Eco-production has significantly advanced in the last four years. In 2020, the Czech Producers Association (APA) launched greenfilming.cz, a platform to raise awareness in the audiovisual sector, while TV NOVA integrated sustainable practices, becoming a leader in green filming
A 2023 survey showed notable progress: 90% of members address waste sorting, 81% focus on materials used on set, and 78% on office operations. Twenty productions have adopted eco-production policies, and three have a dedicated sustainability role.
However, the main challenge remains resistance to these practices, despite growing demand, particularly from international productions, and without government intervention.
Reducing the carbon footprint: There are no specific regulations in this area.
Waste management: The Czech Waste Management Act (Act 541/2020 Sb) mandates waste prevention and encourages reuse, recycling or energy recovery. Companies must comply with local waste management rules.
CSR and ESG reports: Large companies must publish an annual report on their social, environmental and economic impact, in accordance with the European Directive 2014/95/EU. The three main Czech broadcasters will have to comply with this regulation.
Social rules
Productions must comply with Czech anti-discrimination laws, including the Anti-Discrimination Act 198/2009 Sb. guaranteeing equal treatment and prohibiting discrimination in access to employment, education, and services.
They must also comply with the Czech Labour Code, which regulates working hours, health and safety, and anti-harassment
The government has also published the Gender Equality Strategy 2021-2030, covering several areas of society.
Newly established Principles of sustainable filmmaking in Czech Republic – represent a set of basic recommendations in the production of audiovisual works to support the reduction of the negative impact of the audiovisual industry on the environment.
Czech audiovisual producers can voluntarily adhere to the Principles and implement them in their projects at a fundamental or extended level.
For responsible filmmaking, it is a question of setting standards that are currently achievable in the Czech Republic. All parties concerned are aware that the application of these principles will be reflected in the production budget of the audiovisual work
There is a Newly established Czech Platform for Sustainable Audiovisual Production. Its information and knowledge base will as of now reside on www.greenfilming.cz.
The Memorandum on the Establishment of the Czech Platform for Sustainable Audiovisual Production was signed by 6 important stakeholders in the audiovisual industry
– APA (Czech Producers’ Association), ARAS (Association of Czech Film Directors, Screenwriters and Script Editors), all three main Czech broadcasters
– Czech Television, FTV Prima, TV Nova, and FAMU (Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague).
However, stakeholders as The Czech Film Fund, Creative Europe, post production Studio Beep, green filming consulting firms – b.green and Planet A Collective, AKA (Association of Communication Agencies) and others are involved.
The connection to the power grid is generally good, but remote locations can pose challenges. In Prague, it is now easier to get a temporary connection to the grid thanks to the PRE (Prague Energetic) which allows the application to be submitted digitally online.
Train
The Czech Republic has a fairly extensive rail network, but some local lines are slow, and punctuality of trains can sometimes be an issue.
Electric cars
There are more than 16,000 electric cars on Czech roads, with around 3,650 public charging points available. Electromobility is growing, with an improvement in infrastructure, especially in large cities. Electric and hybrid cars are available for rent.
Here a map of charging stations (rychlonabíjecí = fast charging, standardní = standard charging)
Companies must classify their waste by type and prove to whom they have handed it over. Audiovisual productions can use municipal waste management systems on the basis of a written contract with a licensed professional for municipal, construction and demolition waste.
Companies must submit a report on their waste management if they generate more than 600 kg of hazardous waste or 100 tonnes of other waste per year.
Waste reporting is carried out by the waste generator of more than 600 kg of hazardous waste or 100 t of other waste per year and by the operator of the facility (e.g. collection yard, landfill).
Separate systems exist for paper, plastic (including milk cartons), glass, cans, compost, cooking oils, drugs, 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.
Directory how to separate waste and recycle
Art Re Use : central point of communication for the recycling and redistribution of used exhibition and art materials in order to give them a second life
ReUse Federation : Non-profit organization promoting reuse and connecting many reuse centers around the Czech Republic.
There is not a comprehensive list of specialized services and providers. Greenfilming.cz has started to collect such information and Czech Platform for Sustainable Audiovisual Production has created such a directory as one of its goals.
There are two main services:
The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU) has announced FAMU has launched the Green Deal project to support sustainable development in the audiovisual industry.
By the academic year 2025/2026, the Faculty will develop courses for students and professionals. Currently, a semester Greenfilming course is offered at FAMU by Michaela Rýgrová.
One-off workshops and modules on sustainability and green filming are organised by FAMU and the APA.
Resources & Case study attached
Case study
There is currently a lack of publicly published green production case studies. One example can be from the movie Okupace and a 5 days commercial shoot, both by b.green. Besides b.green, TV Nova and Planet A Collective could be interesting sources of case studies or reports on green filming from their projects.
Calculator :
The Czech Republic’s National Energy and Climate Plan sets targets. The Czech Republic’s main objective is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2005, with a reduction of 44 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
The plan is based on two main strategic documents: the State Energy Policy of the Czech Republic (2015) and the Climate Protection Policy of the Czech Republic (2017). In 2050, a 34% reduction in emissions is expected thanks to the measures of the plan.
The state’s environmental policy for 2030, with a perspective until 2050, includes environmental protection goals, with specific measures in areas such as water, air, hazardous substances, and biodiversity.
