Pitching and Planning for Sustainable Filmmaking

The Sustainable Darkroom invites you to participate in our Slow Photography series, fusing theory and practice, to provide you with a deeper and more critical view of sustainability in photographic and filmmaking practice.

This is a three-part, online workshop taking place over the following Mondays in April and May: 22nd, 29th and 6th from 6pm - 8pm online.

Through critical discussions, location scouting exercises and environmentally informed filming methods, participants will generate their own approach to create a treatment and pitch for sustainable filmmaking.

Experience Level: All levels are welcome. Participants will benefit from choosing a film subject and / or filming location prior to the workshop.

Tools:

• 1 x 35mm film camera or iphone / android

Materials:

• 1 x B&W 35mm film roll (400 ISO) if using analogue photography
• Notebook and pen for writing

Session 1: Breaking Down Sustainability in Filmmaking (22nd April)

In this session we will discuss approaches for sustainable filmmaking used by a selection of filmmakers. Elise will share her own methodologies, including writing, location scouting, site-specific and critical research, deep listening, carbon accounting, and gear choice. Participants will be invited to engage with a series of exercises to develop their own critical thinking and planning methods for their project. Self-directed work will include image making while location scouting and developing critical questions around your chosen location.

Session 2: Making a treatment (29th April)

We'll start by discussing our experiences in location scouting. Elise will provide examples of film treatments and assist you in creating your own. You will learn about the environmental impact of analogue vs. digital filmmaking and methods to work more sustainably, including plant-based developers and carbon accounting techniques. You’ll be encouraged to think critically about these methods as you plan for filming and creating your treatment. Self directed work will include working on your treatment and preparing to pitch.

Session 3: From stillness to movement (6th May)

Building from sessions 1 + 2, participants will be invited to pitch their project to the group. We will give each other feedback, think critically and constructively about sustainable approaches proposed in each project pitch. Elise will share insights on next steps in pursuing your filmmaking project, including funding resources. There will be time for questions.

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Elise Guillaume is a Belgian artist and filmmaker exploring our complex relationship with nature. In 2023, she was selected for the Arctic Circle residency and held a solo exhibition at Espace Croisé, Centre for Contemporary Art. In 2022, she graduated from the Royal College of Art and received a DYCP grant from the Arts Council England. That same year, she was a finalist in the Aesthetica Art Prize and winner of the Art Nova prize at Arte Laguna Art Prize. Her works have been showcased internationally, including LMNO gallery (2023, BE), Gasworks (2023, GB), KIKK Festival (2021, BE), CICA Museum (2021, KR), Imagine Science Film Festival (2022, USA), and at the Centre Wallonie Bruxelles / Paris (2022-23, FR).

www.eliseguillaumeart.com

@elise__guillaume

For student tickets, please book using a valid student email.