Sustainability from Script to Screen
June 06, 2023
Environmental stewardship for film and TV production has long been a priority behind the scenes through NBCUniversal’s sustainable production practices. It can also take a leading role on screen through compelling storytelling that showcases the possibilities of a more sustainable future.
Greener Content
Through the newly launched GreenerLight Program, the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group expanded its sustainability program across the filmmaking process – beginning with script development and extending through locations and set needs, as well as on-screen behaviors. UFEG partnered with National Resources Defense Council and its Rewrite the Future Program to inform the studio’s strategy around climate storytelling and ensure its efforts are driven by science.
NBCUniversal had another record-setting year at the 2022 Environmental Media Association (EMA) Awards — an annual celebration of sustainable production and environmental messaging in the media. 59 NBCUniversal TV and feature film productions were awarded EMA Green and Gold Seals, up from 46 in 2021.
The End Is Nye: The Volcano Paradox took home an EMA Award for reality television for its portrayal of climate change and inclusion of climate solutions, in addition to receiving an EMA Gold Seal recognition of the crew’s work behind the scenes.
Other NBCUniversal nominees recognized for environmental messaging included Jurassic World Dominion, Saturday Night Live, and Home Sweet Home.
NBC News also focused on climate forward programming with TODAY Climate and Sky News’ The Weekly Climate Show, NBC News New York’s Chasing Our Climate digital series and MSNBC Films’ From Devil’s Breath.
Sustainability Production in Action
Jordan Peele’s Nope gave its original sets a second act, after Jupiter’s Claim permanently joined the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.
La Brea, an NBC drama, piloted a hybrid-lithium-ion battery system to power production of its second season in Australia.
For the latest installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise, filmmakers hired a local sustainable consulting team to help implement a range of sustainable initiatives across production that you can read more about here.
To read more about Comcast NBCUniversal’s commitment to Sustainability, view our 2023 Impact Report.
