CBC is offering a free virtual event, SEEDS OF CHANGE, to provide independent producers with new information on how to implement sustainable practices on set and incorporate environmental awareness into their storytelling. Intended to answer producers’ burning questions and address any misconceptions surrounding the topic of sustainability in the Canadian screen industry, the virtual event will take place on Wednesday, April 26 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. ET, with free registration open now. Hosted by Sally Catto, General Manager of Entertainment, Factual and Sports, CBC, the event will be presented with closed captioning and ASL, as well as simultaneous French translation, and will be recorded and made available for those who are unable to attend live.
“While it’s widely understood that there is a strong need to incorporate sustainable practices across the screen industry, we know that it can also seem overwhelming and challenging to all stakeholders, whether they have experience or are just starting out,” said Lisa Clarkson, Executive Director, Business & Rights and Production Sustainability, CBC. “With Seeds of Change, our intention is to share up-to-the-minute research, proven tips and relevant case studies, in a series of fast-paced and positive presentations, to give attendees the information they need now, to help prepare for the future.”
Following an introduction by the new hosts of The Nature of Things, Sarika Cullis-Suzuki and Anthony Morgan, presentation topics will include where to start with sustainability from the perspectives of a programmer and independent producer, and how to budget for it, with new research from the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA); production case studies of sustainability in front of and behind the camera; advice on putting the climate in scripted storytelling from world leader, Good Energy; environmental awareness through an Indigenous lens, with Telefilm; and insights about Canada Media Fund (CMF) Environmental Sustainability initiatives including the CMF's recently announced financial supports for green budget line items. Speakers will include representatives from Cameron Pictures, CBC, CMF, CMPA, Cream Productions, Good Energy, and Telefilm. More information about the speaker lineup and presentations can be found here.
As part of CBC/Radio-Canada’s five-year environmental sustainability strategy Greening our Story, the organization has prioritized sustainability in all areas, including CBC’s requirement of the completion and delivery of a carbon footprint on all original Canadian productions from independent producers with budgets over $400,000, using the albert carbon calculator. CBC was the first Canadian media company to set that standard, to encourage change across the industry, and created the role of Environmental Sustainability Lead, currently held by Leaticia Kaggwa, to support CBC productions in their use of the carbon calculator. As of the beginning of 2023, CBC has removed the budget threshold of $400,000, and all independent productions are now required to complete a carbon footprint, to help further advance positive environmental changes in the industry. CBC also provides free and extensive sustainability tools and resources for Green Production here.
Playback is the Media Partner for Seeds of Change
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tanya Koivusalo, CBC PR
647.649.6067
