Podcast - Saving the planet, one set at a time
Karl Liegis and Helen Panckhurst break down the strategies and opportunities for engaging sustainability in the screen sector.
60Forty Films Head of Production Karl Liegis
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The global screen industry generates millions of metric tons of carbon emissions every year. From fossil fuels to food waste, costumes and sets, the average production can generate over 28700 kilograms of waste, and with pressure on production costs and budgeting, embracing sustainable practices on set can seem daunting.
But a growing movement of practitioners are exploring how to build more sustainable productions, regardless of size, and for 60Forty Films’ Karl Liegis, Australia has the potential to be a world leader. An advocate and early adapter of sustainability on set, Liegis has worked extensively with the UK’s Pact to support the industry as it explores environmental sustainability.

“Look at what has gone before [internationally], learn from it, and invest in the most impactful areas to optimise results and minimise waste to then move forward,” Liegis says. “It’s not about getting it right. It’s about being in action, and learning from the hurdles and setbacks.”
Matchbox Pictures' Helen Panckhurst believes emboldening crew is paramount to successfully introducing new, impactful processes, saying “if people can invest in something, no matter what it is, they love it more and you get much better results.”
Liegis and Panckhurst join this episode to share their insights into how industry can be more environmentally conscious, how sustainability consultants and coordinators work with production, and why it’s more important than ever for the Australian sector to embrace sustainable practices.
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