Written by Kianna Best on Mar 20, 2023. Posted in Production News

Screen Queensland and Freemantle Australia launch sustainability internship programme

Screen Queensland and Freemantle Australia have partnered to bring a new sustainability internship. The placement will take place on set of Network 10 and Nickelodeon’s youth series Rock Island season 2 which is currently filming on the Gold Coast. The programme is another step in the region’s commitment to reducing the ecological footprint of local production.

Screen Queensland Chief Creative Officer Dr Belinda Burns commented: “The Environmental Steward Internship was launched as a valuable training opportunity in a growing job area in the physical production sector, allowing an emerging Queensland film practitioner hands-on experience while making a positive impact on our industry and planet.”

The first of its kind placement in Australia, titled the Environmental Steward Internship, was received by Brisbane-based filmmaker Zachary Lurje who will work on the Rock Island mysteries project fo 6 weeks. Lurje will be working alongside the production’s sustainability coordinator, tracking and reviewing carbon footprint calculations, researching recycling options and, with he help of the project’s COVID officer, assessing how COVID protocols impact sustainability on set.

Screen Queensland set out to reduce emissions by 30% before 2030, and this programme is just another step in achieving that. Along with the Australian Federal Government’s commitment to a 43 % national reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. Working with Freemantle Australia, Screen Queensland will be able to amplify their intentions to a multinational network helping to form “environmentally conscious industry standard practices,” as stated by Dr Burns. Freemantle is also working with environmental organisation albert to achieve sustainable production certification.

Images courtesy of Screen Queensland