Art Department

Set, styling and props

In this department sharing is an easy and fun way to have an advantage, both financially and in terms of energy use. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is the credo. So ask your art director to see what you can borrow or rent. Opt for used clothes and props. If you choose to build a set, choose materials with an FSC certificate and water-based paint.

Lasting makeup

Good makeup is an essential part of a film production. But unfortunately, (movie) makeup is very damaging to the environment. Ask your makeup artist to experiment with environmentally-friendly cosmetics. Consider also which byproducts you use such as cotton, remover and cotton swabs.

Tips & Tricks

Set and props

  • Reuse old props
  • Use existing locations
  • Purchase your props in the thrift store or at flea markets
  • Use nails instead of screws. Then you can easily take apart the components and reuse them.
  • Still need to built a set? Use materials with eco-labels, such as FSC timber and water-based paint
  • Visit the alternative ‘hardware store’ of Buurman for used building materials
  • Do not discard used props or set pieces!
  • But lend them or rent them to fellow filmmakers
  • Or donate them to a second hand shop or a charity
  • Still have waste? Take the materials to a waste disposal site and deliver them separated.
  • Clean painting materials with minimal environmental impact – see a useful tip by Miriam Steenbeeke on this blog.
  • Sustainable hardware store Eco-Logisch has a wide range of products and will be happy to inform you about environmentally friendly alternatives.
  • Milieu Centraal has extensive information about environmentally friendly DYI.
  • Usefull site: Recycling Manager (Dutch)
  • Environmentally friendly paint: Abbondanza, Aquamarijn and Hermadix, among other brands, sell paints and varnishes which contain no harmful solvents but are water based.

Costume Department

  • What can you borrow or rent? Opt for second-hand clothing and accessories.
  • Contact the producers of sustainably produced clothing for possible sponsorship deals.
  • Reuse and recycle: repair and adapt existing clothing and costumes.
  • Use of sustainable materials must become the norm in any production.
  • Combat waste through reuse and upcycling of waste materials, which is optimal for the creative output.
  • Sustainable transport of all clothing to and from the film set.
  • Wash clothes with an energy-efficient washing machine (check energy label). When washing, also use natural soap; soap without plastic granules.
  • After the shoot costumes and accessories used on the set are kept for reuse. For example by taking them to charity shops or keeping them in storage until the next us.
  • These extra actions should also be included in the budget.
  • In this very handy PDF you will find ‘The Costume Directory’ compiled by BAFTA, including tips on fabric suppliers, leather, dyeing and printing, fashion brands, wardrobe department supplies, dry Cleaning, factories and producers and what to do with textile waste.

Styling and makeup

  • Buy second hand clothing and accessories
  • Connect with producers of sustainably produced clothing for sponsorship deals.
  • Makeup is unfortunately a polluting product, but essential on set. Brands like Dr. Hauschka, Weleda, Lavera, Aveda, The Body Shop and Eco Favourites are environmentally friendly produced and not tested on animals. And widely available.
  • Dr. Hauschka worked with Titia Rieter and Andre Bos, finalists of the Green Filmmaking Competition 2012. Who knows, maybe one of the brands wants to collaborate on your project.
  • Consider also sustainable varieties of products such as cotton balls, swabs, remover and lotion.

In March 2017 Green Film Making organized a workshop especially for professionals of the Art Departments, Costume Departments and Makeup artists. Check here for a lengthy report.