clean coal

Here is a lovely ad made by the folks over at wecansolveit.org. Please share it with your friends.

a different point of view

In the midst of all these union strikes over internet content, here is a fresher perspective to think about from the folks over at TED. Learn how creativity is being strangled by the law.

Love it!

To keep along with today's theme, check out these wonderful ads.
Please "Use only what you need." Check out the article on how Denver Water is getting the message out on Wisebread.

PS I have been more diligent about turning off power strips and unplugging things this month. And my bill went from $20 bucks to $9.

The Story of Stuff

Sorry, guys, for being so neglectful. I started a new job, a nine-to-fiver unfortunately. Because guess what? Our economy sucks, and SAG is on strike, SAG isn't on strike. Oh, wait. SAG is on strike. It feels like everything is coming to a head, and that huge, untimely, obnoxious zit is about to explode. And I haven't gotten a single call to work on a set for two months. And about a handful of my friends haven't either. So, you take what you can get. The good news is that the production office I work for is a dream. Reams of recycled paper, separated trash bins built-in to the kitchen cabinetry, even my own little blue bin underneath my desk. It brought a tiny tiny tear to my eye.

But anways, I've got something really important to share. It's called The Story of Stuff. And it's great. If you ever wanted a simple way to make your friends and family understand that we're all connected, that everything we consume affects people on a global scale, and that something needs to change NOW.....here it is. Annie Leonard is my hero of the moment. hmmm. Maybe that's a new segment I could start here on ecopix. Send me your suggestions for your Heroes of the Moment.

Please check out the website and share it with your friends. Here is just a taste of all its goodness:

Obama '08!

A Mouse Does Its Part

On a recent visit to the home of THE mouse, I was definitely pleased to see that such a large company is doing their part. The Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California is decked out to the nines with not just A Nightmare Before Christmas decorations, but also with a multitude of environmentally friendly practices. Every trash can in the park has a recyclables partner and their napkins are made of recycled paper. There are reminders throughout the park to conserve and recycle which I'm sure is welcomed by parents with kids screaming because they weren't tall enough to ride Space Mountain.

The conservationist attitude extends throughout the park that may not be visibly seen by its guests. The subs from Finding Nemo Submarine voyage are emission-free and the steam trains are powered with bio-diesel. Cast members manage to recycle 92,000 pounds of cardboard each week and they recycle 1,176 tons of green plant and foliage waste material a year.

Beyond Disneyland, the Walt Disney Company also recently donated $1.5 million to the Treepeople Organization to help reforest fire-ravaged areas in the mountains surrounding greater Los Angeles.

So, I applaud them for upholding Walt's commitment to conservation and preservation. For more information, please check out Disney's site: environmentality.com

For my fellow Californians...

I just wanted to share some information that might have fallen through the cracks in the midst of this economy crisis. Treehugger posted an article today that there are several renewable energy propositions on the ballots for a few states. In California, Proposition 7 "requires government-owned utilities to generate 20% of their electricity from renewable energy by 2010, a standard currently applicable to private electrical corporations." Proposition 10 "authorizes $5 billion in bonds paid from state's General Fund, to help consumers and others purchase certain vehicles and to fund research in renewable energy and alternative fuel vehicles." But there are actually several environmental organizations opposed to both propositions that are seemingly beneficial to the environmental cause. For further information, please check this out. The Union of Concerned Scientists also provides interesting insight into both propositions.

Recycle Your Media Waste

I am adding two sites to the Resources list today that you should definitely keep on file: CD Recycling Center of America and GreenDisk.com. Both are excellent resources for properly and securely disposing your unwanted cds and dvds.

I recommend using CD Recycling center for personal use in addition to office use, since they do not charge you for their services. The facility takes cds, dvds, and any of the packaging that goes along with it. The only costs to you are shipping and the time it takes to sort your items. However, you must register with their site and notify them of your upcoming shipment.

Got a PA twiddling their thumbs in the corner of the office? You may also download graphics to properly label your recycling bins.

Greendisk is a useful resource for production and post production offices and film festivals that generate or collect mutiple and various types of media waste. For a fee, they take the following items:
-All forms of electronic media and their cases: diskettes, zip disks, CDs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs et al, video tape (i.e. VHS), audio tape, game cartridges, DAT, DLT, Beta or Digibeta, and virtually all other type of computer tapes.
-Hard drives, Zip and Jazz drives, jump drives, etc.
-All forms of printer cartridges including both inkjet and toner.
-All types of cell phones, pagers, PDAs and their chargers, cables, and headset accessories.
-All types of rechargeable batteries (not regular alkaline ones) and their chargers.
-All of the cords, cables, boards, chips, etc. attached to or removed from a computer.

