14 October 2026
Joint Research Paper by Asst. Prof. Eda Türkay and Her Student Esra Cevahir Presented at a Symposium!
A research paper titled “A New Professional Role in Sustainable Filmmaking: Sustainable Production Consultant,” jointly prepared by Asst. Prof. Eda Türkay, an academic at Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), Department of Radio, Television and Cinema, and her student Esra Cevahir, was presented at the Youth and Climate Action Student Symposium. The study examined the role of sustainable production consultants as an emerging area of expertise aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the film industry, as well as the career opportunities this profession offers young filmmakers.
Presented at the symposium held on October 1–2, 2026, in collaboration with Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Fine Arts and STA Congress, the research focused on how climate action can be integrated into film and audiovisual production processes. The paper examined the environmental impacts of activities such as energy consumption, transportation, material use, and waste generation, while also exploring the emergence of sustainability as a distinct professional field within filmmaking.
The role of sustainable production consultants in the film industry examined
The research addressed professional roles internationally referred to by different titles, including sustainability manager, sustainability coordinator, and eco-manager. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study examined international occupational profiles and sustainable production resources alongside Türkiye’s “Sustainable Production Consultant (Level 6) National Occupational Standard” through document analysis and comparative content analysis. This comparison aimed to identify the duties, responsibilities, and professional position of sustainable production consultants within the film industry.
Environmental responsibility extends beyond waste management
According to the research findings, sustainable filmmaking requires a much more comprehensive approach than simply reducing waste or implementing recycling practices during filming. The responsibilities of a sustainable production consultant include pre-production planning, environmental impact and carbon assessment, coordination between different departments, employee awareness and training, data collection, monitoring, and reporting. The study demonstrates that practices aimed at reducing environmental impacts should be planned and monitored throughout the entire production process, rather than being limited to the filming stage.
New career opportunities for young filmmakers explored
One of the key topics highlighted in the paper was the employment and specialization potential of sustainable production consultancy for young film professionals. International examples revealed that sustainability-related responsibilities are structured at managerial, coordinator, and assistant levels. This indicates the emergence of professional development opportunities and career pathways based on different competencies. The study also found that Türkiye’s national occupational standard points toward the development of a comprehensive professional framework covering planning, implementation, coordination, and reporting processes. The research concluded that sustainable production consultancy not only contributes to integrating climate action into filmmaking processes but also creates a new field of specialization and employment in which young people can develop sustainability-related skills.
An interdisciplinary approach connecting cinema education and climate action
The joint research conducted by Asst. Prof. Türkay and student Cevahir contributes to discussions on sustainable filmmaking by highlighting the relationship between environmental responsibilities and emerging professional structures in the film industry. Presented at the Youth and Climate Action Student Symposium, the paper emphasizes that cinema has an important responsibility in addressing the climate crisis, not only through the content it produces but also through its production methods and working conditions.
As Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Fine Arts, we congratulate Asst. Prof. Eda Türkay and our student Esra Cevahir and wish them continued success in their academic work.
As Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Fine Arts, we congratulate Asst. Prof. Eda Türkay and our student Esra Cevahir and wish them continued success in their academic work.