Sustainability Coordinator Training for Scripted Productions

Course Details

Building on the success – and ongoing impact – of last year’s SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR TRAINING FOR SCRIPTED PRODUCTIONS, we are delighted to announce that we are running this innovative programme for a second time, driven by the pressing need for a more sustainable approach to film and TV production in Wales. Designed with the express intention of creating a distinct, future-facing Sustainability Coordinator role in Wales, to help action a change of mindset and encourage greener production practices in the screen sector.  The course will be delivered by sustainability experts Ellie and Tilly Ashton and Nicole Wait.

Ellie is a production sustainability manager, consulting on projects both nationally and internationally; recent credits include Under Salt Marsh (Sky Studios), Havoc (Netflix) and Black Cake (Hulu). Her company Earth to Action partnered in writing and delivering the inaugural sustainability coordinator training in Wales last year.

Tilly leads on sustainability for Severn Screen, one of Wales’s leading independent production companies making scripted drama for film and TV Currently she is Wales’s only full time Production Sustainability Advisor and a BAFTA albert trainer. Her production credits include the Netflix feature Havoc, and the BBC’s Steeltown Murders and Mr. Burton.

They will be joined in delivering this year’s training by Nicole Wait, one of last year’s cohort, bringing with her, indispensable first-hand experiences and insights. Nicole works across Wales to combine her international experience as an educator with this exciting and dynamic role. Her credits include Anemone (Focus Features/NBCUniversal), Under Salt Marsh (Sky) and The Queen of Fashion (Lobster Hat Ltd).

Sustainability experts from Wales and beyond – as well as other sectors – will also join the programme as guest speakers.

The 2025 programme is also informed by our collaborative relationship with Sustainable Screens Australia, as learnings and ideas re shared around the globe.

The role of the Sustainability Coordinator involves:

• Aligning actions with the goals of the Screen New Deal: Transformation Plan for Wales and wider principles of The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015);
• Liaising with broadcasters / commissioners and production companies to put their sustainability policies into production practice;
• Creating, implementing, and maintaining a plan to ensure sustainability initiatives are effectively embedded and monitored;
• Tracking and evaluating data for albert certification and organising information and evidence for the Carbon Action Plan;
• Communicating with all departments to highlight actions they could take to develop sustainable choices and minimise negative impacts on the planet;
• Managing on-the-ground waste and recycling and connecting with suppliers who can support the move towards a more circular economy;
• Encouraging the development of sustainable products or services that could help the production adhere to current or future environmental standards, such as moving towards a circular economy and/or embracing new technologies;
• Regularly reviewing the production’s current operations to enhance sustainability in the future;
• Using excellent communication skills to develop visual communications (including posters, emails and newsletters) to inform crew about sustainability and the climate emergency in a positive, reciprocal and engaging way;
• Sharing (imperative) information and connecting with relevant communities and organisations, as well as other Media Cymru funded projects to build collaboration;
• Helping to build circular economy networks with schools, colleges, theatre groups, prop houses, local businesses, charities etc.

This programme will give you:

• The skills and knowledge needed to succeed as a Sustainability Coordinator in the screen sector
• Mentors and a wider network of sustainability professionals to guide and support you
• A supported placement as a Sustainability Coordinator on a scripted production or feature film
• Networking and other opportunities and resources to secure further work
• A transferable skillset and knowledge base that has cross sector relevance
• An awareness of other initiatives and goals focussed on delivering the targets of the Screen New Deal: Transformation Plan for Wales, and potential for collaboration

Each training session will be delivered by experts working in the sector.  In-person sessions will cover topics such as:

• The role of the Sustainability Coordinator, the opportunities it presents and why it matters
• BAFTA albert Carbon Reporting and certification
• Waste as a resource and circular economy
• Project and change management
• Politics, Productions and People
• Communication and Engagement
• Identifying carbon and financial efficiencies from working sustainably
• Overview of a sustainable scripted production
• Legal obligations, including The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023
• Developing collaborative networks, supplier lists and resources

Delivery Details

How this works

This programme is fully funded by Media Cymru and the training is delivered in partnership with Earth to Action, in collaboration with Severn Screen.