They also take small computer accessories such as Ipods, digital cameras and laptops, but you must use their specific shipping materials. You can purchase boxes that can be used for collection and shipment, as well, for your office's workstations. If you purchase your boxes through them, they also include postage, processing and an audit report with a Certificate of Destruction. Greendisk helps to complete the cycle by selling recycled CDs and cases. You can also include one of these companies' links printed on the artwork of your new dvd cases to pass on the good word.

One last note: if you're sending off "obsolete" unused media, such as blank DV tapes, DVCAMs, or Betacams, try donating it to a local film school that is probably still using such stocks.

don't vote...

...or do.

Please embed this onto your site or send it to your friends.

Have a good weekend!

AltCar Expo

This weekend I rode my bike over to the Alternative Energy and Transportation Expo in Santa Monica. It was one of the events in which Green Jobs Now was participating. I have gone to a couple of the big car conventions that they hold at the LA Convention Center. So, it was very interesting to see the "alternatives."

A couple of the things that jumped out at me were the electric trucks and the waterless car wash.
Electrorides are releasing a line of vehicles recharged by solar or wind by using the latest technology and exclusive partnerships with industry leaders. The company has developed a "Patent Pending" carbon neutral charging system for electric vehicles. I am hoping that it is only a matter of time before these trucks are available for the renting community, trickling down to the camera and grip truck variety. Their trucks have an 80 -100 mile range. So, obviously it takes some pre-planning if you decide to use these trucks for production. But it's definitely a step in the right direction.
Lucky Earth is company with a line of cleaners for the "waterless" car wash. The stuff boasts of being eco-friendly, hypo-allergenic, AND also protects your car from the elements. One bottle is $16.99 and contains between 7 to 10 washes. Considering how much the local car wash costs, and how much water is wasted, it sounds like a pretty good deal. Keep an eye out on ecopix for a review of the product.

I also spoke with the Union of Concerned Scientists. They were asking people to sign their petition to pass a California regulation that would require truck drivers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. To do so, they would either have to purchase an entirely new efficient truck or install aerodynamic devices and more efficient tires to their existing truck. I imagine that this is a pretty hard sale amongst truck drivers. Even though trucks contribute to 20% of California's Global Warming Emissions, and that less exposure to these emissions not only saves the earth but saves everyone's lungs, specifcally the truck drivers'. Believe me I understand the importance of the regulation, but convincing the drivers who pay for their own gas and are struggling as it is.... It's the whole dilemma again of having to spend money in order to save money in the long run. Except in this case we're talking about thousands of dollars. I told them that my solution would be to get a few female volunteers to help out with the campaign. (But that's just my humble opinion.)

Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. You can read more about their campaign in California on their site. In the meantime, I'm going to keep researching.

Green Jobs Now

Tomorrow is the National Day of Action. 658 events are being held throughout the country to bring awareness to Green Jobs Now. The focus will be on low-income communities, communities of color and indigenous people. "This will send a message to our leaders that, when it comes to creating green jobs for a more sustainable economy, PEOPLE ARE READY!"

The Center for American Progress released a study which demonstrates how an investment of $100 billion over two years would create 2 million new jobs. Just to put things in perspective, the Federal Reserve Bank just used $85 billion of taxpayers' money to bail out AIG.

There is an event happening in every single state. You can find the opportunity to participate closest to you here. If you can't attend an event please sign this petition in support of a clean energy economy.

Have a good weekend!

No-Brainer

A little birdie sent this to me today, and I thought y'all would appreciate it. Here are 7 ways to be a little friendlier to the earth at no extra cost to you. I particularly enjoy the photograph they use to portray saying no to Vampire power. That one's a keeper.

Enjoy.

So, here's an update on the produce situation at Trader Joe's. In case you haven't read about this, one my readers responded to an article I wrote on improving Craft Services. He/She observantly brought up that much of their produce are pre-packaged in plastic containers. So, I wrote to Trader Joe's about the issue. Their response was pretty PC as to be expected. But upon further correspondence I did learn they are planning to use packaging made of corn oil that is compostable. They couldn't offer a list of produce that will have this available, but the items will be stamped with "Natureworks." Keep your eyes peeled at the store.

an eco pic

Check out Flow: For the Love of Water, opening to limited theaters this weekend. Documentarian Irena Salina "builds a case against the growing privatization of the world's dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel."



