albert International Consortium Launches

albert has announced the formation of the albert International Consortium.

The global community will share albert's UK goals overseas, reducing the detrimental impact the industry has on the environment and to help content makers realise their opportunity to engage audiences on sustainable living.

Dutch broadcaster NTR is joined in the consortium by representatives of Creative BC from Canada, the Greener Screen project (Dubai) and the Screen Greening initiative (Ireland), with discussions already underway in other countries. In addition, the Association for International Broadcasters (AIB) has also joined as an Associate member, and will look to make albert's work visible to its membership base.

albert's UK aim is to provide the industry with the expertise and opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of the production process and increase audience engagement. Its intention now is to extend that offering internationally to enable all overseas film and television communities to benefit from albert's experiences in order to create the most efficient route to sustainability.

Initiated by the BBC in 2011, albert is chaired by BAFTA and is funded by the major UK broadcasters and independent production companies. Together, the group have built a movement of over 4,000 individuals from 400 companies who are committed to making a difference.

Jeremy Mathieu, albert's International Manager, said: "The TV and Film industries are the most public facing sector, and individuals look to us for inspiration. Taking action is a necessity, and our work is to help industry professionals understand what this global challenge means for them, and to support them with solutions."

John Gormley, Screen Greening, said: "albert is performing a crucial function at this time of ecological crisis and is changing the conversation in the film and broadcast industries, motivating producers, directors and everyone on the set to act more responsibly. Here at ScreenGreening in Ireland we hope that by becoming part of the albert international family we can contribute to that valuable work."

Maaike Salverda, NTR, added: "We adopted albert's tools and way of thinking a year ago and are very happy with the positive impact they are having on our company in helping us reduce our own carbon footprint and help other companies in the production chain become more aware of the overall impact of the industry. The tools are easy to use and they really made us aware of the need to change our production methods. We are delighted to join the albert International Consortium and greatly look forward to working with other companies from around the world."

Bassam Al-asad of the Greener Screen commented: "As an environmental advocate, I think every professional industry should consider the environment. Climate change is a human-made problem, and it can't be solved without serious action. The Film, TV and Digital industries are very influential on screen and off screen and we have an important message to deliver. After researching what kind of international efforts are being made we are delighted to join forces with albert. We know it's a long way ahead and we are a small team, but we believe that positive change can be made across the region."

www.wearealbert.org

(JP/MH)