Welcome to the Green Rider campaign
The average blockbuster creates more pollution than the entire country of Dominica does in a fortnight. But we have the power to change that if we stand together. .
That’s why Equity for a Green New Deal created the Green Rider campaign - an actor-led movement shifting the screen industry to a healthier and fairer way of working. Launched in August 2023, it has helped producers, actors and crew cut pollution by up to 80% on numerous TV and film productions.
Taking action is simple: Send production a Green Rider Handshake at the point of job offer, laying out the pollution-cutting actions you will take and what you ask of production in return. This is not a contract, but an offer to collaborate on taking the vital action needed to protect the next generation. The Green Rider Handshake is endorsed by BAFTA albert, and is currently being negotiated into Equity’s collective agreements with PACT. You can adjust the template to your circumstances and change it from job to job. See the Green Rider Website for more.
Why us?
If not us, then who? If not now, then when?
Throughout history, Art has played a powerful role in making social change: the cultural boycott of South African Apartheid, #MeToo, our industry’s resourceful adaptation to Covid, and the SAG-AFTRA strikes prove we have the power to act collectively and make big changes when necessary. Now is the time to take that same positive action on climate change.
Actions you can take
1. Use a Green Rider Handshake on your next job
Download the Green Rider Handshake here. Look at what actions you’d like to commit to and work with your agent to create an agreement you feel comfortable sending to production. Don’t be dissuaded if can’t do everything listed. The aim is progress not purity. See the Actors One Pager for more.
Download the handshake2. Join the campaign
Green Rider is an independent actor-led movement supported by Equity and endorsed by BAFTA albert. The campaign runs social events, workshops and opportunities to connect with like-minded screen workers. If you’d like to get involved please sign up at green-rider.org/subscribe. Your details will not be shared with any other third parties.
Sign up here3. Follow Green Rider and Equity for a Green New Deal on Socials
You can find us on instagram @greenriderorg and @equitygnd
Follow and share to help spread the word and build the movement.
FAQs
Don’t be deterred! Let them know that BAFTA albert have endorsed the Green Rider Handshake and are actively encouraging productions to use it. By getting involved, actors can help productions hit their climate targets. It will benefit them to work with you!
Make clear that you don’t necessarily expect them to achieve everything outlined, but you want to open up a discussion. If this feels difficult for you, contact Equity or Green Rider to liaise with production on your behalf.
Nobody can be perfect. We live in a world that still relies on fossil fuels for many things, so affordable, sustainable options are not always available to us. In order to move to a healthier, fairer economy, we need everyone to get involved. Do what you can. It’s much more powerful to have 99 imperfect people working together than one puritan.
No problem! Adapt it to your circumstances. Keep the discussion alive with your agent and other actors. There may be some projects where you can do more than others. Remember, you are part of a bigger community pushing for big, systemic improvements across the entire industry. This is so much more effective than placing all the responsibility for change on a few individuals.
The team would love to hear from you. Please contact info@green-rider.org