See you in the theater.

Don't Forget!

In case you forgot, tomorrow is Bicycle for a Day. Even though the main event is happening in NYC, get your friends together and take a ride. Whether you have a bike or not, please leave your cars at home for this one day.

Have a good weekend!

A Good Guide

Re-Nest recommended this great website the other day where you can find out if the products you are using are, well, good. The Good Guide rates personal care and household products based on health, environmental, and social performance. I was so happy to find it because I've been searching for an organic shampoo that doesn't leave a nasty, cakey residue on my scalp. Hmmm. Yummy!

just another example...

...that we need to be responsible and informed consumers. There's big money in being environmental these days. So, of course, tons of corporations are jumping on the band wagon. Here's a great article on how companies are trying to take advantage of the green market from Time Magazine. The article talks about companies that are greenwashing their products. They use misleading claims to appear environmental. For example, a product can claim that they are "chlorofluorocarbon free." They're in fact just abiding the law that's been in place for years.

In an attempt to rectify the situation, the marketing consultancy EnviroMedia is launching www.greenwashingindex.com, "a website that allows consumers to post ads that might be examples of greenwashing and rate them on a scale of 1 to 5--1 is a little green lie; 5 is an outright falsehood." It's definitely not the most ideal watch dog for corporations, but I guess it's a start.

Consumer Reports also provides a great tool to find out what all that green jargon REALLY means on their site Greener Choices. Use this site to help you sift through all the environmental products that are out there.

She's crafty, She gets around

Red licorice, granola bars, Frito Lay’s variety pack. We’re supposedly artists, right? Creative types? If I have to look at one more value pack from Costco, I’m going to gouge my eye out. I think it’s a huge misconception that it’s cheaper to buy products in bulk. Especially when only half of that food gets eaten. Do I really have to give you the starving children line?

I know it’s sometimes considered a shit job, but Craft Services is one of the most important jobs on set. Let's not forget that the title does indicate that there is an element of craft to it. So, get creative.

1. Buy organic
I know it’s a little more expensive. But if you live in Los Angeles Trader Joe’s is a fantastic resource. They also have stores in several states in the US. I swear that my grocery bill is much cheaper when I buy from there than from a huge grocery chain. You’ll find tastier and healthier options like pita chips and hummus or chips and guacamole, ready to eat. If you’re feeling really ambitious, you can schedule around the multitude of Farmer’s Markets in LA.

2. Buy for the day
Instead of buying for the whole shoot, buy for a few days. This is where you’ll save in the long run for buying organic products. You’ll get an idea of what items are popular and what people are begging for. By preventing from buying too much food you’ll save some bucks at the end of the shoot.

3. Buy biodegradable or recycled supplies
Make sure your plates, napkins, paper towels and trash bags are recycled and/or biodegradable. Seventh generation which is available at most major grocery chains offers 100% Recycled paper products and 80% recycled large trash bags. Chinet also provides 100% recycled paper plates that are also biodegradable. Trader Joe’s also provides their own line of recycled paper goods.
4. Hire caterers with reusable plates and cutlery
If your production can afford Caterers, make sure to ask them if they provide reusable Plates and Utensils instead of disposables.

5. Provide clearly marked trash cans and recycle bins
I can’t reiterate this enough. Sometimes the easiest thing to be eco-conscious is to make it easy for your crew to be. They’ve got enough to worry about throughout the day, so don’t make them use up any of those much needed brain cells to find the recycle bin.
And if you want to be really REALLY OCD, provide a clearly marked compost bin during meals, for any uneaten food.

6. Donate leftovers
There are several organizations out there that will take uneaten catering or non-perishables such as Feeding America and Angel Harvest. If you know of any others in your neck of the woods, please let me know and I’ll post it on the site.

do your homework

In my daily blog-reading ritual, I've come across some really great articles. And I've learned that it's really important to do your homework. So, I'm trying to take a lesson from a couple of veteran bloggers that you guys might be interested in.

Yesterday, this treehugger article was posted by Karin Kloosterman about an "Israeli electric car scheme" called Project Better Place.

Another great blogger, Heather B. Armstrong of dooce linked this article to reference her current opinion on the US Presidential campaign.

I bring this up for two reasons.

1. I'm researching a new post about film vs. digital. There are the obvious reasons, like the chemicals of film, the carbon consumption of transporting and using film, the lesser carbon consumption of hard drives for digital. And there are the not-so-obvious reasons, like the viability of archiving digital files for hundred's of years or the longevity of archiving on film. So if any of you have any suggestions or facts on this issue, I'd greatly appreciate it.

