but provides real solutions to help professionals decarbonize—something relevant across all industries, not only film and television.”
SPF24 Toronto includes a fireside chat with Mary Anne Waterhouse, a producer at Quadrant Motion Pictures, about the sustainability efforts made on her latest Netflix production, achieving a 91% diversion rate. Meanwhile, Vancouver’s Climate Science and Story is a multi-format event with filmmakers and scientists to convey the urgency of climate action through fusing science and storytelling. Participants include Dr. Cherisse Du Preez, Marine Biologist and Deep-Sea Explorer at Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
New highlights at SPF24 include:
The Education Partnership is a knowledge-sharing collaboration designed for faculty and students in film, media-arts, culture, and environmental sciences.
The Sustainable Entertainment Society will announce its inaugural Advisory Committee.
The Sustainable Production for Entertainment Certification (SPEC) is the first industry-standard environmental certification. Amazon MGM Studios and U.S. Green Building Council California are partnering on the initiative, and the inaugural session culminates at SPF Toronto. Thirty individuals will be certified as on-set sustainability managers and coordinators.
SPF24 Toronto attendees will also want to stay tuned for a first-time special announcement taking place at the event.
The entertainment industry contributes to pollution, waste, gas emissions, and energy consumption. By advancing sustainable practices and thinking, SPF is a vital forum in the effort to accelerate decarbonization in the face of climate change—in film, television and beyond.
SPF24 is made possible by the generous support of partners, including:
Green Spark Group, Reel Green™ at Creative BC, Telefilm Canada, CBC/Radio-Canada, Directors Guild of Canada - National, Independent Production Fund, Ontario Green Screen, Rolling Green/On Tourne Vert, Canada Media Fund, Canadian Media Producers Association, Producers Guild of America, BIPOC TV and Film, Capilano University, Canadian Film Centre, Bullfrog Power, Vancouver Film Studios, BC Environmental Film Festival, IATSE 891, Actsafe Safety Association, UBCP/ACTRA, Green Eyes Production, Consulate General of Switzerland, Driving Force, Krypton Rental Group, Valid Manufacturing, Earth Group, Location Fixer, Zaatar w Zeit, Muuse, Stream Water, Green Toolkit, Sunbelt Rentals, Rethink Resource, City of Toronto.
SPF24 is open to the general public. Tickets are available online now.
About the Sustainable Entertainment Society and the Sustainable Production Forum
The Sustainable Entertainment Society is a Canadian non-profit organization that aims to accelerate sustainable development through culture, arts, and entertainment. Their annual flagship event is the Sustainable Production Forum. Established in 2016, the forum is a global conference with the mission to connect people and stories, spark ideas, and advance sustainable practices. SPF24 takes place in Toronto, Vancouver and online.
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