The North is ready to lead the change in sustainable TV and Film production

The North is ready to lead the change in sustainable TV and Film production.

Screen Alliance North, the skills cluster made up of Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen, Screen Manchester and Screen Yorkshire, is proud to launch the first cohort of their Sustainability Managers Training programme. This is the first-ever training course built specifically on the newly created National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Sustainability Managers.

8 TV and Film professionals from across the North of England will take part in a newly developed course, supported by the BFI, awarding National Lottery funding. The course will be focused on practical, professional outcomes that will allow participants to lead transformation on set and is the first head of department level training for sustainable production roles.

Sally Mills, course lead and sustainability programme director said;

“This is the first course to align with the pioneering Sustainability National Occupational Standards, launched by ScreenSkills, the BFI and BAFTA albert, with the support of our TV and Film industry last year. It will ensure sustainability is a core, expertly-managed part of every production across the North.

We are combining intensive theory, led by experts, with a practical 8-10 week production placement. This course will equip professionals with the skills needed to protect and celebrate the environment, reduce carbon emissions and create a more climate conscious production sector, whilst always making great programmes.”

The first cohort consists of professionals with a background in film or TV from Production Management and Location roles to Heads of Departments. Leading sustainability figures in the industry will be guest speakers including Logan Jackson at Netflix, Charlotte Ashby, Head of Production at Carnival Films, Tom Gray, Head of Nature Positive at the BBC, Michael Largey of BAFTA Albert and Phil Holdgate, Head of Production Sustainability at ITV Studios.

Penny Hall, Screen Alliance North Partnership Lead said;

“We are aiming for the North to be a beacon of sustainable production, where we lead, innovate, guide and share knowledge on sustainability practices. Participants on this tailored course will gain the skills to navigate the climate landscape, master carbon competence, build strategic sustainability plans, drive cultural change within productions, and develop advanced problem-solving expertise. We are excited to equip these professionals with the vital skills to help the progression of our industry and the preservation of our planet.”

The 2026 cohort is; (left to right on pic)

• Emma Oxton – Manchester
• Tracey Schawsmidth – Yorkshire
• Diva Rodriguez – Yorkshire
• Theresa Pine – Liverpool
• Julie Roberts – Yorkshire
• Ollie Adebisi – Liverpool
• Julie Moran – North East
• (Back row) Daniel Shepperson – North East

For more details of our sustainability work please visit Sustainability – Screen Alliance North