BAFTA Albert is a globally recognised standard for assessing the environmental impact of audiovisual production, endorsed by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). TV Nova joined the initiative in 2021, and the current number of certificates obtained demonstrates that sustainable filming in the Czech Republic is not merely a marginal trend or the preserve of foreign platforms, but a fully functioning standard. Furthermore, the broadcaster aims to continue increasing this proportion so that, by 2027, all its productions will meet these strict international standards.
The broadcaster is outlining specific steps it is taking to advance sustainable filming. These include using the local electricity grid, battery stations, low-emission transport and new methods of waste management.“Last year, we demonstrated that sustainable production is not just an experiment for us, but an established standard for the majority of our output. We strive to go into depth and tailor measures to each project that make the most sense under the given conditions. The biggest challenge – but also the greatest opportunity – for us is energy consumption and waste management, areas where we have been making huge strides forward in recent months,” says Marek Vácha, TV Nova’s sustainability manager.
Energy comes first
TV Nova places the greatest emphasis on electricity consumption as part of its sustainable filming practices. This accounts for a significant proportion of the carbon footprint of every film shoot.
The upcoming eighth series of the popular drama ‘Kriminálka Anděl’ is a true pioneer in this regard. During filming on set, the sound of a diesel generator will no longer be heard at all. All the energy required for filming comes from batteries, which primarily enables the use of highly energy-efficient lighting.
Modern battery stations, known as ‘Instagrids’, are also being successfully used alongside generators on the sets of *Muži v letu*, *Ordinace v růžové zahradě 2*, *Extraktory 2* and *Ulice*. In the case of *Ordinace v růžové zahradě 2*, which is filmed primarily in studios, a ‘green tariff’ has also been introduced, ensuring energy from renewable sources.
Since June, smart electricity metering has also been introduced on many projects; this system was jointly developed for film production by Adam Karásek from Planet A Collective and Jakub Koula from Kluci base.
Where the nature of the location allows, production teams maximise the use of the local grid or set up temporary connections. This approach significantly reduces the need for diesel generators.
This was particularly significant, for example, during local shoots for the series *Rekordwoman*, *Extraktoři 2* and the miniseries *Metoda Markovič: Straka*, where a grid connection was secured for the majority of the 48 shooting days. The same approach to energy is also being used for the upcoming projects *Očko* and *Vraždy v kraji 2*.
Transport and sustainable catering
Further measures focus on logistics, accommodation and catering for the crews.
During the filming of the series Monyová, the production team trialled the use of a fully electric van for zero-emission transport of the crew. The project also included sustainable catering, with an emphasis on the selection of ingredients, an expanded range of vegan dishes, a reduction in beef-based meals, and rigorous sorting of food waste.
This waste subsequently becomes a valuable raw material for energy production at biogas plants.
For the popular show *Superlov*, a successful field trial was carried out using compostable tableware made from sugar cane. The production team separated this material and subsequently tested it at the biogas plant in Přibyšice, demonstrating that if this material is disposed of alongside catering waste, it passes through the sorting process and is converted into reusable biogas and fertiliser.
Other projects aimed at reducing single-use packaging are not lagging behind. For example, preparations for the planned ‘Očko’ project are being made to ensure that single-use packaging is completely avoided in the production’s catering.
The ‘Marta’s Extraordinary Cases’ project has also taken a step forward by organising a specialised cooking course on nutritious plant-based meals for its catering. These not only reduce the carbon footprint of catering but are also tasty and healthy.
Responsibility on set and on screen
Sustainable filming is increasingly reflected in the content of the programmes themselves.
In the popular quiz show *Na lovu*, for example, questions on issues affecting society as a whole – ranging from the protection of our natural environment to topics related to mental health – are regularly included in the game.
As a result, these important topics reach millions of viewers in a natural way.
Source: pressweb.nova.cz