2. I'm tired of having conversations like these:

Friend: What's your blog about?
Debbie: Eco-conscious filmmaking
Friend: Ohhhh, I had no idea you're a tree-hugging hippie.
Debbie: (sigh)

OR

Friend: What did you do last night?
Debbie: I watched the Democratic National Convention.
Friend: Yeah, everyone was watching that last night. What's the big deal about it?
Debbie: (blank stare)
Friend: I was gonna vote for McCain.
Debbie: Why?
Friend: I dunno. I don't really know much about either candidates. I just figured.
Debbie: (sigh)

Friends please do not take offense. I wholly acknowledge that my obsession for things is slightly OCD, and that I can't expect people to care about things as passionately as I care about them.

But, for the record, I'm not a tree hugger, just a realist. Besides, do you want to be responsible for killing this little guy?

That's what I thought.

It is in my research about biodiesel that I discovered the horrible affects that our consuming culture has on the world. This is what made me realize that it takes more than calling yourself an environmentalist, it takes more than recycling, it takes more than buying a hybrid. It's about truly understanding the repercussions of our actions as human beings that are a part of something larger than ourselves. I hate that environmentalism is such a political issue, but it is. So, when all you Americans close that curtain behind you to cast your vote, I implore you to educate yourselves about your decision, regardless of where you stand on the issues. That little polar bear is counting on you.

a blessing in disguise

I was driving down Centinela Ave. the other day, and I was amazed. It seems as if the streets of LA are filled with as many bikes as there are cars. Don't get me wrong. LA has a very long way to go in the way of alternative modes of transportation. But it seems to me that the rising prices of gas has become a blessing in disguise. In a town where people are married to their cars, where we have been long considered a "car culture," where companies like General Motors literally burned down its former railway system, where citizens vote against the light rail from connecting to its neighborhood. One after the other, there they were. Every spectrum of the socio-economic ladder rode their bikes down that street. To work. To school. To dinner. To a concert. To the beach. To their homes. Teenagers, senior citizens, entire families. I have watched my friends get amped about adding new tires to their bikes, finding a peugot frame on craigslist for $50 bucks, or shine with pride for riding 20 miles that day. So these days I am secretly excited about the exorbitant price of gas. Because it's initiating change. It's populating public transportation. It's making friends of carpooling co-workers. It's building a healthy community that wakes up early in the morning for that longer commute on their bikes. That no longer have time to sit on their couches and watch TV because they're riding home from work. That burn off the stresses of their day with a little physical activity. A community of cyclists that sleep a little better at night.

my labor day weekend

night shoots = utter delirium

have a good weekend

I'm checking out for a few days. Going to shoot a student film this weekend. Wish me luck ('cause I'm definitely going to need it). If you happen to have an environmental film, check out the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival in Nevada City, CA. Their final without a box deadline is coming up (September 30th). Enjoy your bbq parties and the last days of summer. Happy Labor Day and see ya next week.

expendables recycler

I just went over to Expendables Recycler for the first time yesterday. If you're driving the streets of Van Nuys, and not sure if you've found it, you probably have. This place works out of their residential garage. They specialize in low cost expendables that are left over from other productions. I got nearly a full roll of 1/2 plus green for just over $60. And a couple of sheets of cyan perfectly cut for a 4x4 kino for just over 2 bucks each. Make sure you call ahead if you're looking for something specific.

don't get run over

Today, I bought myself a shiny new headlight. Apparently, it is illegal in Los Angeles not to have one. My homie Erin also sent me a great article on how NOT to get run over. The streets are dangerous out there. I've already witnessed several people get hit by cars with the rising amount of bicyclists on the roads. It's as much the cyclists' responsibility as it is motorists' to take heed.

Be safe, bitches!

sprinkles

Who knew you could eat a cupcake AND be green? Sprinkles cupcakes are committed to their community and their environment. All their "silverware," napkins, boxes, plates, and shopping bags are environmentally friendly.
Treat your cast and crew to some yummy goodness.
I want CAKE!

The world wide web: the final frontier

Beginning the film festival process (otherwise known as the “whore yourself out” process), can be very daunting. When you’re a beginning filmmaker, it is THE way to get seen and be taken seriously. But, like every other stage of the game, it gets expensive.

A great way to save some costs, as well as consumption, is optimizing the use of your website. If you don’t already have a website for your film, then you’re already two steps behind every Joe Schmo out there that thinks they’re the next Wes Anderson. You want to use your website to provide festival programmers with easy access to your press kit or a trailer. Allow your photographs to be downloadable, and post a pdf of your bio, synopsis and director's statement.

