Green production is progressing gradually, driven by increasing demand and a committed group of stakeholders.
The CNC is advancing the film industry through its Action Plan, that has made carbon calculation mandatory.
Simultaneously, more and more broadcasters and production companies have committed to complying with green production standards.
Several environmental regulations directly affect film and television production:
Social rules
Key laws include :
Victims have access to legal protection, support services, and emergency accommodations, such as the 3919 helpline for domestic violence victims.
The CNC also encourages parity in film crews with a financial bonus for gender-balanced crews and has made training on sexual and moral harassement compulsory at the start of each shooting.
Recent laws have strengthened the fight against cyberbullying and increased penalties for gender-based violence, with enhanced cooperation between the government, NGOs and community groups to support these efforts.
At the regional level, Île-de-France offers green bonuses between €23,000 and €75,000 for specific expenses related to innovative practices or technologies. These are validated alongside funding decisions and disbursed under the same conditions.
In Corsica, an eco-bonus scheme has been set up. A bonus is granted to feature film productions (series/fiction) that comply with a certain number of environmental recommendations specific to the island.
The Grand Est region is also committed to supporting eco-production by asking producers to include a carbon footprint and an environmental action plan into their funding submissions.
As part of the production support, the Southern Region requires projects to attach a provisional carbon footprint when submitting their application and a final assessment to obtain the balance of the subsidy. An environmental action plan must also be submitted in the form of a report, listing good practices and local eco-responsible service providers.
Ecoprod: Association bringing together companies and professionals of the industry, , developing tools such as a free carbon calculator, a label, training and studies green production
There is a national network called RESSAC (National Network of Artistic and Cultural Resources) bringing together several initiatives in France that collect and recirculate set design and costumes elements, such as :
– La Ressourcerie Culturelle in Montaigu-Vendée
– ArtStock, with locations in Saint-Gaudens and Asnières-sur-Seine
– La Caverne
– La Réserve des Arts
France has a well-developed electricity grid available for film productions, especially in large cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, as well as in smaller cities. However, in some remote or less developed areas, accessing reliable connections can be more difficult.
Due to its large share of nuclear power, the French electricity mix is less carbon-intensive than other countries.
Waste sorting is mandatory in France. Companies producing more than 1,100 litres of waste per week must entrust the management of their waste to an approved service provider. This includes companies that specialize in the collection, transport and recovery of waste.
There are specific systems for packaging, electronic waste, hazardous waste, and construction waste. Authorities conduct inspections, and non-compliance can result in fines. Businesses must report their waste management practices.
Here’s a list of service providers specialized in the film industry.
Train transport (rate 4/5) :
France has one of the most extensive and efficient rail networks in Europe, with high-speed (TGV ) services connecting major cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Bordeaux. Regional trains (TER) and Intercity services serve smaller towns and rural areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Integration with European networks and urban rail systems, such as the metro and RER in Paris, further improves accessibility. However, occasional strikes and maintenance issues can sometimes affect the reliability of the service.
Electric cars (rate 4/5) :
In France, major car rental companies such as Hertz, Europcar, and Avis offer electric vehicles, especially in major cities and popular tourist destinations.
Specialized services like Free2move and Share Now also offer convenient options for short-term rentals.
The growing network of charging stations supports this trend, although their accessibility, particularly in rural areas, and the higher cost of EVs compared to traditional vehicles are slightly slowing down their democratization.
Find charging stations via Chargemap.
There’s a large range of comprehensive trainings for industry professionals, fully funded by AFDAS (French organization managing training funds for cultural and creative industries).
Additionally, as part of the France 2030 plan, green production training courses are being introduced in several film schools to prepare the next generation of professionals for sustainable filmmaking.
Calculators :
The CNC has certified 3 calculators for live action:
And Carbulator, for the animation industry.
Labels and guides:
Other calculators and tools are available. Their list can be consulted
on our partner‘s website Green Toolkit Film&TV.
Country’s decarbonization strategy
France’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 is supported by several key measures:
This factsheet was produced by Ecoprod, the leading association promoting ecological and sustainable practices in the audiovisual industry (cinema, TV, animation, advertising, web, podcast, radio).
