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Mr Burton (2025)

BAFTA nominated for the 2026 Film Awards, Mr Burton demonstrates how sustainable production practices and storytelling can work hand in hand. Set against the backdrop of the Welsh mining industry, the film recreates a fossil fuel era while contrasting it with the natural beauty of the Welsh landscape, bringing environmental themes to the fore at key emotional moments.

Alongside this, the production embedded sustainability across operations, with a strong focus on carbon reduction and community impact.

Industrial past, sustainable present

Why is it effective?

01.

Lower carbon energy use

All generators and tower lights ran on HVO (hydro-treated vegetable oil), a renewable fuel with up to 90% lower carbon emissions than diesel, significantly reducing the production’s carbon footprint.

02.

Trialling innovative low-emission technology

The production trialled hybrid tower lights, which ran primarily on battery power and only recharged via an engine powered by HVO, reducing emissions and noise on set.

03.

Community engagement and legacy

Set materials were donated to community organisations in the Rhondda Fach Valley, with additional donations of food, household items and meals to local food banks and homeless hostels in South Wales.

The Impact

Using HVO fuel saved over 21 tonnes of carbon emissions across the production.

Over 80% of waste was recycled, with materials processed through local recycling partners.

80%

The production provided vegetarian and vegan meals, saving over one tonne of carbon emissions.
Donations to organisations including The Trussell Trust supported local communities in Cwmafan, Port Talbot, Newport, Swansea and Cardiff.
Set and construction materials were donated post-production to organisations such as Re:Make Valleys, extending their lifecycle and supporting local initiatives.