Tall Tales & Murder

The Irish television series Tall Tales and Murders implemented a range of sustainability initiatives to reduce its environmental impact during production.

All generators on set ran on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel, significantly lowering carbon emissions. The production also utilized the NextGEN BPS GOAT 5k battery with attachable solar panels, alongside five BAT battery packs from the same provider, supporting clean energy usage across the locations and electric departments. These initiatives were made possible through the Screen Ireland Sustainability Innovation Fund 

Additionally, the props department contributed to waste reduction by recycling a large amount of excess fabric to another production beginning its preparation phase. Waste at the office and on location was all segregated using the 3 bin system, and these efforts reflect a strong commitment to sustainable, eco-conscious filmmaking practices.

NextGen BPS GOAT 5K Battery Packs

The GOAT 5K battery packs from NextGen BPS represented a significant step forward in sustainable on-set energy use and an opportunity to gain valuable insights on the performance of batteries of this size. These portable power sources were primarily used by the lighting department to power lights over extended periods, providing a quieter, cleaner alternative to traditional diesel generators.They were hired from Film Equipment Hire, marking another supplier who is involved in upgrading their stock with battery and green tech solutions.

NextGen BPS BAT 2.6K Battery Packs

The BAT 2.6K battery units were deployed across both the locations and electrical departments. Like the GOAT 5K, these batteries provided an alternative to fuel-based generators, but in a more compact and mobile form factor.

Use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) Fuel

To reduce the carbon emissions from generator use, the production opted to fuel generators in both the facilities and electric departments with HVO, a renewable diesel alternative derived from waste vegetable oils.

A total of 7,281 litres of HVO were used during the course of production. The carbon savings from using HVO in place of conventional diesel are significant: HVO typically offers an up to 90% reduction in lifecycle CO₂ emissions compared to fossil diesel.

Circular Costume Ireland: Nifty Fifty Initiative

In collaboration with Circular Costume Ireland, this production sponsored the second round of the Nifty Fifty programme—an initiative designed to support emerging filmmakers while promoting sustainability in costume design.

The programme enables short film productions to rent all essential costumes for their shoots for a flat rate of just €50, making high-quality wardrobe options accessible and affordable while encouraging the reuse of materials. This approach reduces textile waste and minimises the environmental footprint associated with the manufacturing, shipping, and disposal of costumes.

LED Wall Virtual Production with Pond5 Assets

In a further push toward sustainable innovation, this production embraced virtual production technologies by utilising an LED wall to simulate real-world environments instead of filming on location. Specifically, snowy Alpine landscapes were projected using high-resolution content licensed from Pond5, allowing for realistic and immersive backdrops without the need to travel to or disrupt natural snowy terrains.

NextGen BPS GOAT 5K Battery Packs

Their effectiveness became especially apparent in scenarios where generator use was impractical or prohibited. For instance, during night shoots in residential or otherwise noise-sensitive areas, the GOAT 5K allowed the crew to maintain necessary lighting setups without disturbing the surroundings. Additionally, in remote locations or tight spaces where it was difficult to run cabling from a generator, these battery packs provided a practical and sustainable solution.

NextGen BPS BAT 2.6K Battery Packs

While their performance was similar to other portable battery systems, such as the Instagrid units previously trialed, crew members observed that the BAT 2.6Ks tended to last slightly longer under similar loads. However, it's worth noting that the testing conditions varied, and a more comprehensive, controlled trial would be needed to draw conclusive comparisons in terms of longevity and reliability.

Nonetheless, their use demonstrated a growing trend toward decarbonising energy usage on set, especially in departments with varying and unpredictable power needs.

Use of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) Fuel

Estimated carbon saving:

• Average CO₂ emissions for conventional diesel = ~2.68 kg CO₂/litre.
• 7,281 litres of diesel would produce approximately 19,507 kg (19.5 tonnes) of CO₂.
• A 90% reduction results in a saving of approximately 17,556 kg (17.6 tonnes) of CO₂.

This reduction played a meaningful role in lowering the overall environmental impact of the production, especially considering the traditionally high fuel consumption associated with generators.

Circular Costume Ireland: Nifty Fifty Initiative

By sponsoring this initiative, the production not only supported circular economy principles in the film industry but also actively fostered a culture of sustainability among up-and-coming creatives.

LED Wall Virtual Production with Pond5 Assets

This decision offered several environmental and logistical benefits:

• limination of travel emissions associated with flying cast, crew, and equipment to remote mountain regions.
• Reduced environmental disturbance in fragile snow-covered ecosystems.
• Greater flexibility in filming conditions, unaffected by unpredictable weather.

By choosing virtual production over location shooting, the team not only reduced carbon emissions but also demonstrated how technological solutions can lead to more sustainable storytelling without compromising on visual quality.

The integration of sustainable practices across departments reflects a deliberate and evolving effort to make television production greener, smarter, and more responsible. From cleaner energy sources like the GOAT and BAT battery packs to low-emission HVO fuel and circular initiatives in costume design, this production has shown that meaningful change is both possible and practical.

Moreover, by embracing digital tools such as LED walls and supporting sustainable filmmaking beyond our own set through partnerships like Nifty Fifty, we are laying the groundwork for a more environmentally conscious film and television industry in Ireland and beyond.

Huge credit to Tina O’Reilly, Gemma O’Shaughnessy, Grainne Carroll and the production team, as well as Brendan Dempsey (gaffer) Pat Nangle (location manager) for their support and willingness to trial new technology. Thank you to CCI and Film Equipment Hire for providing their services, and to the accounts department particularly James and Patrick for their record keeping.