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 written a sustainability policy that encapsulates what we really mean by sustainability for ourselves, our suppliers, our partners and the screen sector in the region.
Environmental sustainability is what first comes to mind and in that respect, the industry is stepping up – to provoke a step change in industry practices, the BFI’s Screen New Deal was published in July 2020 with a clear roadmap and five key areas for transformation.
BAFTA Albert 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. ScreenSkills also offers a range of courses to get you started on how individuals and productions can make a difference.
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. Leverage Point have recently provided training for both the Screen Cornwall team and key freelancers in production and locations to ensure our people are working with the latest best practice.
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.
Fair pay is a key part of our commitment to human sustainability. As an accredited Living Wage Employer, we ensure our employees are paid a wage based on the real cost of living. We recognise that a sustainable screen sector depends on people being able to build rewarding and financially viable careers, and we are committed to playing our part in creating fair and inclusive employment opportunities within Cornwall’s creative industries.
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.
