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LOS ANGELES -- Jan 18
In a groundbreaking move, Warner Bros. Pictures and Participant Productions have made "Syriana," a multi-layered political thriller about the global oil industry, the first major motion picture to be "climate neutral" by offsetting 100% of carbon dioxide emissions generated by the production during filming -- an estimated 2,040 tons -- with investments in renewable energy. Investments will be made in wind and methane power and, specifically, in projects that may not otherwise happen without this support. Investments are in two projects -- the construction of a family dairy farm methane generator and a wind farm in the Midwest. The wind farm is on Native American land and is Native American owned. In addition to clean energy, the wind farm will create jobs and revenue streams for the tribes from the sale of electricity and the green tags. Warner Bros. Pictures and Participant are bringing critical revenues to the projects up front, contributing directly to their development and construction. Renewable energy sources such as wind and methane provide clean electricity and reduce pollution by displacing energy that would otherwise have to come from fossil fuels like coal and oil. By making these investments, Warner Bros. Pictures and Participant Productions are reducing global warming emissions equivalent to eliminating 4 million average car miles. In the past, film producers and actors have planted trees to sequester carbon emissions from production activities in order to make their films carbon neutral. "Syriana" is the first to offset 100% of its carbon footprint with new renewable energy projects, which will reduce the nation's reliance on fossil fuels while helping Native American tribes and family farms operate sustainable businesses in balance with the earth. "Embarking on this project gives us an opportunity to both learn about and educate the public about our air pollution and climate impacts from using energy and fuel, as well as available alternatives for investing in and promoting clean energy," says Shelley Billik, Vice President, Environmental Initiatives, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. "Measuring one's footprint is also a great way to learn about reducing energy and fuel consumption in the first place. We hope that other studios and productions will embark on similar projects." "We took the initiative in making this film climate neutral because it is the right thing to do and it is in keeping with our mission," says Meredith Blake, Executive Vice President for Corporate & Community Affairs, Participant Productions. "Participant exists to use films as a means for social change and this is one more way we can lead by example and help to bring awareness to the industry that offsetting carbon dioxide emissions is a viable option." Tom Boucher, NativeEnergy President & CEO, says that the film industry is playing a leadership role that others will surely follow. "We hope that Hollywood, businesses, and audiences everywhere will follow this example and help fight global warming by diversifying our energy supply with clean, renewable energy projects they actually participate in getting built," Boucher says. Unless we take steps to reduce our global warming emissions, scientists say that rising temperatures will lead to droughts, extreme weather, and rising sea levels -- endangering our safety, economy, and national security. "Global warming is one of the most significant problems facing our planet, and Participant believes that everyone -- corporations, individuals and governments -- has a role to play," says Blake. "Making our films climate neutral is an example of something we can do to reduce our impact on the planet, leading the way to positive change." About Participant Productions Founded in January 2004 by Ebay pioneer and philanthropist Jeff Skoll and headed by Ricky Strauss, Participant Productions' projects focus on compelling entertainment that highlights important social issues so as to awaken, inspire and empower audiences to make a difference. In addition to "Syriana," Participant's films include: "Good Night, and Good Luck." produced with 2929 Entertainment, directed by George Clooney, and starring Clooney, David Strathairn, Patricia Clarkson and Robert Downey, Jr.; "North Country" directed by Niki Caro ("Whale Rider") and starring Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand and Sissy Spacek. Participant documentaries include the acclaimed "Murderball" in partnership with THINKFilm and MTV Films; and the upcoming "The World According to Sesame Street." About NativeEnergy NativeEnergy is a national marketer of renewable energy credits or "green tags," offering individuals and organizations a means to compensate for their global warming pollution, or to effectively power their homes and businesses with renewable energy. NativeEnergy's patent-pending business process brings upfront payment to renewable projects for their future green tag output, enabling its customers to help finance the construction of new wind farms and other renewable energy projects, such as tribal wind projects and methane digesters on Pennsylvania family dairy farms, which directly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels to meet the nation's electricity needs. NativeEnergy also offers Green-e certified green tags from operating wind farms. Online at: http://www.nativeenergy.com. --30--MTB/la CONTACT: Warner Bros. Pictures Jan Craft, 818-954-2279 or Participant Productions Meredith Blake, 310-550-5137 or NativeEnergy Billy Connelly, 617-877-6745 KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OIL/GAS ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION/RADIO CABLE MOTION PICTURES ENVIRONMENT ENERGY MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Warner Bros. Pictures Copyright Business Wire 2006 |