Hayley Atwell, David Harewood & Ben Whishaw Among 100+ UK Actors Backing Equity Green Rider Proposal
21.08.2023 - 23:15
/ deadline.com
Hayley Atwell, David Harewood and Ben Whishaw are among more than 100 UK actors backing a proposal for a ‘Green Rider.’
Mark Rylance, Gemma Arterton, Stephen Fry, Bella Ramsey, Paapa Essiedu, Natalie Dormer, Adrian Dunbar and Jerome Flynn have also put their names to a statement from performing arts and entertainment union British Equity that outlines terms actors can request to make productions less damaging to the environment.
The statement outlines the terms of the Green Rider, which is a series of proposals Equity claims will “empower artists” and help them add clauses to their contracts that work towards an environmental culture shift. These proposed contractual agreements between artists and producers would “improve sustainability in the UK’s TV and film industry,” according to Equity.
The union cited Albert research showing the average tentpole film production produces 2,840 tonnes of CO2. It added that riders have in the past been infamous for allow high-profile talent to make demands such as the use of private jets, which are often “environmentally damaging.”
The Green Rider will, in contrast, help status and star power be measured by “positive behavior and influence.” It will also allow actors to more boldly negotiate on-set sustainability standards before they accept work.
Specifically, the rider will help
The overarching aim is for the Green Rider, which was collectively created by a network of union members called Equity for a Green New Deal, to be included in the collective agreements Equity has with producers.
Equity is in discussions with the BBC, ITV and Sky Studios to pilot the Green Rider in upcoming productions to inform the next steps, and more details are expected to be announced tomorrow at an