Notes from the field – shooting green: the role of cinematography in eco-pedagogy

Film production has a significant environmental impact, with an average tentpole film producing 2,840 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. At the University of Lincoln, UK, we address this through our BA Film Production curriculum, which integrates sustainable cinematography practices, particularly natural lighting techniques taught in our Level 5 module. This not only educates students about environmental benefits; it also demonstrates the aesthetic merits of these methods. Our BAFTA albert certified training, starting from Level 4, instils sustainability at the core of student projects. By 2025/6, we aim for all graduation projects to achieve albert classification, a goal initiated by our 2023/4 cohort’s success in producing a classified film through sustainable practices such as repurposing resources. The effectiveness of our training is gauged by the growing number of graduation projects attaining albert carbon-neutral classification. This article provides insights into embedding sustainable practices within our curriculum, and how our academic research informs undergraduate and postgraduate modules. It will also reference Mind-Set, directed by Mikey Murray and released in 2022, a University of Lincoln project exemplifying sustainable themes and practices. In conclusion, our graduates are becoming sustainability leaders in the film industry. By exposing them to climate change challenges and the creative possibilities of natural light cinematography, as seen in Nomadland (directed by Chloé Zhao, and released in 2020) and Mind-Set, we are nurturing the next generation of innovators.