I also suggest for short filmmakers that you post your film on a “secret” page of your site. This is a page on your site that can’t be linked from your home page. Only you can provide the url to select viewers. You can go even further by setting up a page or user account that is password protected. The importance of protecting your film online is to prevent it from being considered public content. Most of the big festivals will disqualify you if your film is publicly available online. Plus, you want your audience to watch your film at the festivals you get into. You can use this method for programmers, talent agents and managers, producers, and fellow filmmakers that you are likely to meet on the film festival circuit. You can even use this to post scripts for your next potential project. Not only does this give you fast turn around, but it saves you money on dvds, dvd cases, shipping costs, and the gas it takes to get you to Fed Ex. Everyone will be so impressed with how business savvy you are.

If you absolutely have to provide a hard copy of your film, I suggest using Eco-Wallets from Discmakers. They print their cases on recycled cardboard that is lighter than standard cases, and with vegetable-based inks.


PS. Thanks to Lex for helping me with this post. He suggests using godaddy or namenova to register your sites, and hasweb for web hosting.

recycle them apples

I just wanted to make note that I'm adding a new link on the online resources side bar. The Apple Store will take your ipod or cell phone for free for their recycling program. Also, if you purchase a new Mac computer, they will take any computer, regardless of manufacturer.
The EPEAT gave the MACBookPro a Silver Rating.

on the subject of bicycles...

I've been on the look out on how to trick out my bike, and make it useful as well as cute. I read this great article today on Re-Nest that I thought all you novice cyclists might appreciate.

road trip

I am currently on a road trip for a wedding in Washington. One of my best friends got married on the beautiful Orcas Island. Their ceremony was hard as shit to get to. All I kept thinking about was how to get the grip truck up those roads. At any rate, it was gorgeous and definitely one of the most unique weddings I've ever been to. I will be back in a couple of days with photographs and more postings. Cali can definitely learn some things from the Pacific Northwest. They got the eco thing down. Talk to y'all laters.

Algae could save the planet

If you haven't already heard about this, Valcent is a company trying to use Algae as an alternative energy source. I haven't done too much research on this yet, but it sounds pretty fucking cool. Maybe I should pull a Scarlett Johansson, and drop the link with the Obama camp. Anything to get Obama and McCain off the off-shore-drilling debate.

Check it. Let me know if you've heard anything about it and what your thoughts are.

Bicycle for a Day

For those of you that haven't heard about this event, Matthew Modine is launching an event called Bicycle for a Day. Bicycle for a Day is for anyone who can get on a bicycle and demonstrate that doing ONE thing will better our environment. Participants can even skateboard or walk, just as long as it doesn't use gasoline!

He is also accepting 30 to 90 second short films that "best express the freedom of bike riding." Select films will be featured on the website, as well as one of the event's stages in NYC. I asked him to answer a few questions about the event for my readers.

Ecopix: What is Bicycle for a Day (BFAD)?
Matthew: Bicycle for a Day is a day to give up gas powered vehicles. There are hundreds of things we can do everyday to reduce carbon emissions. Bicycling is one simple thing each of us can do to improve our personal health and the health of the planet.

Ecopix: How do we participate in BFAD?
Matthew: When you wake up Sept 20th, choose to NOT use gas powered vehicles. Walk, skateboard, bicycle, stay at home. On the bicycle for a day website there is a list of things you can do at home to reduce waste. There are over 300 million Americans. If each of us did a couple of things to save energy everyday, the cumulative effect will be enormous.

Ecopix: Where is it taking place?
Matthew: This year I am focusing on NYC. We are having an event at the South Street Seaport on Manhattan's lower east side. This is the official gathering place for the first annual event.

Ecopix: From where did the inspiration for BFAD originate?
Matthew: I was asked, "if there was one thing I could do to reduce carbon emissions, what would I do." The answer for me was as simple as "ride a bike." The idea grew into a film that was presented at the Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The film was a huge success and the people that gathered for the forum encouraged the development of the concept into reality.
Ecopix: How has the response to the event been so far?
Matthew: Everyone is excited by the idea. They smile at the simplicity of bicycling as a solution to an enormous problem. They feel empowered by the idea of bicycling as a solution and action they can take.

Ecopix: Can you tell us about your short film and the opportunities for other filmmakers to screen their BFAD story on your site?
Matthew: I hope that film makers will make shorts (one or two minute) that tell stories about personal biking experiences. Romantic, crazy, dangerous, adventurous, what ever they like. I'll post some of them on the website and next year they'll get shown at the BFAD events around the world.

