Full-time Sustainability Lead a first nation-wide

Creative BC’s CEO, Prem Gill, and B.C. Film Commissioner + Director of Production Services, Marnie Gee, are thrilled to announce and welcome the organization’s new Reel Green™ Sustainability Lead, Smiely Khurana, to the provincial film commission.

Creative B.C. has long led the charge relevant to sustainability in the Canadian film industry, always with an intent to collaborate, partner and share advancements far and wide. For the benefit of local and nation-wide collaborators, Reel Green™ has developed foundational training, tools and a carbon calculator for use on Canadian productions.

This significant step marks Canada’s first dedicated role, positioned within a provincial film commission and focused solely on servicing the advancement and adoption of green practices within the motion picture industry.

The full-time position is established with the vision and ongoing generous investment of committed industry Reel GreenTM Advisory Committee partners, including at their center, Zena Harris, founder of the Green Spark Group, film industry sustainability expert, and long-time consultant and contributor to Reel Green™.

Importantly, the establishment of this role reflects another milestone achieved in a long history of environmental action. Throughout Reel GreenTM’s 15 years of evolution, steady and passionate commitment of the provincial film commission’s Manager of Production Services + Reel Green Partnerships, Julie Bernard has been instrumental to growth of the initiative, with continued leadership of its national committee that expands Reel Green™ Canada-wide to increase positive impacts. Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and the CBC are now participating in agreements as committed partners of Reel Green™.

Reporting to the B.C. Film Commissioner, the new Reel Green Sustainability Lead will support and connect Reel Green™’s expanding community of engagement through the implementation of its second strategic plan, and ongoing film industry activities to raise awareness and participation such as the REEL Earth Day Challenge.

The work ahead will be deepening industry’s expertise and use of the resources and tools, further transforming production practices through collaborative projects like the new Reel Green™ Clean Energy Committee, a municipal collaboration led by Katharine Pavoni, Manager of Industry + Community Affairs, and developing new strategies and practices to help B.C.’s motion picture industry transition to a circular economy.