FAQs
Is the Green Rider a contract?
No, the Green Rider Handshake isn’t a contract, but an offer for collaboration between artist and production. You can amend it to reflect your circumstances and the production. Download our handshake and schedule a call with your agent to discuss what you’d like to aim for.
I’m an agent, how can I get involved?
The best first step is to send the Handshake to your clients, then discuss what actions they would like to take to improve their impact. Read our one-pager for agents to find out more and sign up to our mailing list for updates. We are also happy to come to your offices and run a session on best to use the Green Rider.
I’m an Equity member, is the Green Rider built into my terms and conditions?
The Green Rider team are actively working with Equity to negotiate green measures into collective agreements with Equity and PACT (the Producer’s body). This will mean that as an Equity member working on a PACT contract, you should be guaranteed a certain level of sustainability on your jobs. This negotiation is ongoing, so we will share updates when we have them. In the meantime, check out Equity’s PACT negotiations updates.
I'm a producer, how can I get involved?
Send the Handshake agreement to cast, and assemble a Green Team in pre-prep to meet throughout production to share ideas. Read our one-pager for producers to find out more and sign up to our mailing list for updates. We are also happy to come to read-throughs to discuss the Green Rider and get productions excited about being part of a bigger movement.
I’m not number 1 on the call sheet, can I still use a Green Rider?
Yes!
We encourage actors at all levels to get involved in the way that’s right for you. This could be through sending a personalised Green Rider Handshake to production on your next job, attending our events, or enlisting your actor friends!
Are productions using the Green Rider to cut costs?
Actions like ridesharing and using 3-way trailers do save production money. But they may also be spending this elsewhere - In proper waste disposal, train travel and cleaner energy sources. Ultimately, the focus is saving the planet, so if we can prove to the industry that it’s greener AND cheaper, surely that’s win-win!
What if I can't do all the terms in the Handshake?
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 systemic improvements across the entire industry. This is so much more effective than placing all the responsibility for change on a few individuals.
I'm worried about being called a hypocrite when the actions I take in my own life are not always sustainable.
Nobody can be perfect. We live in a world that still relies on fossil fuels for many things, meaning 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.
What if production tell me my contract has already been signed off?
Don’t worry! Firstly, as the artist, you can override any measures that were agreed in your contract if you want to.
Reassure production that the Handshake is not a contract. It’s a two-way collaboration to improve the production’s impact - and you want to help. Invite them to look at the Handshake and see what things they are already doing, what they could aim to do with your support. Remind production that Green Rider is about progress, not purity. It should be used as a roadmap, not a list of demands.
If production or your agent are still being unresponsive - don’t panic. This is a movement and you don’t have to fight on your own. Just engaging with this issue demonstrates that actors want change too. Please feel free to contact us if you’d like further support on approaching agents, productions or other actors.
What if production tell me they are BAFTA albert accredited so I don’t need to worry?
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!
I’ve already used the Green Rider on a production, how else can I get involved?
Congratulations! If you haven’t already, please get in touch to let us know how it went. We are always looking for supporters and advocates. This could include posting on social media, attending our events, featuring in a campaign video, or simply providing us with a quote. If you are uncomfortable with taking action publicly, we can also work with you behind the scenes, for example in convening other actors to discuss greening our ways of working in a safe space. Get in touch to request a comms pack or if you want to discuss how you can take more action.