Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts is being recognized for its efforts in sustainable filmmaking. The school has partnered with the Environmental Media Association (EMA) and joined the Green Film School Alliance to implement environmentally responsible practices in its film production curriculum.
In 2025, student productions at FSU earned more EMA Green Seals than those from New York University, Columbia University, Chapman University, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California combined. The EMA Green Seal is awarded to productions that meet high standards for sustainability.
Jessica Schilling, professor of editing and a member of the Faculty Green Committee, said: “Great storytelling and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. We’re proud to lead the charge in teaching the next generation of filmmakers how to create without compromise, both artistically and environmentally.”
FSU became part of the Green Film School Alliance in 2024. The alliance includes institutions such as the American Film Institute, New York University, Columbia, and Sundance. Its focus is on reducing environmental impact during physical production and sharing best practices among member schools.
Student involvement has been important in advancing these efforts. The first group of Sustainability Representatives—many also serving as campus Sustainability Fellows—helped develop systems now used throughout student film projects.
Keith Cohen, who graduated in 2025 with a BFA in film production, said: “Advocating for sustainable sets is so important to me, because the amount of waste produced by a single production within a single day is not only eye-opening, but disheartening. As emerging filmmakers, we must aspire to create positive change not only through the stories we tell but also within the process through which we tell them.”
Cohen added: “I can’t help but feel that the product itself is enhanced because its production made an active effort to avoid destructive practices. We have to consider the well-being of our planet and make an active effort to not only reduce waste but inspire sustainable behaviors. In doing this, we as a film school are resisting the pitfall of complacency and aspiring for a better, greener tomorrow.”
Will Hill, a 2025 MFA graduate in virtual production, commented on industry trends: “Environmental sustainability is no longer a choice in any industry; it’s a necessity. This challenging reality requires bold leadership, and FSU Film has risen to the occasion. Every choice matters. Earning the Green Seal on a production is a tremendous honor that shows how the creatives behind the work understand this. For film and art to lead culture, it must also demonstrate respect for the planet.”
FSU’s sustainable practices include eliminating single-use plastic water bottles on set, using energy-efficient LED lighting instead of traditional tungsten bulbs, encouraging carpooling among crew members, sourcing wardrobe and props from local Goodwill stores rather than buying new items when possible, and moving toward digital call sheets and sign-in forms.
Schilling emphasized critical thinking about sustainability: “We pride ourselves on being a public film school, and we want students to think critically about the many ways they can incorporate sustainable practices into their filmmaking. This initiative reflects our commitment to staying ahead of industry standards. We’re right at the forefront of this aspect of filmmaking.”
The College received its first student EMA Green Seal in 2024; one year later it holds 16 Green Seals—a result Schilling attributes to student enthusiasm supported by faculty guidance.
“Their enthusiasm inspired others to get involved, which made it easier for the effort to grow,” she said. “We were able to implement sustainable practices across productions and cycles, and in the process establish systems that now apply to all of them.”
Paige Roberts, Head of Admissions at FSU’s College of Motion Picture Arts stated: “This alliance focuses on tangible steps to lessen the environmental impacts of physical production on the environment, a willingness to share best practices and a pledge to further sustainability initiatives across our schools. The undergraduate students alongside faculty leaders are leading the charge for FSU Film and we are excited for the future of sustainable filmmaking.”
More information about these initiatives can be found at https://film.fsu.edu/.
