39 Pictures is constantly looking at new ways to work, to ensure we are making a positive impact on our world.
Sustainability is fundamental to the way we work, not just in terms of the environment, but also providing opportunities for young people.
Environmental Sustainability
Office
MediaCityUK, where we’re based, was named the first sustainable community in the world by BREEAM in 2011. Its tri-generation scheme is a central, on-site energy source, supplying low-carbon forms of electricity, heating and cooling. Since 2012 a total of 4200 tonnes of CO2 has been saved.
More information can be viewed here.
Vehicles
All are vehicles are now fully electric. We are aware that the biggest environmental impact in the motor industry is in the manufacture, which is why we’ve opted for Polestar, which we believe is heading in the right direction, with its “responsible sourcing” and stated goal of creating a climate neutral car. For more information click here.
Commuting
We are only travelling to the studio when absolutely necessary and working outside of normal hours, to reduce the amount of time spent in traffic.
Plastic
We have removed single-use plastics from our office environment and where possible are using more sustainable materials and plastic alternatives.
As a result of Covid-19, we have looked at numerous face covering options and are now working with Rashr (https://rashr.com) which has supplied us with eco-friendly, reusable face coverings, which are manufactured from recycled Polyester, developed from Reclaimed Ocean Waste.
Website
We have moved our hosting to Green Geeks, a web hosting platform which is is as energy efficient as possible. Plus through a partnership with Bonneville Environmental Foundation in Portland, Oregon, it reports its annual energy usage and purchases energy credits worth 3x the amount of energy it consumes.
It also plants a tree for every account on its platform.
Productions
Whenever possible, we will be eliminating paper from our productions, this means sharing and using electronic scripts, call sheets and briefs. When print-outs are required, we recommend double-sided printing and will encourage all paper to be recycled.
Viewing
We have moved away from physically sending finished productions for review. Instead we are using cloud-based services, including Google and Wetransfer.
On-set
We will encourage all cast and crew to have reusable drink and food containers on set.
For larger productions we will supply sustainable reusable food and drink containers. We are looking to eliminate plastic entirely for food and drink, unless it is reclaimed plastic.
Filming kit
We are currently very limited with computer and camera technology, but we are constantly on the look-out to how we can seek out more environmentally-friendly options.
We are using LED lighting, which is more efficient and only replacing technology when absolutely required. Obsolete technology is recycled.
Charity Partnerships
We have partnered with WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the leading charity, dedicated to the protection of whales and dolphins.
Through the partnership we are providing content and skills to help promote the charity in any way we can.
Media Careers
For almost 20 years, we have been involved with the University of Manchester, helping students start their careers in the media.
For the last decade, this has been based around The Media Club, which we helped establish with the Careers Service. This gives students the chance to hear from experts in the media and hopefully give them an edge in a very competitive sector.
We strive to offer work placements and mentorships to as many students as possible. Although our priority is through our partnerships with the Universities of Manchester, Cardiff and Salford.
Where we need to improve
We know we’re not perfect and we are constantly evolving our work practices and buying behaviour as we discover new and better ways to help our community.