Green production is increasingly gaining momentum due to demands from broadcasters, streamers, and film institutes. A key reporting tool is the Green Producers Tool, widely adopted by broadcasters like NRK, DR, TV4, TV2 Denmark, TV2 Norway, Viaplay, and most major production companies.
Social rules
Freedom to Roam
This is a traditional right from Scandinavian law that allows people to access and use certain public and private land for recreational purposes. The principle is deeply rooted in Norwegian culture and promotes public access to nature, with the expectation that people respect the environment, private property, and agricultural activities.
In Norway, this right is codified in the Outdoor Recreation Act (“Friluftsloven“), which outlines the responsibilities of those who exercise this right, including the duty to avoid causing damage or disturbance. You will still need permission from the land owner to shoot on these locations.
Regulations and Reporting Obligations:
The film and TV industry in Norway is guided by the Film Act, which encourages production to minimize their carbon footprint and adhere to guidelines that promote eco-friendly practices.
Productions must report on their environmental impact and sustainability efforts, – often using The Green Producerd Tool provided by the Green Producers Club.
Carbon Emissions Reporting: Productions are increasingly required to report on their carbon emissions and demonstrate reduction efforts. This is supported by tools and calculators offered by organizations such as the the Green Producers Club.
Green Bonuses and Tax Credits:
While Norway does not have specific green tax credits for film and TV, various tax incentives exist for production companies.
Local Regulations: Additional local regulations may apply depending on filming locations. These often focus on protecting natural resources and minimizing disruptions to local communities. Permits that consider environmental impact assessments are frequently required.
To do so, GPC works in two key areas: knowledge sharing (The Club) and measurement (The Tool).
GPC fosters collaboration through Club Meetings, bringing together members and sustainability professionals to share best practices, ensure alignment, and drive industry-wide change.
GPC provides its members with access to the Green Producers Tool (GPT), a research-based climate tool aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol). This tool helps users make informed decisions, plan and design their productions, measure impact, and report emissions. Based on this data, roadmaps are created to meet the milestones of 2030 and 2050.
GPT is specifically designed for producers and line producers working across borders, enabling teams to collaborate seamlessly on emission calculations—even in complex production setups involving multiple energy sources and supply chains. The tool ensures accurate tracking and reduction of emissions, adapting to real-world production needs.
Regional Film Commissions :
Broadcasters : Major broadcasters like NRK (the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation),are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices in their productions, and supporting initiatives to reduce environmental impact.
Broadcasters have specific guidelines and requirements for sustainability that productions must follow to receive funding or air time.
Unions: Unions, such as Norsk Filmforbund, play a crucial role in advocating for sustainable practices within the industry.
Train
Norway’s rail network is well-developed in the southern and central parts of the country, connecting major cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.
The railway does not extend north of Bodø. For travel further north (e.g., Tromsø, Lofoten, or Finnmark), other transportation options like buses or ferries are necessary
Electric cars
Sixt Rent a Car: A variety of electric vehicles, including models like the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf.
Hertz : Electric cars available for rent, including the Tesla Model 3 and other popular EVs.
Europcar : A selection of electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3.
Avis :Electric car rentals, including models like the Tesla Model 3.
GoGet :A car-sharing service that includes electric vehicles for short-term rentals.
Charging Stations in Norway
Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association (Norsk Elbilforening): Provides a comprehensive map of charging stations throughout Norway.
Recharge : A network of fast charging stations available across Norway.
Fortum Charge & Drive: Offers charging stations across Norway, including fast chargers.
Circle K : Many Circle K gas stations in Norway have fast charging stations for electric vehicles.
Tesla Supercharger :Tesla’s Supercharger network provides fast charging for Tesla vehicles at various locations across Norway.
Useful Information
Generally manageable, but the ease of connection can vary depending on the location, type of shoot, and specific requirements.
General Process for Connecting to the Electric Grid :
Key Companies for Electric Grid Connection
Considerations for Filming
Waste regulations in Norway, governed by the Waste Regulations (Avfallsforskriften), require producers, including film and TV productions, to manage waste responsibly with an emphasis on recycling and waste reduction. Productions must typically sort waste into categories (e.g., general waste, recyclables, hazardous waste) to facilitate proper disposal.
Local municipalities manage waste collection and recycling programs, often providing sustainability guidelines to help film productions comply with waste management requirements.
Key Waste Management Companies and Organizations
Den nasjonale filmkommisjonen / The National Film Commission
The national film commission is responsible for promoting Norway as a filming destination and providing assistance to production companies.
True North
A service production company providing full production support for international film and TV projects in Norway.
Lofoten Film
Based in Lofoten, this company specializes in supporting international productions with local resources and logistics.
Loop Film
Works across Norway.
Here is an overview of Film, Television & Commercial Production Services in Norway, however note that some companies may not be relevant.
Green Producers Club : A knowledge hub and facilitates the exchange of experience and know-how between users of the Green Producers Tool. Our members get access to production guides and crew guides, to the Club Portal, invites to seminars and workshops, and a chance to meet across sectors and countries.
Norske Produksjonsledere – Tv-Drama og Film : Norwegian Production Managers in TV-drama and Film.
Locations in Oslo :Group for locations scouting and sharing.
Locations in Norway :Group for locations scouting and sharing.
Art Department Group :Group for Art Department, both finding props, donating/selling/renting as well as finding crew.
Filmmakers in Norway (Oslo) : General group for filmmakers in Norway.
Green Producers Club – Provides the Green Producers Tool, crew guides production guides for members.
Kristoffer Sindre Vittersø: kristoffer@vitterso.no
Oda Pedersen Taule: odaptaule@gmail.com
Are Syvertsen: are.syvertsen@gmail.com
Country’s decarbonization strategy
Environmental Protection Act: Norway’s Nature Diversity Act and Pollution Control Act are the primary legislations governing environmental protection. These require all activities, including film and TV production, to consider their environmental impact and minimize harm to ecosystems.
This factsheet was produced by Mads Astrup Rønning from the Green Producers Club.
