As part of its continued commitment to accelerating the ecological transition of the audiovisual sector, Ecoprod is proud to partner with Film Paris Region and the Eco-Déco collective on the Circul’Art initiative dedicated to sustainable set design practices.
As part of its third edition, Film Paris Region has developed a series of practical guides on sustainable and circular set and costume design with professionals with extensive experience in both creative dimension and sustainability: Valerie Valero, Sabine Barthelemy and Mahémiti Deregnaucourt.
Six Practical Guides for Eco-Responsible Set
This collaborative work has resulted in a set of seven practical guides designed to support film professionals in integrating sustainability at every stage of set creation and management.
1. Framing Set Design Challenges
How can the environmental footprint of a film set be reduced? This guide outlines key environmental challenges, including waste management, reuse strategies, responsible digital practices, and regulatory frameworks.
2. Designing with “Reverse Design” Principles
Using examples from Maria by Jessica Palud, this guide introduces an innovative eco-design approach where sets are conceived from the outset to be dismantled, reused, and repurposed after the shooting.
3. Building with Eco-Design in Mind
Focusing on early-stage decision-making, this guide explores bio-based materials, modular structures, and reuse-oriented construction methods to rethink traditional set building practices.
4. Sustainable Scenic Painting Practices
From preparation to water usage management, this guide shows how painting workshops can integrate reuse principles and better anticipate the second life of materials.
5. Set Plasterwork and Sculpture
This guide highlights more sustainable alternatives to polystyrene, recycling channels, and improved sorting practices, promoting more responsible sculptural set construction techniques.
Expert Contributions Driving Sustainable Innovation
These guides has been entrusted to leading professionals in production design and costume design, deeply engaged in the environmental transformation of the film industry.
Valérie Valéro, a renowned set designer and Vice-President of the Association des Chefs Décorateurs, brings her expertise and long-standing commitment to sustainable practices in film production design. As co-founder of Eco-Déco Ciné and the Ressourcerie du cinéma, she has been actively developing concrete solutions to reduce the environmental impact of set construction. Her work has been recognized with several distinctions, including the Ecoprod Award for her contribution to the film Maria (2024).
Alongside her, Sabine Barthélémy, chief painter and active member of the Association des Métiers Associés du Décor, contributes her technical expertise and hands-on field experience. Also a co-founder of Eco-Déco Ciné and a board member of the Ressourcerie du cinéma, she has long worked to raise awareness among artistic and technical teams on eco-design challenges. Her deep knowledge of eco-friendly materials and painting techniques has been instrumental in shaping actionable and realistic recommendations.
The guide on costume design has been developed by costume designer Mahémiti Deregnaucourt.
