No fewer than 100 actors are taking a stand against celebrity “riders” by backing a campaign to improve sustainability in the film and television industry. They have agreed to consider and reduce the carbon impact of requirements or conditions attached to their contracts, known as riders.
Some of them include Ben Whishaw, Mark Rylance, Harriet Walter, Juliet Stevenson, Gemma Arterton, David Harewood, Bill Nighy, Miranda Richardson, Paapa Essiedu, Bella Ramsey, Adrian Dunbar and Romola Garai.
Speaking on the decision, Essiedu said: “This summer has brought into sharp focus the reality that climate disaster is not a problem of the future but one of the now. The accepted normal practices of the film industry are rife with waste and a lack of consciousness as to the damage we are causing our planet. But these practices can be challenged and changed.”
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On his part, Rylance said that the film industry was “notorious for its waste and unecological practices”, adding: “Just because we can’t do everything doesn’t mean to say we can’t do anything.”
He said: “We can make all the films in the world about climate change but unless we are environmentally conscious in the process of making them, our efforts are superficial.”
The Green Rider campaign is expected to be launched by the actors’ union Equity at the Edinburgh international television festival on Tuesday. The initiative provides a framework for actors to use in negotiating better practices in the industry. They can add the green rider to their contracts to insist on a more sustainable approach.
Story was adapted from the Guardian.