Ecopix: What is BFAD's ultimate goal and what are your hopes for the event?
Matthew: I hope it grows into a tool for inventors and creators. A place where dreamers of new ideas can see their ideas shared and shown to demonstrate new ways of solving the current environmental situation. Everyday I meet amazing people with wonderful solutions to the way things are done and how they can be done better. The BFAD website should be a place for those ideas to be seen throughout the world. A loud speaker for those voices of change.

Ecopix: Besides BFAD, what other activities do you participate in to help preserve our environment? (i.e any other organizations or events)
Matthew: I work closely with the two charities BFAD supports. WaterKeeper Alliance (River Keepers) and American Forests' Global ReLeaf project. One protects our rivers, lakes, oceans and seas. The latter protects and replants our forests and brings trees to neighborhoods that don't have them.

Ecopix: What are the aspects of our society that discourage you the most? How do you try to change them?
Matthew: People that point the finger and blame. People that don't believe in possibility. We built a railroad across the United States after the Civil War in less than five years. We went to the moon in less than ten. We are capable of tremendous change when we choose to work together as a nation. When we are decisive. I want to be on the team that wants to solve problems instead of pointing the finger and blaming.

Ecopix: As a successful actor, what have you done to promote your stand on the environment with the productions you work on?
Matthew: I got the film industry, the talent agencies, to print double-sided scripts. I was filming in Morocco and introduced the concept of deposits on bottles and recycling to the Mayor of Ouarzazate. Simple things that anyone could have done. Billions of sheets of paper have been saved and plastic and glass bottles no longer litter the desert at the foot of the amazing Atlas Mountains.

Check out Matthew's own short film for Bicycle for a Day.

My new bike

I just got a new bike. Okay...it's not actually new. It's probably about 20 years old. But hey, it's new to me. Found it on the trusty Craigslist. I went out for a night ride, and goddamn am I out of shape!! These old legs ain't what they used to be.

Friends of the Earth

A fellow filmmaker Taghi Amirani that I met at Pangea Day has just told me about a film competition being held by Friends of the Earth. Friends of the Earth is a UK charity committed to environmental solutions. You have one minute to "show which bit of the Earth you're a friend of." The overall winner will be given a £4,000 budget to make a film with Friends of the Earth to support one of its high profile green campaigns. The deadline to submit your film is August 22.

Clothe Me! House Me!

Actors can be so needy sometimes. Expecting you to create a world in which their characters live. Production and Costume Design is where a huge part of our waste goes. Building sets, buying or designing clothes, and decorating locations account for a lot of money and a lot of items that are used only once. Here are some tips to reduce, reuse, and recycle your design items.

1. Craigslist.
It’s my favorite resource. If you’re doing a period piece, Craigslist is a great way to find vintage furniture, artwork, even clothes. It adds to the authenticity of your film. Even if it takes place present day, used furniture gives your pieces a lived-in look. It’s particularly useful if you are in another state where prop houses and picture car rentals are non-existent. On a student film I produced in Oregon called RE:Monday, we offered a guy selling his old Volvo $200 to hold off selling, and letting us use it for a week.


2. Thrift stores and Antique shops.
This is another good resource when shooting out of state. You can often approach antique shops to rent their items for a negotiated fee.

3. Location, Location, Location!
Weigh your options when thinking about how much it would cost to build a set versus paying a day rate for an existing location. Especially in Los Angeles, the location you’re looking for probably already exists somewhere on a stage or an old, abandoned hospital.
Remember to choose your locations wisely. Not only are you saving the earth by choosing practical locations that have most of the production design done for you, but it saves you money, as well. On my thesis film Nagpapanggap, we were able to find a house that could pass for the 1960's. We only needed to take away things like the television, and add a few signature mid century items.



4. Rentals.
This is a pretty obvious choice, but still a good old classic. Their items get a lot of mileage because they are well-taken care of. There are about a hundred listings in the LA411 on where you can rent props and furniture. If you’re a student, don’t forget to ask for a discount. Most of the big places offer one.

5. Mom and Dad's Garage.
If your parents happen to live in the same city as your production, chances are they've got a garage or basement full of goodies. This is a great place to find some finishing touches to your set design. I like to compile a wish list of items I need, then email it to friends and family and see what they're willing to lend or donate to the production. It doesn't hurt to ask, and it's free. Just make sure you're not borrowing a family heirloom, 'cause odds are it will get broken on set.

