The intersection of green technology and green mindfulness in filmmaking continues to evolve, with both ecological innovation and conscious, sustainable practices becoming integral parts of the industry. Green filmmaking practices not only prioritize environmental responsibility but also help filmmakers reduce costs, innovate creatively, and reach socially aware audiences. Industry-wide, we are trending towards sustainability.
Green Technology in Filmmaking
In 2025, the film industry has increasingly embraced green tech in all stages of production—from pre-production to post-production. Energy-efficient LED lighting has reduced overall use of generator power, kept carbon emissions down and saved the backs of countless electricians. These lights consume significantly less energy than traditional tungsten lights and have a longer lifespan, making them both environmentally and economically advantageous. Hollywood has seen a massive shift toward LEDs, with productions like Avatar 3 (2025) opting for LED screens in their virtual sets.
Virtual production—utilizing green screens, LED walls, and real-time rendering software—has dramatically reduced the need for extensive travel to exotic locations, reducing the carbon footprint of film productions like The Mandalorian (2019) and its spin-offs. This year the use of Volume stages, LED walls, etc. have increased ten-fold as they become more accessible and cheaper, and an increasing numbers of mid-sized productions are incorporating them into their process. A wonderful side benefit is to decrease environmental impact of travel.
Solar energy has joined film production in 2025, with Dune: Part Two (2025), utilizing a fully solar-powered base camp in the desert to minimize fossil fuel use during shooting.
Green Mindfulness in Filmmaking
Beyond technological innovation, the shift toward green mindfulness in filmmaking is also evident in a growing commitment to environmentally conscious decision-making throughout the production process. This includes everything from reducing waste on set to adopting more sustainable practices in costume design, set construction, and post-production.
The use of sustainable materials in costume design in the 2025 remake of The Hunger Games saw costume designers utilizing materials made from recycled fabrics and organic fibers. Modular Designed Set Construction allows for the reuse or repurpose of building materials, saving tons of waste from landfills and saving money. Green Catering practices isn’t just limited to the salad bar, anymore. Ecologically mindful catering in the Pacific Northwest production of “Criminals” offered more plant-based menu items and zero-waste practices.
Sustainability in filmmaking is also influencing storytelling, with more filmmakers choosing to create narratives that highlight environmental themes. The Ocean’s Call (2025), directed by eco-conscious filmmaker Rebecca Liu, is an example of a film directly addressing the climate crisis. Not only does the film explore environmental themes, but it also practiced sustainable filmmaking by reducing plastic waste on set, offsetting carbon emissions, and working with environmental organizations to raise awareness.
The push for greener filmmaking continues to gain momentum. As the industry embraces green technologies and green mindfulness, both on-screen and behind the scenes, the environmental impact of filmmaking is steadily being reduced. The industry is learning to balance its ecological footprint with creative ambition, which not only benefits the environment but also reflects a broader cultural shift toward eco-consciousness in the entertainment world. As this movement grows, the future of filmmaking looks both brighter and greener.