Industry groups join Sustainable Screens Australia

Nine Network, Stan, ITV Studios Australia, Lingo Pictures, Lune Media, Disney Studios Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive have signed on as Foundational Members of Sustainable Screens Australia.

The industry-led initiative aims to transform the production industry to one that integrates sustainability into everyday practices, and reduce our environmental footprint in line with science-based targets.

With Australia’s legislated targets of a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050, the screen industry is expected to reduce its environmental impact along with all other industries.

SSA has also attracted Screen Australia’s funding support and seed funding from Minderoo Pictures.

Maree Cochrane has been appointed as inaugural Executive Director. She spent the first 10 years of her career in the screen industry, primarily working in production as an Assistant Director, and for companies such as the BBC, Endemol Shine and the London Film Festival. Most recently, Cochrane was the Strategy, Engagement and Learning Lead with the Innovation Network – a digital learning initiative of the Victorian Government.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the ranks of passionate women behind Sustainable Screens Australia,” she said. “Returning to an industry I know and love to help it shift in thinking and practice is a dream role. One I wouldn’t have without an incredible industry led collective. To Australia’s screen agencies, production companies, streamers, broadcasters, commissioners, practitioners and international leaders albert – let’s get stuck in so we can keep sharing stories from this beautiful place far into the future.”

SSA has also partnered with albert, the leading UK screen industry organisation for environmental sustainability.

Anna Kaplan and Sara Horn, Co-Chairs, SSA, said: “albert’s reputation for driving sustainable practices within the screen industry is unparalleled and this key partnership provides SSA with access to albert’s considerable experience and IP including a bespoke carbon calculator created for the screen industry, sustainable production training, a best practice toolkit and other resources that will be localised for the Australian market. The partnership between albert and SSA is the first of its kind to be rolled out internationally by albert.

Carys Taylor, Director, albert, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting Sustainable Screens Australia in creating a new vision for productions that puts the planet front and centre. The challenges we face are worldwide, but we can solve them if our partnerships are worldwide too.”

Updated.