Eco-conscious filmmaking: NERD Productions on turning challenges into innovation

In today’s eco-conscious world, sustainability has become a hot-topic – but for many in the production industry, it can feel like a challenge to pin down. What does it really mean to create work that leaves less of an environmental footprint? And how do you balance eco-consciousness with the need to deliver innovative, high-quality projects? Over at NERD Productions, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword: it’s a fundamental part of the process.

From pre-production to post, the creative production company has been rethinking how production can work in harmony with the planet, incorporating greener practices into everything it does. NERD has been focusing on how sustainability can be a guiding principle without compromising creativity. For example, one of its stop-motion animations for Charlie Banana saw director Hayley Morris turning recycled paper, textiles, and other hand-picked and carefully sources materials into design elements for the shoot itself. This eco-conscious choice didn’t just reduce waste: it added a tactile, handmade quality to the visuals, aligning perfectly with the brand’s ethos. Hayley would regularly use this approach to bringing her creations to life as a sustainable way of crafting.

Elsewhere in its live-action work, NERD has embraced practical and thought-through solutions. On a recent shoot for Instagram’s More Than a Diagnosis, the team relied on found and ambient light rather than traditional setups, reducing energy use while achieving an organic, authentic look. Transportation (a notorious contributor to production’s carbon footprint) was streamlined by using hybrid vehicles and limiting the number of people on set. Even small details, like encouraging reusable water bottles and selecting eco-friendly makeup products, demonstrates how every choice matters. Wardrobe choices, art department and props can all be done in a very sustainable approach if just a little attention and focus is given to what can be repurposed and reused and also recycled after a shoot!

However, sustainable production starts long before the cameras roll. For NERD, pre-production is key to minimising waste and energy consumption. Digital planning tools have replaced reams of paper, while early conversations with suppliers ensure that sustainable materials are integrated from the start. A major tip that NERD advises is approaching sustainability as a natural part of the creative process, rather than an afterthought. Through this method, it’s been able to make significant changes without disrupting workflows.

The innovation for sustainability can also stretch to post-production, where NERD favours local talent and remote collaborations to cut down on travel, tapping into renewable energy wherever possible.

Of course, sustainability comes with challenges. Initial costs can seem steep, and time pressures can make it hard to explore new approaches. But the team at NERD has found that many green practices save money in the long term and often streamline production processes.

The future of sustainable production is full of possibilities. Advances in LED lighting and energy-efficient technology are revolutionising the industry, while biodegradable materials and digital tools offer inspiring new ways to minimise waste. For NERD, the goal isn’t just to keep up with these developments but to lead the way, showing the industry what’s possible when sustainability and creativity go hand in hand. Once you know what’s possible, it’s easy to make changes that feel meaningful.

NERD’s message is clear: start where you can, with what you have. Try one new sustainable practice on your next project, share what you learn, and keep pushing for better solutions. As the industry evolves, it’s these small, collective efforts that will make sustainable production the norm rather than the exception.