Who we are

Launched in 2022, the ACTRA Toronto Green Committee seeks to empower the membership by providing information, resources and tools that encourage performers to focus on changes that will have a positive environmental impact as well as assist productions looking to go green.

Small changes can have a big impact – as such, we will provide reports on the impact our collective efforts are having in an effort to promote, encourage and further motivate the membership.

Committee Objectives:
  1. Promote sustainability efforts in the screen-based industries.
  2. Provide educational materials & online events to the membership featuring information on how performers can make a positive impact, both on set and at home.
  3. Collaborate with other ACTRA Toronto Committees that focus on member-created productions.
Questions the Green Committee will address:
  • What can members do in their own lives to have a positive impact on climate?
  • What can productions and members do on sets to have a more positive impact on the climate and leave less of a carbon footprint?
  • What can members suggest and do to advocate for sustainability on set?
  • How can ACTRA Toronto encourage producers to go green?
  • What online events can be implemented so as to make the membership more mindful of sustainability?
  • How can members learn more about sustainability and understanding terminology, best practices, etc.

Chair

Avaah Blackwell

Avaah Blackwell is a versatile actor and stunt performer. Classically trained in Europe, Blackwell began her career touring with a theatre company across central Europe before returning to Canada to pursue opportunities in film and television. Recent credits include Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Resident Evil Welcome to Raccoon City, and Locke & Key. Miss Blackwell’s experience as a Rotary Youth Ambassador (Sassenheim, The Netherlands) and upbringing in a military family has instilled in her a strong sense of service above self.

Avaah has a strong affinity for humanitarian efforts, especially those involving youth, seniors, veterans, animals and the environment. When not working on screen, Avaah can be found supporting her love for film by working for TIFF and Sundance Film Festival. She alternates on ACTRA Toronto Council and is involved with various committees.


Resources

ACTRA Toronto sits on the Advisory Committee for Ontario Green Screen as well as the newly formed Unions & Guilds Green Committee. The industry is working together to create policies that create a more sustainable model for productions with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and creating a greener future.

Ontario Green Screen is the collaborative initiative between government and industry stakeholders that endeavours to make lasting change in the industry and to empower individuals, production companies and studios to make sustainable choices.
Ontario Green Screen has compiled a list of relevant links and resources that you may find helpful in becoming more sustainable.
Developed to drive collective progress toward climate action, the Creative Industries Pact for Sustainable Action (the Pact) is an aspirational set of goals for the creative industries, encouraging voluntary action.
Artists for Real Climate Action (ARCA) is a non-partisan, ever-growing collection of actors, filmmakers, writers, musicians, playwrights, graphic designers, directors, digital marketing folks (and more) all sounding the alarm over our climate crisis.
Launched by the Directors Guild of Canada as a resource to help its members achieve greater sustainability on productions, dgcgreen.ca provides tips, training, resources, promotional materials and more.
Earth Angel is a full-service sustainability agency dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of entertainment productions.
The data is clear: fuel consumption is a significant source of motion picture carbon emissions. We all have the responsibility — and opportunity — to take action towards #netzero. Head to the the Sustainable Production Forum (SPF) website to learn tips and tricks for reducing fuel on set.

Initiatives

By Avaah Blackwell: Helping to Build a Sustainable Production Industry


Sustainable Practices

Practicing and promoting sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. Here are nine things to keep in mind – both on and off set.


Connect with us

Email Us

Have questions or ideas? Please email us at: greencommittee@actratoronto.com.