6. Recycle by donating.
For expensive or stylish costumes, I sell back to places like Wasteland or Crossroads. But for any generic pieces, you can donate them back to the thrift store from which they came.

If you do build a set, donate it when you’re done.
Left over lumber can be donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Contact your local high schools and film schools, and see if their theatre and film departments have any use for flats and purchased props.
Hollywood Cinema Production Resources will accept and pick up sets for donation, as well.

Samantha Crain

My friend and fellow filmmaker Sterlin Harjo just put together this great little video introducing Samantha Crain. She's an amazing singer-songwriter from Oklahoma, and I'm sure you'll be seeing more of her very soon.



CHECK IT OUT!

So, so sorry

I'm in the midst of some very tight deadlines, so you will have to go without a post for a few days. I've been shooting and cutting a highlight reel for LMU's Summer Creative Workshop. The kids are amazing, but the hours are dreadful and unforgiving. On top of which, I've been doing some heavy polishing on my baby: the feature script. So, please be patient and keep looking out for some new posts.

WAAALLLLLLLLLL-EEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

On the off chance you've been living in a cave for the past few weeks (as can happen when you're on location doing 6-day weeks), go see this amazing film. I've already seen it twice. To all you critics hating on this movie: I'm sure it is tough to look in the mirror when you don't like what you see.

Death by Chainsaw

Today’s post is predominantly for the Production Office, but can be used by all crew members for their use of paper at home. Here are some basic tips:

1. Provide recycle bins
Make sure a bin is clearly indicated that it is for recycled paper only, and place it right next to the trash cans. If you’re buying paper in bulk, you can often use the boxes that they come in as recycle bins throughout your office or for the production office that is on the move (such as in the trailer or at base camp).

2. Use recycled paper
Not only is it important to have recycle bins for discarded paper, but also to use recycled paper. Use of recycled paper is a vital part of the cycle. There’s no point in recycling paper if we don’t use its byproduct.

3. Print only when necessary
Before you print ask yourself, “Do I really need to print this?”

If it is a file that can stay digital, do so. One of the great things about technology is that the files we use can stay in the digital realm. My cell phone has been a great tool. I use it to make a note of addresses that I either type into my notes application, or, if I’m in a hurry, I just take a picture of it on my camera phone. Then, I type the address into my GPS system. I also save flight information in my phone. So, instead of printing out 3 pages of an itinerary, I either save the Flight confirmation number as a note, or just use my email to pull up my confirmation information. Then, I type in that info when I check in at the airport.

Another way to go paperless is the use of the IPhone. As expensive as it is, I know there are a lot of you out there that have them. Instead of printing out your call sheets or directions, just download it to your phone.

When possible, send out your scripts via email. And when someone sends you a script to read that is still in development, read it on your computer, and type out notes in word. If you have Final Draft, you can add script notes directly to the file. It will insert a small window next to the text that the reader can double-click on to see your notes.

4. Print efficiently
Gone are the days when printing on both sides is considered informal. When you have to provide a hard copy of your script to someone, print on both sides. If you’re providing multiple pages of any file, it should be a general rule of thumb.

Check and recheck. How many times have you printed something out only to realize that you made a typo? Make sure you thoroughly read your files before printing.

Use print preview. There are so many internet pages that I print out where that last page contains an advertisement or a single line of text. Check it out in Preview first, then print out only the necessary pages.

On several sets I’ve worked on, Sides were shrunk to half their size and printed on half of an 8x11 sheet of paper. Not only is it more efficient, but it’s easier for Keys and Actors to carry the scenes of the day in their back pocket.

5. Know when to say when
If you’re a bit lower on the totem pole, ask yourself if you really need the sides that get passed around on set. PAs or 2nd ADs, keep track of who says “yes” and who says “no.” So, for the following days, you know exactly how many sides to photocopy, and you’re not printing out any excess.

6. For the OCDs
I separate my paper into 3 sections: Everyday paper, Specialty Paper, and Scratch Paper. Next to the printer, use trays that are clearly labeled.

Everyday paper is of course your low-grade RECYCLED paper that you can use for things like call sheets, sides, shot lists, etc. Specialty Paper usually will have stock paper or photo paper. Anything that is a heavier stock than your Everyday Paper.

