What does sustainability mean for Screen Cornwall?

Chapel Porth - Image courtesy of the National Trust.

It's always been in the DNA of our vision for the screen agency however, now we're beyond start-up and the shock of COVID disruption, we've only just felt able to write a sustainability statement that encapsulates what we really mean by sustainability. It's the buzz word of this decade - used broadly across media, politics and campaigning to mean a multitude of things - and yet strangely vague in its definition. So we started with trying to define it for ourselves in the context of our industry and our regional connections, including Cornwall Council's climate emergency declaration and creative manifesto and the CLASH network run by our wider family Creative Kernow and Cultivator.

 

Environmental sustainability is what first comes to mind and in that respect, the industry is stepping up. Wearealbert.org is a fantastic resource with free online training and a strong focus on both the responsibility we have as storytellers and communicators, as well as the practical behind-the-camera considerations that can significantly reduce a carbon footprint. And to provoke a step change in industry practices, the Screen New Deal was published in July 2020 with a clear roadmap and five key areas for transformation.

In Cornwall, with such a diverse landscape and connection to marine life, the sense of community responsibility for sustainability is probably disproportionately higher than elsewhere in the UK. School children take part in beach cleans from an early age and Surfers against Sewage, an environmental charity dedicated to the protection of oceans, waves, beaches and wildlife, has created 'plastic-free community' standards that many of our towns and villages are adopting. So the struggle against climate change is real and on our doorstep. We therefore speak to all incoming productions about their environmental sustainability plans and mandate that any productions funded or commissioned through us adopt the highest Albert accreditation possible. It's a work in progress, but the intent and the response we get is largely positive.

 

Secondly, there is human sustainability. We all know our industry can be physically and emotionally tough. The Film & TV Charity's recent work on mental health is vital to creating change. Organisations such as Raising Films are exploring how changing working practices can unlock some of the diversity and inclusion issues. Screen Cornwall's values include being open and collegiate. Whether providing a friendly welcome to incoming productions or nurturing new talent, our focus is on a sustainable relationship with everyone we meet. And our team's own personal development and motivation are paramount to providing that great service.

 

Finally, as an agency set up to drive the economic growth of the screen sector, a sustainable approach is vital. While we have to be responsive to short-term factors, all our planning is focused on creating long term stable growth - for individuals and their careers, for companies in the region and for the sector overall. 

 

All of the above has been taken into consideration in writing our first sustainability statement, which we'll review on an annual basis. In thinking about sustainability it became clear that Screen Cornwall's measures of success are much broader than those of a normal limited company, which is why we have decided to start the process of B Corp accreditation. We know it won't be easy but the team and Board are fully committed - we'll let you know how we get on!