-Life as an Awarded Television Producer | Sustainability Consultant-
Environmental sustainability has become a buzzy term across industries, within boardrooms and around dinner tables. Thankfully so.
It goes without saying that we are truly at a critical juncture from a planetary perspective. We are well past the point of conjecture on the matter.
What is required is radical change and re-thinking of past practices that are not serving the needs of the planet.
Does this mean things could get a bit uncomfortable in shifting towards new paradigms of action?
Sure, this is often the case when it comes to instituting new modes of operation.
Although, as you’ll soon find out, this doesn’t necessarily need to be the case. Certain industries are in the midst of radical positive changes that are in fact effectively serving the needs of the environment, as well as that of companies and workers.
Further and perhaps most importantly, these case studies illustrate how focussed missions, strong leadership and collaboration can forge sustainably minded pathways, which are in line with what we as humanity require for our own future existence.
On this episode is someone who leads on sustainability by way of her reach, action and execution within the world of film and television production.
Her laser focus on green initiatives and knack for instituting change on scale makes her not only a worthy individual to derive inspiration from, but also someone many of us can be learning from too.
Introducing
Clara George is a Vancouver based Emmy award winning television producer and the founder of Clarity Films.
However, in her own words, Clara would consider herself a Climate Action Producer with a singular professional mission which is as follows:
“Producing a green production, without compromise.”
Professional Background
After a successful 25 years as a Television Line Producer, which included highlights including numerous awards and nominations from the likes of the Emmy’s, Producer’s Guild of America Awards, Critic’s Choice Awards and many others for her works on productions including Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce, The Andromeda Strain and Flight 93 amongst many others, Clara decided to concentrate on producing the sustainable production movement.
New Beginnings
Since devoting herself to this cause, Clara has morphed into a formidable powerhouse of positive change and action.
A sampling of her many efforts and achievements include working with Vancouver city to pass motion to eliminate diesel generators for film production to facilitating the development of the Clean Energy Committee at Reel Green to organizing productions to using only 100% recycled paper (saving 85,000 trees per year since 2018).
Further her productions have achieved
- The reduction of fuel consumption by 20% per season
- The reduction of paper consumption by 75%
- The reduction of waste by 20%
Activity and Award
Not to be outdone, Clara both chairs and serves on numerous motion film industry and environmentally minded committees.
All of this has amounted to even more deserved award and recognition such as the Reel Green Ambassador title by Creative BC, as well as the honor of being named a “Sustainable Champion” at the Vancouver International Film Festival, Sustainable Production Forum.
Passion Driven Initiative
Of course, recognition of one’s work is pleasing, but make no mistake, that is not what drives her.
Clara George is an individual intently focused on so much more; namely this singular notion that the time is now to disrupt traditional production practices, move green agendas forward, and produce true climate action.
Reasons to Listen
The conversation is brimming with deep insights that can only be revealed by individuals like Clara who have spent years in the film and television industry and as such know its inner workings so intimately. Listeners can expect to hear insights on the following:
- Why she made the shift from being an Emmy awarded television producer to sustainability consultant
- What exactly a sustainability consultant does and why that role is so utterly needed
- What it takes to be an effective sustainability consultant in film and television
- Why the role of a sustainability consultant is becoming more widely accepted in the industry despite it still not being formally included into film and television production budgets
- Role of major corporations like Disney, Netflix, BBC, HBO, CBC and other studios in promoting sustainability
- Why the film and television industry may be the perfect medium to advance the sustainability agenda
- The story behind her helping to eliminate the use of diesel generators within the film and television industry in Vancouver
- Inspiring commentary on industry collaboration on climate crisis issues
- + Much more!
This talk offers a direct gateway into a world that is literally transforming itself before our eyes. Those interested in sustainability as well as film and entertainment will surely enjoy.
A Memorable Quote from the Episode:
In reference to sustainability practices being shared within the film and television industry: “This is a non-competitive space. What’s really amazing is that the whole world has actually rallied. For example, Reel Green started in BC and on the advisory board sit every vendor, every studio, every union and we’re all working together on this.”
-Clara George
Check out the Video Conversation:
For those who desire to view the full video conversation of this discussion, you can do so via Youtube.
Words of Wisdom:
Hear from Clara as she gives advice to those looking to enter the world of sustainability.
Discover More
For those interested in learning more about Clara and her work, you can find out more about her via Green Production Guide or DGC Green and through the following social platform:
Keep Listening!
I hope you enjoyed the episode. For more, check out additional episodes here!
