CHINA Edition
Hungarian Edition
The landscape of sustainable filmmaking is continuously evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities, with Green Eyes leading the way in this movement. Júlia Tordai and Zsófia Szemerédy, the founders of Green Eyes, have witnessed significant changes in the industry since our last conversation three years ago.
The company has expanded its operations beyond Hungary and forged stronger connections within the film industry’s evolving sustainability landscape. This evolution reflects a broader shift towards environmental consciousness, evident in the industry’s practices and attitudes.
In this interview, we asked Júlia Tordai and Zsófia Szemerédy to provide an overview of the progress Green Eyes has made and the current sustainability measures and trends present across the film industry:
BPR: What have been the most important developments at Green Eyes over the past three years?
Júlia Tordai: I’d start with what hasn’t changed: our unwavering enthusiasm and passion to make a difference not just in Hungarian, but also in international filmmaking. One change, however, is that we’re now working on productions in both Hungary and the UK. We’ve also worked on Hungarian projects that extend beyond the country’s borders, giving us the chance to observe practices in other countries. These insights have been exciting and crucial for us.
Last year, we launched Hungary’s first sustainability-focused film assistant training program in collaboration with the National Film Institute and MOME. This initiative trained 20 individuals in 60 hours, with five of them joining our team. The introduction of the new ESG law in Hungary in 2024, initially targeting large companies but eventually applicable to all organisations, will significantly support our work.
Zsofia Szemerédy: Our sustainability script reporting has taken off now, which truly makes my heart sing, as it is one of the most paramount stages of filmmaking to start considering sustainability. Our team and scope is fast expanding, which always means change within a small organisation. If we look back over the past three years however, I’d say the biggest change comes in attitude and decision making level. Sustainability is now considered much earlier and on the key decision making, executive level.
BPR: Do you think that these regulations are driving production companies to work with you, or are they starting to understand by its core the importance of what you do?
J. Tordai: It’s a combination of both. Societal demand for greater sustainability is on the rise, partly due to the visible impacts of climate change. More people are becoming interested in addressing this issue, and regulations provide a framework for these efforts.
BPR: What are the main challenges you encounter on high-calibre productions? Are the crew members receptive to the methods you bring to productions?
Zs. Szemerédy: On the top level, we’ve noticed that some studios now have higher sustainability requirements compared to three years ago. In the UK, for example, we’ve encountered productions striving to be ‘diesel-free,’ and similar goals are emerging elsewhere. Most studios and broadcasters have a niche when it comes to approaching sustainability, for example Netflix puts all their emphasis on energy and decarbonisation. On crew level, the change is also visible, crew is more self-motivated to bring solutions that are going to aid their work and also make it sustainable.
J. Tordai: These goals are not only seen at the studio level but also within government organisations. Both domestic and foreign film institutes and offices are setting standards and guidelines. In Hungary, the National Film Institute has established a sustainability workgroup, fostering exciting discussions among major Hungarian film production companies and industry leaders. Progress is being made through various initiatives toward sustainability.
Zs. Szemerédy: Almost every European country now has some form of sustainability criteria, often linked to tax rebates for productions that meet these standards. In countries with more advanced regulations, productions may also need to report their carbon footprint data. We frequently receive inquiries and provide assistance to productions or recommend similar companies that align with sustainability goals. This was not the case three years ago.
BPR: Do productions usually have specific ideas on how they want to become more sustainable, or do they look to you for suggestions?
J. Tordai: Both scenarios are common. Studios and productions often have their own sustainability goals, targets. Some Hungarian production companies adhere to a “green policy” for each production. If studios have specific requirements, we also need to assess available resources in the country or wider region. Implementation can vary based on budget constraints, and that’s where we assist in evaluating and sometimes implementing these requirements.
BPR: Is Hungary capable of solving sustainability issues effectively? For example, can we avoid transporting materials for set construction or costumes over long distances?
J. Tordai: Energy consumption is a significant source of emissions in film production. While Hungary‘s energy mix is generally favourable, there’s room for improvement in utilising more renewable sources. Although most studios currently rely on grid electricity, many are open to transitioning to green energy alternatives. However, materials for set construction, such as timber, are often imported due to local scarcity. Economic factors can pose challenges to sustainability, but productions and studios are committed to making a positive impact wherever possible.
Zs. Szemerédy: In many aspects, we’re ahead of the curve. Although Western studios may seem to lead due to regulations, Hungarian studios are voluntarily embracing green solutions, which is a notable achievement. Our primary focus is on changing attitudes across the board from top down to bottom up, no exception, however ultimately, we’re all working toward creating films and that is the primary goal upheld by each production. We understand that artistic intentions take precedence, with sustainability considerations following suit, it is a mutually supportive process.
BPR: What do you, as a company and as environmentally conscious individuals, hope to achieve in the next three years?
Zs. Szemerédy: My personal goal is for sustainability to encompass not only environmental aspects but also factors like mental health and general well-being. I aim to ensure that both productions and our team operate in a stable and balanced work environment. Although we’ve only been operating for three years, I envision our company evolving into one that doesn’t rely on late-night shifts to meet our goals.
J. Tordai: Luckily, these long hours mean we always have something to work on. However, when asked about our goals and how we plan to grow, it’s difficult to answer, because growth isn’t always sustainable. Despite our efforts, it’s difficult to run and expand a sustainable business. I hope the world around us evolves, and that we see more companies expand sustainably.
BPR: Based on recent years, do you see more productions interested in sustainability, or is interest stagnating?
Zs. Szemerédy: We work internationally, and within Hungary, most of our projects are for international productions. However, we’re also witnessing a growing interest in Hungarian productions. While there’s still room for growth, there’s a generational shift among filmmakers. Those soon to be in decision-making roles are more likely to have grown up recycling and conserving resources.
J. Tordai: Many young individuals participated in our MOME training, indicating that sustainable practices come naturally to their generation. Although the impacts of these changes may not always be immediately visible, we believe that in 20 years, we’ll reflect upon significant transformations within the industry.
Zs. Szemerédy: It’s genuinely gratifying to see changes unfolding, such as the implementation of new regulations and the expansion of local supplier networks. It’s essential to occasionally pause and acknowledge that our efforts are indeed making a difference.
