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Studio Hamburg makes it happen

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- Studio Hamburg FilmProduktion is aiming to increase the number of sustainably produced TV series

Studio Hamburg makes it happen

Studio Hamburg FilmProduktion is aiming to increase the number of sustainably produced TV series. Now that Großstadtrevier has been awarded the Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein (FFHSH) Green Shooting Card, their series Notruf Hafenkante is also in line to adopt green standards.

"A lot can be achieved, especially with a TV series, by the careful use of resources and energy efficiency", explains Michael Lehmann, Chairman of Executive Management at Studio Hamburg Production Group. "Großstadtrevier is the first Studio Hamburg production to issue such a statement. The Green Shooting Card recognizes and awards these achievements."

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This initiative was kicked off by Line Producer Joerg Pawlik, who proposed applying green shooting standards to all sixteen episodes of Großstadtrevier that werescheduled for production in 2013, and he has received solid support from management.

Pawlik’s first task was to pitch the green approach to the entire crew as well as to the cast, agencies, suppliers, and service providers. "With a project like this, the support of the entire team is vital. Everyone must be prepared to review and perhaps discard certain practices altogether, and develop creative ideas for new solutions."

Pawlik, who has acquired a reputation as Studio Hamburg's [unofficial] Minister of Environmental Matters, has proven himself to be very persuasive. "Everyone joined in." After 152 green shooting days, his eco-report card resulted in significantly fewer flights since the cast and crew now use either public transportation or car pools. The Catering no longer uses either plastic cups or paper plates. Pizza, for example, is delivered to the set in reusable containers instead of cardboard boxes. Avoiding waste is a priority on the set as well as in the production office. Call sheets and shooting schedules have also gone paperless with digital distribution.

The carpool, which moves the production to and from diverse locations - which, in turn, help this police series paint a colorful portrait of Hamburg - was downsized. If there are two or more shooting days at a location, the line producer procures a fixed-line power supply. For a mobile power supply, Pawlik ordered low-emission generator vans from Cine-Mobil. This service provider also supports green filmmaking: "Cine-Mobil gave us a deal on smaller LED lights."

For the line producer, it is imperative that the use of LED lights and hybrid vehicles be considered in budget negotiations with broadcasters for future productions.

"Only a growing volume of orders can amortize this new technology, which means that it will become less expensive in the long run", stresses Pawlik, who aims to prepare a CO2 statement for Großstadtrevier in 2014. Next, the TV series Notruf Hafenkante will also be produced sustainably. Meanwhile, the cast and crew of Großstadtrevier are delighted with their sustainable working environment and wonder why they hadn't gone green earlier. 

Photo: Group Shot at the harbour 

©Green Film Shooting

 

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