Scratch Paper will include paper that’s already been printed on. As a cinematographer, I get sent so many scripts that never make it to production. And they end up collecting dust on my desk waiting to be realized. Whether it be old scripts, call sheets or extra copies, I set those aside instead of throwing them in the recycle bin. I use them to print things like Maps or directions for PAs, personal notes that I need to take with me on the go, or film festival itineraries. For the most part, I use it for information that I know only I will see. It gives paper a second life, if you will. It’s where you can make up a bit for throwing down the extra cash for recycled paper.

Overall, it’s about making it easy for everyone to recycle and conserve. The more organized your office space is, the better.

Ishmael

I just finished reading Daniel Quinn's Ishmael. If you haven't already read it, it is a definite must. The cautionary themes this book addresses are so relevant to the issue of our rapidly deteriorating ecosystem. Its philosophies only reinforce the need to simplify our lives and only take from earth what is necessary. It's an extremely fast read, and I highly recommend it.

Synthetic Polymerized Receptacle of H20 Syndrome

Does this photograph look familiar? Are you often left with several half-empty, unclaimed water bottles at the end of a shoot day? Are some of these water bottles even nearly full? You and your colleagues could be suffering from SPRHS, or Synthetic Polymerized Receptacle of H20 Syndrome. This condition is more commonly known as the Bottled Water Scam.

The waste of bottled water on set is probably the issue that crawls under my skin the most. Recently, I started bringing a reusable bottle to set. I simply filled it with water from my tap the night before, and stuck it in the fridge for ice cold water in the morning. In case you missed it, yes, I did say it. From my T-A-P. TAP! Gasp in horror. Go right ahead. There is a fabulous article on treehugger.com detailing how water bottle companies have pulled the wool over our eyes for years. That Dasani, a Coca-Cola company, even puts salt in their water to make it taste better. Well, I have news for you. Perfectly clean, sodium-free water actually gets delivered directly to your kitchen at almost no cost to you. And for all you OCD’s out there (me included) you can easily buy a Brita or PUR filter that goes directly onto your faucet. The great thing about bringing your own water bottle is that you're always able to keep track of it throughout the day.

Bitchy Production Designer: “Who left their green water bottle with the pink flowers on the HOT SET?!?!?!

Awesome Clapper Loader: “OOOOH. OOOH. That’s mine, thank you.”

As the Producer, provide your eco-conscious crew members with a refillable station at the Craft Services table like this Coleman cooler.



Make sure your PAs fill it with water AND ice, to ensure ice cold water on set.

One thing I suggest, specifically for feature-length projects, is to purchase canteens or reusable bottles for your crew members instead of buying them the requisite souvenir T-Shirts. By passing them out at the beginning of production, you are sending your crew members the message that you intend to be a Green set. Klean Kanteen provides canteens with your personalized logo on them. The beauty of a canteen is that it keeps cooler longer, and no nasty plastic toxins seeping into your water.



My Alma Mater Loyola Marymount University went completely Green by providing their students with canteens and installing more water fountains on campus. If a campus of 8,972 can change their water-consumption lifestyle, I’m sure we could handle a crew of 20 to 50.

That being said, I know there needs to be at least some source of water for the degenerates or day players. So, at the very least, keep a few water bottles in that cooler and, most importantly, a Sharpie tied to the handle as a friendly reminder to keep track of their bottle.

Delta's Commitment

I decided to post today's Daily Photo. On my flight to the Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival, Delta provided these wonderful amenity kits "made Earth-friendly through the use of natural, biodegradable and recycled materials." This toothbrush was made with biodegradable soy products. The bag was of course made with recycled paper and printed with biodegradable inks. For more info, check out their site delta.com/globalgood.

Welcome to Ecopix!

I am a filmmaker and I am environmentally conscious, but I have often felt like these two life choices always seem to be working against each other. Let's face it. We build sets only to tear them down. We buy set and costume design only to stuff them in the backs of our closets. We drive tons of gear and people out to the desert in gas guzzling trucks and vans. Don't even get me started on the issue of bottled water.

So I had to do something, even if it was on a small scale. And, as an independent filmmaker who can barely make her rent each month, I’m pretty familiar with doing things on a small scale.

Ecopix is a blog aimed at student and independent filmmakers as a resource on how to be a greener and more earth-friendly production. Major studios have started to do their part, such as committing to being carbon neutral. But, as we all know, independent filmmakers hardly have the money to spare to offset their carbon consumption. So I have a few ideas and hope to provide information and resources on how to make your production greener. And, of course, your input will be invaluable. Tell me if my ideas suck or seem completely implausible, but only if you know how to make them better. The point is that if we’re all doing something small, all those small things will add up and we can be proud of being this strange anomaly: green filmmakers.