Sustainability at Film8 Studio
Film8 Studio is a visual production company based in Stockholm, and we are deeply committed to sustainability in all aspects of our work. Our Scandinavian roots inspire us to uphold strong environmental and social values in our daily operations and long-term strategy. We believe that creative storytelling can go hand-in-hand with responsible business practices, ensuring that our projects are produced with minimal environmental impact. In Sweden – a country aiming to reach carbon neutrality by 2045– sustainability is a way of life, and we share this forward-thinking vision. From reducing waste through digital workflows to choosing low-emission travel methods, Film8 integrates sustainability not as a buzzword but as a core company value and duty to future generations.
As part of our commitment to a greener future, we continuously implement eco-conscious practices and set ambitious goals for improvement. Below, we outline our current sustainability practices, our future goals (such as achieving carbon neutrality and prioritizing local sourcing), and how we make responsible production choices to reduce environmental impact. We also describe our philosophy of continuous improvement and transparency. Our aim is to contribute positively to the environment and community while delivering top-quality visual productions.
Sustainable Practices at Film8
We have already woven sustainable practices into our daily operations and projects. By making thoughtful choices in how we work, we significantly reduce waste and emissions. From the office to on-location shoots, we strive to “think green” in every decision. For example, we even utilize modern technologies like drones (battery-powered) for aerial filming instead of fuel-burning helicopters, and we choose electric vehicles or public transit for transport whenever possible. Some key sustainable practices currently in place include:
Digital Workflows (Paper Reduction): We operate with a nearly paperless workflow to minimize waste. All project documents – from scripts and storyboards to call sheets and invoices – are handled digitally, eliminating the need for printing whenever possible. Shifting traditionally paper-based processes to electronic formats dramatically cuts down on paper consumption. Embracing cloud collaboration tools and e-signatures not only saves trees but also improves efficiency. Notably, going paperless helps shrink our carbon footprint as well – studies indicate that transitioning to digital workflows can reduce an organization’s carbon emissions by up to 20%.
Low-Emission Travel: We prioritize low-carbon transportation for both daily business and production travel. Whenever feasible, our team uses public transportation, bicycles, or fuel-efficient and electric vehicles to get to meetings and shoot locations. For longer trips, we favor trains over flights to cut down on air travel emissions. Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gases in the production industry, so choosing electric and hybrid vehicles or carpooling can significantly reduce our travel-related emissions. We also leverage video conferencing to replace unnecessary face-to-face meetings, thereby avoiding needless travel. Additionally, we often hire local crew and source talent at filming locations to minimize long-distance travel – this not only lowers emissions but also supports local communities.
Eco-Conscious Daily Operations: Sustainability is part of our office and studio culture. We have implemented energy-efficient practices such as using LED lighting and modern equipment that consumes less power, and we shut off gear and lights when not in use. We take advantage of Sweden’s clean energy mix by running our facilities on renewable electricity where available. We also minimize day-to-day waste: for example, we provide reusable kitchenware in the studio to avoid disposable cups or plates, and we diligently recycle paper, plastics, and electronics. By instilling these habits in our team, we ensure that even our smallest daily actions contribute to a lower environmental impact. Everyone at Film8 is encouraged to suggest new ideas to conserve resources, reflecting our collective dedication to sustainability.
Responsible Production Choices
In each project we undertake, Film8 makes conscious choices to minimize environmental impact without compromising on creativity or quality. We recognize that the production phase – on set or on location – presents some of the biggest opportunities to reduce our ecological footprint. From pre-production planning through filming and post-production, we integrate sustainability into the workflow. Below are some of the responsible production practices we follow to ensure our shoots are as green as possible:
Eco-Friendly Equipment & Energy Use: We invest in and utilize equipment that is energy-efficient and eco-friendly. For lighting, we use LED and low-energy lighting kits instead of traditional high-wattage lamps – LED lights consume far less electricity and generate much less heat, all while providing excellent illumination. This significantly reduces power usage on set (and is safer and more comfortable for the crew). Many of our cameras and production gear are chosen for their modern energy-saving features as well. Whenever feasible, we opt for battery-powered or electric alternatives to the usual fuel-powered equipment: for example, using drones for aerial photography (which run on rechargeable batteries) in place of helicopters. Drones not only expand our creative capabilities but also eliminate the massive fuel consumption and emissions that come from operating a helicopter. Similarly, we utilize electric carts or vehicles on set when available, ensuring that moving equipment or people around does not produce unnecessary pollution. By thoughtfully selecting green technology and gear, we’re able to reduce energy consumption and emissions during production while still delivering top-notch results for our clients.
Low-Waste, Low-Impact Filming: Minimizing waste on set is a priority in every production. We plan our shoots to avoid excess and to reuse materials wherever possible. For instance, set pieces, backdrops, and props are often rented or repurposed from previous projects instead of being built or bought new for one-time use. When we do build custom sets or props, we use sustainable materials (like FSC-certified wood or recycled materials) and design them so they can be disassembled and reused or recycled after filming. During shoots, we enforce a strict recycling and waste management protocol: clearly labeled recycling bins are provided on set for paper, plastic, metal, and other recyclables, ensuring that materials are diverted from landfill. We also take care to properly dispose of any hazardous materials (like certain batteries or lighting elements) according to environmental regulations. Single-use plastics are strongly discouraged – all crew and clients on set are encouraged to use reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers, rather than disposable plastic ones. (We often provide a water station and reusable or compostable tableware to make this easier.) Even catering decisions are made with sustainability in mind: we favor catering services that use locally sourced ingredients and offer vegetarian or plant-based meal options, since plant-based meals generally have a lower carbon footprint. Any surplus food from shoots is donated when possible or composted to avoid waste. By paying attention to these details, we aim to leave behind as little waste as possible. At wrap, we strive to leave locations as clean (or cleaner) than we found them and take pride in responsible set teardown – recycling or reusing set materials and properly handling all trash. Every department, from art to camera to catering, is briefed on our green guidelines so that the entire crew works together to reduce the environmental impact of our productions.
Continuous Improvement and Transparency
Sustainability at Film8 is an ongoing journey, not a one-time achievement. We view our Sustainability Policy as a living document – one that evolves as we learn, grow, and as new technologies or best practices emerge. We regularly assess our environmental footprint, set new targets, and adapt our practices to improve continually. For example, we conduct periodic reviews of our energy usage, waste output, and travel emissions for our projects. These reviews help us identify what is working well and where we can do better. If we discover a practice that isn’t as sustainable as it could be, we take action to change it. We also stay informed about advancements in green filmmaking techniques and updated industry guidelines. In Sweden, the film industry is actively developing sustainability guidelines and tools – the Swedish Film Institute has even published a handbook of voluntary sustainable production guidelines and taken a lead in the industry’s green transition. Film8 takes inspiration from such initiatives to ensure we remain aligned with the highest standards of sustainable production. By participating in industry workshops and conversations about sustainability, we aim to stay at the forefront of environmentally responsible production methods.
In conclusion, Film8 Studio is dedicated to producing exceptional visual content with a conscience. We recognize that true sustainability is a process of constant learning and improvement. We will keep pushing ourselves to find new ways to reduce our environmental impact – be it through innovative technology, smarter logistics, or simply changing old habits. By maintaining an open dialogue with our clients and the public about our sustainability policies, we hope to inspire confidence that every project with Film8 is handled responsibly. We’re excited about the road ahead on our green journey. Each year, with each project, we aim to raise the bar on sustainability and set a positive example in the creative industry. Film8 Studio is proof that a passion for film and photography can go hand-in-hand with respect for the planet. We invite our clients, partners, and community to join us in this commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.