Sustainable Screens Australia (SSA) has unveiled the nation’s first Sustainability Supervisor training program, backed by Netflix and Screen Australia. The initiative is set to address the growing demand for sustainability expertise in film and television production.
Starting in April 2025, the program will prepare six industry professionals to step into a Sustainability Supervisor role – a head of department level position dedicated to implementing sustainable practices across all production stages.
According to SSA, The move not only reinforces its commitment to environmental responsibility but also opens new avenues for advertisers and industry stakeholders seeking to align with the shift toward greener production practices.
“There has been no formal training in Australia for this role until now,” said Maree Cochrane, executive director of SSA. “These six scholarships will equip participants in positions of influence with the knowledge, skills and connections to drive meaningful environmental change in our industry”.
The comprehensive curriculum combines two in-person weekend retreats, weekly online workshops, and a paid placement. The program covers a broad range of topics – including First Nations perspectives, climate change and biodiversity, systems thinking, political frameworks, habit change philosophy, advocacy strategies, data analytics, and repurposing waste – designed to equip screen professionals with cutting-edge sustainability skills.
Participants will be selected through a rigorous application process open to Australian screen professionals nationwide. Eligibility requires experience as a head of department or supervisor, or a minimum of five years in screen coordination, with a strong emphasis on encouraging diverse backgrounds to ensure a variety of industry perspectives.
Developed by transformative education author Sara Rickards and Cochrane – the program also features First Nations Advisory from musician and custodianship educator Nidala Barker, along with guest speakers such as production sustainability expert Heidi May.
Transformative education author Sara Rickards.
Building on a successful pilot in Wales, the initiative offers advertisers and trade professionals a chance to align with a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible future in the screen industry.
The program runs from April to August 2025. Applications are open now and close Sunday 9 March. You can learn more about the program on SSA’s website or by attending a webinar on Wednesday 5th March, 10-11am or Thursday 6th March, 7:30-8:30pm.