Training - Sustainability Coordinator

Sustainability Coordinator Training for Scripted Productions

COURSE DETAILS

SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR TRAINING FOR SCRIPTED PRODUCTIONS is a unique training programme, driven by a pressing need for a more sustainable approach to film production in Wales.  With the creation of an indispensable future-facing role, as a sustainability coordinator, to help action a change of mindset and working habits in the Welsh screen sector at all stages of production.

The course will be delivered by Tilly Ashton, Wales's only full time Production Sustainability Advisor for Severn Screen and a BAFTA albert trainer.  Tilly’s production credits include the Netflix feature, Havoc, BBC’s Steeltown Murders and Martin Clunes’s new ITV1 drama series, Out There, directed by Welsh director Marc Evans. Tilly will be joined, by Ellie Ashton, who is also working as a sustainability advisor and consulting on projects both nationally and internationally, plus other sustainability experts from BAFTA albert and Aberystwyth University.

Sustainability Coordinators share similar responsibilities such as:

  • Creating, implementing, and maintaining a plan to ensure sustainability initiatives are properly implemented and monitored;
  • Collecting data for albert certification and organising information and evidence for the Carbon Action Plan;
  • Communicating with all departments to highlight actions they could take to develop sustainable choices and minimise negative impacts on the planet;
  • On the ground waste and recycling management and connecting with suppliers who can support the move towards a more circular economy;
  • Encouraging the development of novel products or services that could help the production adhere to current or future environmental standards, such as moving towards a circular economy and/or embracing new technologies.
  • Regularly reviewing the production’s current operations to enhance sustainability in the future;
  • Using excellent communication skills to develop visual communications (including posters, emails and newsletters) to inform crew with sustainability and the climate emergency in a positive and engaging way;
  • Sharing (imperative) information with relevant communities and organisations;
  • Helping to build circular economy networks with schools, colleges, theatre groups, prop houses, local businesses, charities etc.

This programme will give you:

  • The skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Sustainability Coordinator in the screen sector.
  • A mentor to guide and support you.
  • A supported placement as a Sustainability Coordinator on a scripted production or feature film.
  • Networking and other opportunities and resources to secure further work.

Each training session will be delivered by experts working in the sector.  In-person and online sessions will cover topics such as:

  • The role of the Sustainability Coordinator and why it matters
  • Albert Carbon Reporting and certification
  • Waste as a resource and circular economy
  • Project and change management
  • Politics, Productions and People
  • Communication and Engagement
  • Identifying costs and savings from working sustainably
  • Overview of a sustainable scripted production
  • Legal obligations including the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
  • Establishing networks, supplier lists and resources

DELIVERY DETAILS

A. HOW THIS WORKS

This programme is fully funded by Media Cymru, supported by Ymddiried and delivered in partnership with Severn Screen.

The 6 successful trainees will receive a training stipend/bursary to cover potential loss of earnings (£120 for a full day’s training and £60 for half days).

Individuals may also be eligible for a travel & accommodation bursary to support attending in person sessions and placements.

B. WHO CAN APPLY?

The programme is open to anyone over 18, living or working in Wales. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people with a passion for protecting the future of the planet as well as people with experience of working on TV and film productions.  We will also consider experience gained in theatre, audio and visual media, relevant voluntary work or environmental roles.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

  • Some experience working in a sustainability role, or related role.
  • Some awareness/experience of working within television production, ideally in drama or continuing drama.
  • Some understanding of the requirements of BAFTA albert certification.
  • A passion for television and screen content.
  • A demonstrable interest in sustainability, climate change and sustainable production solutions.
  • Excellent planning and organisation skills with the proven ability to multitask.
  • Managing conflicting priorities and delivering to deadlines.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
  • Confident IT literacy.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate with multiple departments.

Other things we’re looking for (additional criteria)

  • Knowledge of sustainability networks within the sector.
  • A good understanding of technical solutions and a keen eye for innovation.
  • Understanding of the production company’s legal obligations and environmental compliance rules.

We recognise the positive value of diversity, promote equality and challenge unfair discrimination.  We always aim to recruit the person who is most suited and welcome applications from all backgrounds.  This includes people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, and beliefs.

We have up to 6 places available.

C. WHEN & WHERE?

The application process will close on Friday 23 February 2024.

Shortlisted applicants will be notified by Wednesday 28 February 2024.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 5 March and Friday 8 March 2024.

We will let everyone know whether their application has been successful by Friday 15 March 2024.

We ask that you ensure you are able to attend all training sessions during the following period:

  • The training programme will run every Tuesday from 9 April 2024 until Tuesday 28 May 2024 (8 weeks)
  • There will be an initial 1-day IN-PERSON session on Tuesday 9 April 2024 in Cardiff (location tbc)
  • Thereafter, there will be a further 6 sessions* (online and in-person), each lasting 3 hours throughout April and May. These will be held on the following dates and times:
    - Tuesday 16 April 2024, 1000-1300
    - Tuesday 23 April 2024, 1000-1300
    - Tuesday 30 April 2024, 1000-1300
    - Tuesday 7 May 2024, 1000-1300
    - Tuesday 14 May 2024, 1000-1300
    - Tuesday 21 May 2024, 1000-1300

*We are planning to run some of these in studio settings (Wolf, Great Point, Dragon & Aria Studios), subject to production activity at the time.  

  • There will be a final 1-day IN-PERSON interactive workshop on Tuesday 28 May 2024, 1000-1700 in either North or South Wales (location tbc).
    Travel arrangements and overnight accommodation for this final training session will be coordinated nearer the time.
  • Between June 2024 and March 2025, trainees will complete a 10-15 week paid placement as a Sustainability Coordinator on a scripted production.
  • Throughout the placements there will also be weekly online drop-in sessions where participants can share the learning they have acquired on productions and raise any questions.
  • Each session will be delivered by experts working in the sector.

D. Q&A WEBINAR

There will be an information webinar on Monday 5 February, 1300-1400, hosted by Tilly Ashton from Severn Screen.

You will be able ask questions about being a Sustainability Coordinator, the training programme and the application process. You do not have to come to this webinar to apply but it is an opportunity to learn more.

Register for the Webinar

E. ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY

If you have any specific requirements that would make this application more accessible to you (such as advice, scribing or reading support) or would like this application in an alternative format (video or audio formats, audio narration, large font, plain text, or alternative language) please email [email protected]

F. ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]