Up to six successful trainees will receive a training stipend/bursary to cover potential loss of earnings (£150 for a full day’s training and £75 for half/travel days).

The 60-day placement daily rate will increase to £200 a day to reflect longer working hours.

Individuals may also be eligible for a travel and accommodation bursary to support attending in-person sessions and placements.  Travel to production sets/locations will be covered by each production, alongside meals and accommodation (when required), in line with BECTU rates.

Who can apply?

The programme is open to anyone over 18, living or working in Wales.  We are particularly keen to receive applications from people with a passion for protecting the future of the planet as well as people with at least a year’s experience of working on TV and film productions.  We will also consider experience gained in theatre, audio and visual media, relevant voluntary work or environmental roles.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)

• Some experience working in a sustainability role, or related role.
• Some awareness/experience of working within television production, ideally in drama or continuing drama.
• Some understanding of the requirements of BAFTA albert certification.
• A passion for television and screen content.
• A demonstrable interest in sustainability, climate change and sustainable production solutions.
• Excellent planning and organisation skills with the proven ability to multitask.
• Managing conflicting priorities and delivering to deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative.
• Confident IT literacy.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate with multiple departments.
• Full driving license.

Other things we’re looking for (additional criteria)

• Knowledge of sustainability networks within the sector.
• A good understanding of technical solutions and a keen eye for innovation.
• Understanding of the production company’s legal obligations and environmental compliance rules.
• Ideally access to a vehicle.

We recognise the positive value of diversity, promote equality and challenge unfair discrimination. We always aim to recruit the person who is most suited and welcome applications from all backgrounds. This includes people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, and beliefs.

We have up to six places available.

When and where

The application process will close on Thursday 24 July 2025 at 11:59 pm .

Shortlisted applicants will be notified by Thursday 31 July 2025.

Interviews will take place the week beginning 13 or 14 of August 2025.

We will let everyone know whether their application has been successful by Friday 15 August.

We ask that you ensure you are able to attend all training sessions during the following period:

• The training programme will run every Friday from 12 September until Friday 3 October 2025 (4 weeks) There will be 4 full-day sessions (IN-PERSON). These will be held on the following dates and times in locations across South Wales:
  • Friday 12 September 2025, 1000-1800
  • Friday 19 September 2025, 1000-1800
  • Friday 26 September 2025, 1000-1800
  • Friday 3 October 2025, 1000-1800

*We are planning to run each of the sessions in studio classrooms across South Wales (ie. at Wolf, Great Point, Dragon, Roath Lock, Bay and/or Urban Myth Studios), subject to production activity at the time.   Training will default to the University of South Wales if these sessions cannot be accommodated.

• There will be half a day’s car share travel and an overnight in Llangefni (North Wales) on Thursday 9 October (transport and accommodation will be provided).
• There will be a visit to Aria Studios on Friday 10 October, followed by travel to and an overnight stay and an evening activity at the Centre of Alternative Technology in Machynlleth.
• There will be a final 1-day interactive / consolidation workshop on Saturday 11 October 2025 at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth from 1000-1600. To be followed by shared travel back to South Wales.
  Travel arrangements and overnight accommodation for this North Wales aspect of the training will be coordinated nearer the time. 
• Between October 2025 and March 2026, trainees will complete a 60-day (10-12 week) paid placement IN PAIRS as a Sustainability Coordinator on a scripted production.
• Throughout the placements there will also be regular online mentoring sessions with the training providers, where participants can seek support, share the learning they have acquired on productions and raise any questions.

Q&A Webinar

There will be an information webinar on Thursday 17 July 11:00 am – 12:00 pm hosted by the training providers.

You will be able ask questions about being a Sustainability Coordinator, the training programme and the application process. You do not have to come to this webinar to apply but it is an opportunity to learn more.

Sign up for the webinar.

Access and Accessibility

If you have any specific requirements that would make this application more accessible to you (such as advice, scribing or reading support) or would like this application in an alternative format (video or audio formats, audio narration, large font, plain text, or alternative language) please email media.cymru@southwales.ac.uk

Any Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact:  media.cymru@southwales.ac.uk