Screen sector receives green funding boost

Professionals and companies working in the screen industries can bid for new funding to scale up their work in environmental sustainability.

Media Cymru, which is led by Cardiff University, and Ffilm Cymru Wales are partnering on a new £600,000 Greening the Screen Fund. Organisations based in the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) can apply for up to £250,000 to reduce their negative impact on the environment.

Managed by Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Fund focuses on research and development (R&D) projects with the potential to deliver positive, long-term change across the sector.

Media Cymru R&D Producer Greg Mothersdale, who leads on environmental sustainability, said: “It is clear that the screen sector needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and material waste as a priority. We are looking for long-term solutions to the industry challenges of reaching net zero.

“Our Greening the Screen Fund supports the research and development of innovative solutions which address these challenges, and we are encouraging applications from any industry which could collaborate with the screen sector in order to do so.”

Louise Dixey, Ffilm Cymru Wales’ Sustainability Manager, says: “It is an exciting time to collaboratively address sustainability in the screen industry and this significant Fund supports the priorities identified in the BFI and BAFTA albert’s Screen New Deal report. The film and TV production industry has an unparalleled opportunity to be the catalyst of change.”

Media Cymru is a collaboration to turn the Cardiff Capital Region into a global hub for media innovation with a focus on green and fair economic growth.

The Greening the Screen fund will be open for applications from 18 September to 1 November 2023, with projects starting from 1 April 2024. Find out more and how to apply at www.ffilmcymruwales.com