FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2025
St. John’s, NL — A new report led by econext, in partnership with PictureNL and local stakeholders in the film and television community, is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future for the industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. The environmental scan, the first of its kind in the region, establishes a baseline understanding of the sector’s environmental performance and identifies opportunities for cleaner, more efficient film production practices.
The study was informed by a series of workshops, set visits, and individual consultations with producers, crew members, suppliers, and service providers. Through these conversations, econext developed a report that captures how the local industry operates and where practical improvements can make the most impact.
“As Newfoundland and Labrador’s film and television industry grows, the demand for environmentally sustainable practices increases,” said Laura Barron, CEO, econext. “Working with PictureNL, we looked at how to help our local industry achieve long-term cost savings, attract service production and domestic and international investment, minimize the environmental impact of the industry, and meet international standards and expectations for film production sustainability. At econext, one of our focus areas is helping businesses reduce their environmental impact – including greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and waste diversion – so this project was a good fit.”
The report outlines several recommendations designed to help productions and suppliers take incremental, but meaningful, steps toward sustainability. Among the recommendations are the following:
These actions will help film productions meet the environmental requirements of major funders and distributors and also enhance the province’s ability to attract large-scale projects from international studios such as Netflix, Apple and Disney.
“The screen industry in Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing remarkable growth and recently reached a major milestone of $1 billion in production activity since the inception of our organisation,” said Laura Churchill, Chief Executive Officer with PictureNL. “Maintaining that momentum means being ready for a future where sustainability is an important aspect of every production decision. Our ability to compete globally depends on both our creative talent and responsible practices.”
The Film and Television Sustainability Environmental Scan offers a clear starting point for continued progress. By identifying realistic, locally informed steps, the report supports an industry that is both competitive and environmentally responsible, and ready to meet the expectations of the global marketplace.
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s film community continues to grow in ways that reflect our creativity and the inspiration we derive from the place we call home,” said Barron. “Partnerships such as this one can help drive sustainable film development that will create opportunities for local businesses and also take good care of the environment that helps make our stories unique. We’re proud to be part of this initiative, and thank PictureNL for their collaboration.”
About econext
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.
About PictureNL
PictureNL (formerly Newfoundland & Labrador Film Development Corporation – NLFDC) was established in 1997 as a Crown corporation of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation (TCAR) is the sole shareholder of the corporation. PictureNL was created to grow the local screen industries of the province, both through the creation of local film and television productions for national and international markets, and as a destination for service productions to shoot in Newfoundland and Labrador locations. PictureNL is the front line for local screen industries as well as potential national and international partners interested in investing in the province through film and television productions.
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Media Contacts
Chelsie Cake
econext
709.979.0389
cake@econext.ca
Laura Churchill
PictureNL
709.738.3423
laura@picturenl.ca
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