Eco-Conscious Film Sets and Sustainability Trends
Mumbai – 2025
Cinema has always been a medium of transformation—but today, it must transform itself. With climate concerns taking center stage globally, the Indian film industry is facing growing scrutiny over theecological footprint of filmmaking. From single-use set materials to diesel-powered generators, traditional production practices have long ignored sustainability.
But change is beginning to stir. A new generation of filmmakers, production houses, and studios are embracingeco-conscious film sets, bringing green innovation to an industry historically driven by speed, scale, and spectacle.
What Makes a Film Set “Green”?
Eco-conscious sets focus on:
- Reducing waste through material reuse and digital documentation
- Switching to LED lighting and solar-powered gear
- Eliminating plastic use for crew catering and logistics
- Offsetting carbon emissions via tree planting or carbon credits
- Designing modular, recyclable set structures for reuse across projects
These changes are not just aesthetic—they reduce costs, enhance efficiency, andalign Indian cinema with global sustainability benchmarks.
Who’s Leading the Change?
- Dharma Productions adopted low-waste catering, recycled water usage, and paperless scripting during Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.
- Excel Entertainment integrated solar-powered generators and banned single-use plastics on sets of its OTT series.
- Zoya Akhtar’s Archies used sustainable fabrics for costume design and repurposed art department assets across scenes.
- Aditya Chopra’s YRF Studios is reportedly piloting energy audits and transitioning to solar-assisted grid systems.
The movement is beingdriven largely by younger directors, female producers, and OTT-exclusive projects, where longer shoot timelines allow better planning.
OTT Influence: More Planning, Less Waste
Unlike fast-paced TV soaps or high-pressure theatrical releases, OTT productions often:
- Shoot on real locations instead of elaborate, disposable sets
- Operate with scheduled pre-production windows that allow for sustainability planning
- Employ smaller crews, reducing logistical resource needs
Streaming platforms likeNetflix India,Amazon Prime Video, andSonyLIVhave also begun insisting ongreen documentation reportsas part of vendor audits.
Institutional Push: Still Nascent
While green trends are emerging, India lacks acentral regulatory bodyguiding sustainable filmmaking. Globally, initiatives like:
- Albert (UK)
- Green Production Guide (USA)
- Sustainable Production Alliance (SPA)
…have developed industry checklists, certifications, and grant-based support.
In India, a similar framework could be driven by:
- Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B)
- Film & Television Institute of India (FTII)
- State Film Commissions with green incentives for location shoots
The Barriers
- Short budgets and tight deadlines in commercial projects
- Lack of awareness among vendors, suppliers, and unionized staff
- No tax benefits or subsidies tied to sustainable practices
- Resistance to behavioral change in departments used to legacy workflows
Green Isn’t Just an Ideal—It’s a Market Need
Consumers today increasingly value ethical production. Global streaming platforms and festival circuits now expect filmmakers todisclose sustainability efforts. This isn’t just ESG compliance—it’s branding.
Moreover, green film practices can:
- Lower operational costs in the long term
- Improve on-set working conditions
- Open up international funding and co-production opportunities
The Final Shot
Indian cinema is built on imagination. Now, it mustimagine a future where success and sustainability coexist.
Because in the story of climate change, every industry plays a role—and Indian films can no longer afford to roll credits without cleaning up their act.
It’s time the spotlight turned to what lies behind the scenes.
