When carrying out an audiovisual production, it is necessary to incorporate sustainability strategies and criteria in order to align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Q17 Studios is a benchmark for professional photography carrying out film and television shoots, photoshoots, exhibitions and all kinds of audiovisuals.
Q17 has worked with major clients such as Inditex, El Corte Inglés and Cocacola. Also with international magazines such as Harpers Bazaar, Vogue or Elle, and photographers such as Bèla Adler & Salvador Fresned, Jonatan Segade or Tomás de la Fuente. Among others, last year they also collaborated with our friends from Neutrale, to express the importance of partnerships and teamwork in the fashion industry.
The studio also organises shoots in different locations, such as the Zara Home Landings SS21 project that took place in Mallorca.
Audiovisual productions’ environmental impact
When carrying out an audiovisual production, it is essential to incorporate sustainability strategies and criteria in order to align with the Sustainable Development Goals. These strategies will include the development of materials and tools based on the following objectives:
To understand the environmental impact of different audiovisual projects.
Reducing this impact through actions at different levels.
Create partnerships with suppliers based on a common understanding of sustainable development goals.
To compensate for emissions that have not yet been reduced.
A guide on reinventing photography
Audiovisual productions have different areas of impact.
Calculating the carbon footprint of the studio and of different projects is one of the most useful ways to begin implementing sustainable development strategies.
The impact of the pre-production process can be reduced in different ways. The first step is to choose a renewable energy supplier, as well as equipment that contributes to energy efficiency. In addition, it is essential to choose green suppliers and to implement impact reduction practices as simple as recycling or digitising documents.
During the production phase, internal communication of sustainability goals and best practices are vital. On the other hand, estimating the carbon footprint before the event and checking the actual results allow us to see if the targets are being met.
The transport needed to carry out the project should be optimised to avoid generating more emissions than necessary. One way to reduce the impact is to use energy efficient vehicles and offset the carbon footprint over long distances.
Catering used during the filming days will be done without using single-use packaging. One way to improve sustainability practices is to use suppliers committed to sustainable development, using local or organic products, separating waste and recycling or reusing packaging.
Regarding decoration and set-up, it is important to design sets based on life cycle analysis, rent them whenever possible and reuse materials to extend their use.
The lighting and energy of the studio shall come from renewable energy sources and shall be distributed through low consumption lights.
Digital equipment should be of high efficiency, and should be rented whenever possible. In addition, rechargeable batteries and energy-efficient generators shall be used.
Considering clothing and make-up from a sustainability perspective, best practices include the use of eco-friendly and organic materials, as well as avoiding the use of ozone-depleting aerosols. On the other hand, renting garments and reusing those purchased in different events drives sustainability.
Choosing certified and energy-efficient equipment for the post-production process. Using virtual transmission techniques and digital storage methods to limit energy consumption. On the other hand, insulate heat-generating machines in air-conditioned rooms and organise the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Finally, offseting the carbon footprint that could not be avoided during the project through energy efficiency projects and renewable energy generation.
Q17 Studios x Dcyle
Q17Studios approached Dcycle to begin their sustainable transition plan through the Zara Home Landings SS21 project. Dcycle analysed the carbon footprint of the project, taking into account transport, purchases needed for production, accommodation and catering. This way, we have verified that the production has generated a carbon footprint of 55.1 tonnes of CO2. Thanks to this information, Q17 has decided to offset this carbon footprint, thus moving closer to its sustainable development objectives.
